<aaarrrghhhhhh>

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject: <aaarrrghhhhhh>

Just had to let off some steam and scream a little.

Trying some ribs again... BB this time. Loaded the coals in the smoker, got it to 370 deg. Opened the lid and put on the ribs. Temp fell to about 220. After lid closed and TEN MINUTES LATER the temp is 200. I have a digital instant therm. on grate. I know a lot if not all heat practically escapes when you open the lid, but why would it continue to drop ten mins later? With an instant read therm, shouldn't the heat loss STOP at the point at which you close the lid or at least close to it? It hasn't came up as much as ONE degree in 10 mins.

Bought to throw in the towel on this thing and get something different.

I did make up my own rub this time and trying half with mustard half with out Smile

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Robin

Pete Egeler · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 5

Just wondering.. Were your ribs at room temp before you put them on the grill? If not, that would contribute to the drop in temp.

As far as your temp is concerned, 200-225 would or should not be a problem. You're looking at slow cookin' to keep it moist.

Pete

mds2 · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject: Re: <aaarrrghhhhhh>

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

They were out of the cooler for about 45 mins. They came from the grocery store, sat for about 10 mins while I prepared pans, rinsed 'em off applied mustard, made rub. So by the time they hit the smoker they were not really cold.

I know 200 ain't too bad, it just frustrates me because at that temp, as the coals start to burn up the temp is gonna drop even more and when I keep adding coal every hour the temp never comes back up to where it needs to be. I can put 20 pounds of coal in this thing and the temp won't go past 200 with all the vents open. I just don't get it.
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Robin

wooph · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Golden, CO

what Pete said...

when I put on my shoulders last weekend I soon found out that refrigerator-temp meat will result in a long reheating time. took probably 20 minutes or more to get all my heat back.
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mmmmmm....beer

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

Sorry.. I need to put this in my profile Smile

Brinkman smoke n pitt pro (side fire box)
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Robin

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

Just noticed date on camera is wrong Smile

but that pic above was taken just a few mins ago just FYI Smile

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Robin

SoEzzy · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

Have you done any Mods on it?

Alien has a thread or more on this pit I think, I am off out but I'll research it when I get back.
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Here's a change Robert.

I still work here!

DawgPhan · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 3444

have you done any mods to it? Are those temps the grate temps? If you didnt do any mods you might be losing a lot of your heat up the chimney...the chimney should be extended into the cooker down to the grate. that way the heat cant just run along the top of the cooker and out the chimney...

gpalasz · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

If your using briquettes stir em up a bit, restoke em. Ssometimes they just need to be stirred up, esp if a lot of ash is visible. Also try scooping some ash out from under the grate
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Team Diamondback Q
Stumps SW223

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

No mods yet and I know that will definitely help a lot. I did have the chimney extended at one point but I had to remove the top grate and I need the space so I put it back and with it in place the chimney can't be lowered.

but it didn't make a drastic difference before.

I just checked and temp is at 211 now so it's risen 11 degs.. in what? 15 mins or so? Maybe that's normal.
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Robin

reptileink · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

I have the same temp problems in my CharBroil offset.

What I did was elevate the fire box grate with two bricks, leaving enough room for still good airflow. I also added some hardware cloth on top of the grate to better hold charcoal. The ash falls right through, and the wood stays hot. I have been getting about 225 for the past 4.5-5 hours now with about 4 or 5 chimney loads. *shrug*

Try elevating your firegrate at least to get some airflow.

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

that's grate temp.

and the charcoal hasn't developed much ash at all yet.
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Robin

gpalasz · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

Id still try sstirring thee coals up a bit, and crack your firebox door. This should help em climb
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Team Diamondback Q
Stumps SW223

JimH · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

I hope I'm wrong but the only hardware cloth I've ever seen was galvanized. Over a certain temp (350*f??) it produces a toxic gas. Someone pleae correct me if I'm wrong.

reptileink · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

gpalasz · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject:

Just have your guests sign a waiver b4 they eat...no big deal Laughing

I doubt you reached over 350 according to your temps posted.
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Team Diamondback Q
Stumps SW223

wooph · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Golden, CO

sorry to continue on with the thread hijacking, but check out what I found... if it is indeed galvanized, this thread is saying it's a no-no.

http://www.finishing.com/217/03.shtml
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mmmmmm....beer

danwright · Newbie Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Clanton, AL

I have a Brinkmann Smoke N Pit as well. I experienced the same frustrations you are. You REALLY need to do a search for Alien's Brinkmann mods and that will help a lot. For me to achieve 225 - 250 I generally have to crack open the side door on the firebox. For me raising the grate in the firebox with two bricks, cracking the side door of the firebox, deflecting the heat coming out of the firebox and extending the chimney to 2 inches above grate level has solved all my problems.

Dan

funphotostore · Posted: Jun 30 2007 Post subject: