I just ordered new S n S with no bottom from Amazon not arrived yet.... But I'm not sure how to handle the ash problem for long cooks because I have a very old Webber kettle, one with the three vents at the bottom and no ash sweeper....will I have a major problem with ash build up clogging one or two of the vents? Suggestions!
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You should have to big of an issue. I have a first generation SNS. They didn't have the ash catcher either and I rarely have problems. One suggestion that I would have, would be to replace the small grate that sits just above the dampers. (Where the charcoal sits) This will help to catch some ash.
You can also buy an ash sweeper to retro fit your Weber.
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On shorter "long" cooks like ribs, you should be ok, but you'll still need to 'tunk' or stir the coals around the 5hr mark if the ribs aren't done. On longer cooks like a pork butt or a brisket you may run into some trouble with the ash building up around the intakes below, you may squeak by w/o trouble. You might find opening the vent opposite the SnS up more to be necessary, and leave the other ones as is if they get plugged up.Comment
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Denniscdt, Dennis I have a Weber Performer with the Ash Pan and Sweep! I use KBB Charcoal 90% of the time, I find it in my Best Interests to Sweep the Ashes every 1 1/2 Hrs or so! I think you can retrofit your Weber Kettle with both the Ash Pan and Sweep. I would encourage you to Check it out IMHO the Ash Pan and Sweep made the Weber Kettle a much Safer Product to Use! Before the Improvements I absolutely would not Use the Weber on anything other than bare ground or concretely! After 40 Yrs of Exp? I Now Have Two on the Deck! You are going to Enjoy Your S 'n S and Weber Combo!
Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan
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I don't have a kettle with three vents, but I think as long as you use the bottom vent or vents that are opposite the SnS there's no way you'll build up enough ash to block those vents during one cook.Comment
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Just got S n S this Am it is now 4:00 pacific time it is doing a dry run with some old thermometers I hav one reading 243 one reading 230 both steady I'm excited looks good enough for a brisket only running for an hour and half but what a neat thing,! Maybe I can do a brisket without ruining it. I'm the guy with a 35 yr old Webber with the 3 vents I think this will work. Easily afford a newer model ....just loyal to my old friend. Thanks to all comments and suggestions I'm feeling good to go.Comment
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Thanks
I'm much more confident than ever. Still on dry run but it's looking solid ......time depending will do one asapComment
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I have a newer and older Weber, when using the SnS it pretty much only blocks the vent directly under the SnS. You could as I do "just stick a stick" in those vents to clear them out.Comment
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You've got this! Be sure to check out Meathead's Texas Brisket article, as well as ABCbarbecue.com's brisket article which helps you customize the cook to the SnS.Comment
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+1 to using vents opposite SnS. The ash basically falls straight down. You should be fine even on a long cook.
I have a sweeper (but no ash can), and I more often than not use HawkerXP 's "just stick a stick in it" method. I feel it stirs up less ash than the sweeper and you know your bottom vents aren't changing at all.
If using the opposite vent, may I suggest covering the unused part of your charcoal grate with aluminum foil (or better yet, a drip n griddle)? It will catch drippings and make clean up easy. But more importantly in your case, it will force more air through the SnS since your top vent should also sitting opposite the fire.
Am I off on this one guys? Both vents opposite SnS doesn't seem efficient to me.Comment
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Thanks did a dry run on Friday for 5 hours no trouble at all . Longer cook maybe. Only minor problem keeping temp under 135/140 (could be old thermomometer just got a smoke from thermoworks) for a brisket I think I'll be fine. Appreciate all the help guys.Comment
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Yeah don't sweat any stable temp under 250 F. As you get more experience you'll dial in 225 F but stable temps are what you should shoot for in the beginning.Comment
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Yes she could! She's my test mule. Can't spoil her too much. LolComment
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