Mostly the firebox liner, but all of the mods looked pretty well thought out to me, but I don't own one of the grills (but have been intrigued by it since it was announced).
Yes, the owner (Luke S.) posts at the FB Masterbuilt Gravity Fan group frequently. The mods are extremely popular with the group. I give him a ton of credit for his skills and passion for the smoker.
The firebox mod is the most popular given the firebox issues we've seen. However, I have seen comments from purchasers and Luke himself that the stainless steel will eventually fail. In other words, it's not a long-term solution. It's not clear to me at least, the benefits of paying over $100 for a mod that will eventually fail when I could get parts from MB much cheaper if I do run into the same issue. With the MB's release only in the last year, I may revisit my view here in a year or so, once we've had a chance to see some longer-term uses of the stainless steel in the firebox. I've been concerned due to comments again, suggesting the the mod is already showing more serious wear and tear after a few months, but I don't know how heavy the usage is there. My firebox, for example, looks great.
With regards to the water pan, I think that's more of a personal preference, as I've cooked long and slow brisket etc. on this smoker and never felt the need for more humidity. If you are the type that likes using water pans, then I'm sure it's great, but personally, I don't think it is needed. Keep in mind that I have never used water pans, as I had smokers (PBC) that didn't need them. Same for the vent control, as I feel the temp control here is outstanding with stock config, so again, I haven't seen the need for this mod. And I live in a super-windy area.
The manifold cover is pretty clever, I have to admit. I could see value here, given the easier clean-up over a stock MB build, and an eventual purchase over time as I check on the OEM manifold's health, similar to the firebox.
I've also saved this link for future reference for SS grates that fit the 560:
i added the manifold cover with the brackets to hold a drip pan...like this a lot
i also added the fire box insert...not sure if this is needed
i also added a front shelf..this i really recommend..several on utube are doing this.
Tom is the first..
I made some new mods to my masterbuilt 560..have not cooked on them yet..will do this wrekend
1. i added insulation to the wire going to the fire fan..also i haven't rotated the fan..sure i will later
2.from Luke Lls mods..i bought his ash box liner grate add the wood blocks to it..and allow the coals to drop down and continue to burn..also Luke sends a fan protection grate
Luke email. [email protected]
3.I also bought the Coal grate with fan protection from Nathan..this one you can tell will hold the coals a lot longer in the chamber..it also has a much larger starter gate..some i read were complaining about having a issue with tumble weeds ...not with this one.
i added the vent mod by Nathan...easy /peasy to install....i am liking this pit more and more...i also see that Luke is selling what he has in stock...seems as if he is having supply issues...he also makes great mods for the Masterbuilt..lets hope he gets back up and running
well i havent used them so far...the insulation on the wire i think is a nobrainer..can not hurt anything..only make it better..
. the other 2
1 am going to try each one seperate..i am liking both...but i am learning more toward lukes...let the coals drop and burn..and the fan protective grate will do its job.
but heck on the other hand Nathans is much better made..and can easily see the vast majority of coals burning...i guess the big question will any of these impact the preformance of the grill..
i will just have to find out
the fan on mine from the factory you can see the wire to is on top..unscrew all 4 screws and turn this fan 180 degrees..reinstall the 4 screws.
the wire is now on the bottom..and away from the high heat..
in some pits it is reported that the wires may melt togethet..causing a short
..really a simple and easy fix
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