I'm currently using the stock Cast Iron cap that came with my Primo and I have it dialed in pretty well. My only complaint is that I get nervous about water getting in when it rains. Now, I usually cover my area with an ez-up if it's calling for rain. But if it's a freak storm, I get worried.
Does anyone use the SS cap that are sold? Ever use them on a Primo? Do you prefer them?
I have one on my KJ Jr. and it works great. It blocks rain and snow. I am not sure how the Primo cap is configured, so I don't really know how much water gets in during in climate weather. On the Kamado Joe Classic Jr, the holes on the top damper does allow a little water in during a steady rain or snow. The SS cap solves all of this. It also doesn't move when you open up the lid, which is a big plus. It does get hot, but there is a tab to adjust the damper and that works well and saves your fingers. It also looks sharp on top of your Kamado. And with a black finished Primo, that stainless would really shine. I know it does on my Black KJ Jr.
(I actually just ordered another one for my new BGE.)
I have the Smokeware cap for my Primo, and the fitted cover...the cover won't fit with the Smokeware cap on it...but it does a great job of keeping out rain!
I think that if one is doing a low n slow and the top vent holes are even fully opened very little water is going to get inside.
I've used a roof vent cap in the past but only if I wasn't using the top vent at all.
Last summer, by chance, I happened to have a clean drip pan sitting on the grate in my KJ Jr. (which wasn't being used at the time) during a typical summer storm. According to my rain gauge we got about 2" of rain during the few hours of the storm.
The next day I was going to use my Jr. and when I opened the dome I saw that there was some water in the drip pan, a whopping...one tablespoon or so.
I do use a modified roof vent cap when it is going to rain and am using my Smobot. The Smobot damper has much bigger holes than the original cast iron vent and is a flat surface so rainwater won’t just run off the sides.
Here’s a pic of the cap:
Admittedly it’s a crappy pic but I took it at 0300 during a light rain to post on another forum so cut me some slack.
DWCowles - the Smobot is pretty slick. Easy to mount. Vent can be operated manually if you don't want/need to run in auto. Weatherproof. Draws very little power. Works great.
Having cooked on a kamado many times in the rain (and snow) when it is really a frog choker, I do get concerned, but realize how few opportunities there are for drops to make it into the dome and make any kind of a real impact. Especially in a setting where the holes are basically almost closed. Although I find a cover device unnecessary for the most part if you feel more confident cooking with some kind of a rain block go with it. Especially if it makes you enjoy the experience more.
Not every use, but yes, mine gets some black dripping on the outside and gummed up a bit on the inside. I do think its easier to keep clean than the iron daisy wheel.
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