Here's my thoughts on leaks, controllers and such. Please keep in mind that these are just my opinions. I'm in no way disagreeing with anyone or their chosen method. My ways not the right way. Its just my way. I learn and test and grow in BBQ every day. I'm not married to a method and will leave one at the curb in a skinny second. As Meathead has said. "No rules in the bedroom or kitchen." To that I wholeheartedly agree.
The reason for my methods are based on the fact that I use way too many cookers so I try to keep the add ons to a minimum and engage in constant action with the kettle or WSM I'm running today.
Controllers.
I do own a partyQ and a Maverick Tip Top Temp. I feel these are very usefull things to have in your tool box. They are not something I use day to day. I have found that when things don't go well and your up against the clock it's good to have and know how to use. In the last 50 cooks or so I have used the partyQ once and was really glad I had it. I think a control is a controler and as long as it's a fan with a thermostat it will work just nine. I feel brand is irrelevant. Mines not better just because I bought it right?
Leaks.
I tend to be of Huskees mind set here. Keep in mind, until today I've only smoked with 22's and WSM. This 26 may change my thoughts here.
I don't worry much about leak. I don't think you need grommets to seal up cable holes. I honestly don't think you need holes to run cables. You can set the lid on them. I do always cut or drill cable paths. I'm just OCD about cable management and dont care to set my lid on them,
Binder clips.
I think this is a great solution. That said I have never used binder clips to seal up kettles. I don't even have them in my bag. I've been luck with all my kettles. No major warpage. I just twist the lid a bit and find a better fitting spot.
Gaskets.
This 26 has gaskets. Im trying them for the first time. Honestly I plan to remove them unless I have some eureka moment.
I tend to wash my kettles and smokers way to much. Everything goes into the winter bare metal clean. As soon as the hoses come out in the spring they get cleaned again. Then one more time mid summer. I don't know how gaskets are going to wash. That's why I've always avoided them.
WSM Cajun bandit door.
I put one on my 05 WSM. zero gain for me. While the door on my 15 WSM seems like it may want one I just can't spend the dough on it knowing I got zero gain on the 05. And then there's the fact that the 15 WSM cooks like a dream without it. Does the door leak? Yep. So does the Cajun Bandit door on the 05. note: Both my WSM are 18"
Like I said. these are just my opinions. I do not mean to question or challenge anyone's method or opinion. End of the day if all you have is a Weber, Kingsford and some time you can make good food.
The reason for my methods are based on the fact that I use way too many cookers so I try to keep the add ons to a minimum and engage in constant action with the kettle or WSM I'm running today.
Controllers.
I do own a partyQ and a Maverick Tip Top Temp. I feel these are very usefull things to have in your tool box. They are not something I use day to day. I have found that when things don't go well and your up against the clock it's good to have and know how to use. In the last 50 cooks or so I have used the partyQ once and was really glad I had it. I think a control is a controler and as long as it's a fan with a thermostat it will work just nine. I feel brand is irrelevant. Mines not better just because I bought it right?
Leaks.
I tend to be of Huskees mind set here. Keep in mind, until today I've only smoked with 22's and WSM. This 26 may change my thoughts here.
I don't worry much about leak. I don't think you need grommets to seal up cable holes. I honestly don't think you need holes to run cables. You can set the lid on them. I do always cut or drill cable paths. I'm just OCD about cable management and dont care to set my lid on them,
Binder clips.
I think this is a great solution. That said I have never used binder clips to seal up kettles. I don't even have them in my bag. I've been luck with all my kettles. No major warpage. I just twist the lid a bit and find a better fitting spot.
Gaskets.
This 26 has gaskets. Im trying them for the first time. Honestly I plan to remove them unless I have some eureka moment.
I tend to wash my kettles and smokers way to much. Everything goes into the winter bare metal clean. As soon as the hoses come out in the spring they get cleaned again. Then one more time mid summer. I don't know how gaskets are going to wash. That's why I've always avoided them.
WSM Cajun bandit door.
I put one on my 05 WSM. zero gain for me. While the door on my 15 WSM seems like it may want one I just can't spend the dough on it knowing I got zero gain on the 05. And then there's the fact that the 15 WSM cooks like a dream without it. Does the door leak? Yep. So does the Cajun Bandit door on the 05. note: Both my WSM are 18"
Like I said. these are just my opinions. I do not mean to question or challenge anyone's method or opinion. End of the day if all you have is a Weber, Kingsford and some time you can make good food.
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