Check this out concerning clamps on the kettle's lid

[Jerod Broussard]

I had the clamps off the lid (Weber kettle) so that I could increase the temperature as much as possible.

When I got to 253 I realized I didn't need to go much higher than that.

I put the clamps on the lid and in less than 2 minutes my temperature dropped to 241.

[DWCowles]

To me 240 is just right

[Jerod Broussard]

I have it holding steady at 241. I should be able to fit what is left in the Pit Barrel so no reason to rush this.

[Breadhead]

I have had a 26" Weber kettle since January. I've had the clips on my to do list since I bought it but haven't bothered getting them yet. I've done many cooks of various meats and have had no problems controlling cooking temps at 225°/240°/275° or 325°. I do get some smoke leakage out of the seam of the top and bottom but not much. I haven't even bothered to drill the hole to mount my DigiQ Dx2 yet. Maybe I'll do that someday, not sure.

Maybe I got a really good, well fitting, kettle... I don't know much about kettles really. I'll probably keep doing what I've been doing until there is a problem.

[Breadhead]

Having the knowledge of how to operate your cooker and the trust in your skills... Gives a Pit Master a good nights sleep.👍

I do ALL of my low and slow cooks on my BGE with the assistance of the DigiQ Dx2. That won't change.👍

[fuzzydaddy]

My 26" fits very well. My 22" lid not so well. I think the 26" lid is a bit stronger and harder to get out of whack.

[oldsteve]

I've had the same experience as fuzzydaddy. I've never had to clamp the 26". The lid on the 26" feels like it's twice as heavy as the 22". Probably got a unit that was manufactured more carefully than the 22".