KBQ Newb: Three questions please

[jjdbike]

Hello everyone,
As I said in the subject line I am, or am soon to be a KBQ newb. I am sold on the KBQ. I have two questions:

1st, I found a used unit online for $1000. I do not know the owner and they are a new trial member here. By the pics it looks clean and seller says it's only been used 10 times. Is there anything I should look - check for before consummating the purchase?

2nd, I currently own a "Flame Boss 500 WiFi" w/ three meat temp probes and a pit temp probe. Are there any holes in the cook chamber through which I can snake the probes and wired through without interfering with the operation of the unit?

3rd, in order to form a crisp mahogany bark, must one open the top "dirty smoke vent" as wells as the bottom "clean smoke" vent?
Thanks in advance!
JD

[Bruceski44]

Well, congratulations! That sounds like a good score. To answer your questions:

1. You can pull the control box off (the small one in front) and examine the fans and the spring. The fans should be balanced and spin freely. The spring is actually a mechanical thermostat. It should be intact and relatively clean. Maybe plug it in and verify both fans spin.

2. There are small holes at each corner. I'm able to snake two of my Type-K thermocouples (shown) through a hole after removing the strain relief spring. The body is about 1/4" outside diameter and just fits.

3. Others can add more info on bark formation, but I'd say no. I often just use the bottom (clean) poppet and get good bark.

Make sure you get 4 racks and possibly a cooking grate for the top of the smoke box. I think the cooking grate was added recently. There's also a small white digital thermometer which fits into a hole at front near the control box. I'll send a pic if you haven't already seen this from photos or videos.

Good luck and welcome to the Pit and KBQ club!

[glitchy]

I have used mine yet, but can say most of it is just a bunch a beautiful stainless steel. The control box is a variable and Bruceski44 gave some great tips there, but even if that needs replaced it’s available for around $200, so you’d still be in for less than new. The firebox grate was added later, so mine didn’t have it. The supplied thermometer is like $13, mine didn’t have that either.

[TripleB]

In addition to your questions which were answered above, a few suggestions:

1. I would recommend going to the KBQ website and printing out the product list and take that with you. Match it against what you're picking up.
2. From the 'Accessories' page, I would recommend getting the small cookbox cover (I remove my control and fire box and store in a dry area), kindling cracker, main thermometer (if not already included) and the kill switch. The kill switch is a really good small investment. When you hit the switch, you won't get a face full of smoke when you open the door to check the meat.
3. You'll want a cookie sheet or something to go on the bottom of the KBQ. The cookbox is not sealed and I forgot once to put in a cookie sheet. Grease leaked out onto the concrete slab. They do recommend a a full-size steaming pan.

The KBQ is a great smoker. I have a Jambo, but like the KBQ better. It is the closest thing to "set and forget" that you'll come to in the wood burning offset world.

Enjoy

[Dr. Pepper]

Agree, except the 'set and forget' should read 'set, and feed every 20-25 minutes.' But I love mine.

[TripleB]

Dr. Pepper - Nice catch. Got carried away with myself.

[Timbo54]

Ditto on all the above...Great advice. I didn't get the kill switch right away and just disconnected the power cord when stoking the fire and adding wood.

[hogdog6]

I didn't see where anyone suggested read KBQ Has Landed thread.
If you go there start early with a large cup of coffee, lunch prepared, and your evening cocktail or wine at the ready because you'll be there a while. You will get all your KBQ (and some meaning of life) questions along with ones you've not even thought of answered. Hope you get and enjoy your new pit.

[jjdbike]

Thanks much everyone!
JD

[Dr. Pepper]

To repeat what ComfortablyNumb said regarding temp probe wires, you can just guide them to either top corner as you close the door, and the metal there is flexible enough to allow them passage without crimping. Don't need to drill a hole.

And, bark really has nothing to do with the poppets. I think bark is just heat and moisture. The top poppet allows stronger smoke flavors (more creosote?). As you have by now been told many times, the bottom poppet only allows clean, beautiful, smoke.

[jjdbike]

Thanks much everyone!
JD