BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Black Bradley Smoker (BTIS1) => Topic started by: squirtthecat on July 26, 2009, 06:27:59 PM

Title: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: squirtthecat on July 26, 2009, 06:27:59 PM

I've read a few posts about piling bricks and such in the bottom of the OBS to help with temperature recovery...   So I thought earlier, what about a big chunk of cast iron?   Perhaps a Lodge griddle pan would fit in the bottom of the OBS - but no.

This pan does fit, and is nice and heavy...  (10x10x1.5")

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/SmzOulr009I/AAAAAAAA5AY/0sklTLzZ3yg/s720/0726091525-01.jpg)


I had to do some minor surgery on it, as in lopping the handle off.  But after that, he fits nicely in the bottom drip pan.  I put a 9x9 foil cake pan inside of it to replace the Bradley supplied water bowl.

Carefully sliding into place... (everything is hot, and now *heavy*):

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/Smz4mhO60MI/AAAAAAAA5BQ/oitT6tIKASM/s720/0726091750-00.jpg)


In final position:

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/Smz4oGg2jjI/AAAAAAAA5BY/2r4SUJtVzOY/s720/0726091750-01.jpg)


I mentioned the recovery times/temps in another topic, but will repeat here.

- Started w/ pre-heated 225 cabinet temp
- Opened door and slid in a very cool 4lb ham
- Shut door and turned on biscuit burner (it was off so I didn't burn myself working around it)
- After 15 minutes, the cabinet temp had jumped back to almost 190 degrees
- Within 45 minutes, it was cruising along at 200


Granted, I'm working with a small load of meat, but the temps outside have dropped quite a bit, and the wind has picked up...    I'll try it again with a big load next weekend.

Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: NePaSmoKer on July 26, 2009, 07:28:30 PM
Very good idea there squirt.

nepas
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: mikecorn.1 on July 26, 2009, 07:34:53 PM
Thanks for the pics. Will be looking forward to the new findings.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: pensrock on July 27, 2009, 02:21:13 AM
Good idea, too bad the wife is going to kill you for ruining her new pan.  ;) ;D
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: Habanero Smoker on July 27, 2009, 02:23:01 AM
Great idea. You definitely have more mass then the single brick that I use. What did you use to cut off the handle, and was it difficult?

I never got around to adding the tip about the bricks on the recipe site. When I get around to it, could this be added to the site as an alternative to using bricks.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: squirtthecat on July 27, 2009, 05:06:32 AM
Quote from: pensrock on July 27, 2009, 02:21:13 AM
Good idea, too bad the wife is going to kill you for ruining her new pan.  ;) ;D

Naw, she's out of town for a few days, and I'm the chief cook & bottle washer..
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: squirtthecat on July 27, 2009, 05:24:50 AM
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on July 27, 2009, 02:23:01 AM
Great idea. You definitely have more mass then the single brick that I use. What did you use to cut off the handle, and was it difficult?

I just used a hacksaw to slice the handle off - only took a minute or 2.  I smoothed the rough edges with the sharpening steel from my knife block. (and a few whack of a ball peen hammer)  It really wasn't difficult at all.

I think those pans for around 20 bucks at the store before tax.  Ideally, one could pick up a deal at a garage sale..

I'm sure what it actually weighs..  At least 4 pounds I would guess.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: Tenpoint5 on July 27, 2009, 05:57:26 AM
Very interesting might have to consider this!
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: lumpy on July 27, 2009, 08:24:19 AM
Great idea
So what did you do with the handle? ;D
Just kidd'n

Lumpy
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: Roadking on July 27, 2009, 10:09:52 AM
Great idea there, and the cast iron should hold the heat better then the brick.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on July 27, 2009, 05:49:02 PM
Quote from: lumpy on July 27, 2009, 08:24:19 AM
Great idea
So what did you do with the handle? ;D
Just kidd'n

Lumpy

If it was me, I would toss that in the smoker to. Just a little more iron in the pot so to speak.  ;D
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: squirtthecat on July 27, 2009, 06:01:33 PM
Not sure what I did with it... 

Anyway, the expected side-effect of a cat iron pan in a moist box came to fruition.   RUST.

Oh well, it's not for real cooking use anyway.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: Roadking on July 27, 2009, 06:16:49 PM
Maybe you have to season it first with cooking oil, just to prevent the rust. But like you said your not eating off of it.
Title: Re: cast iron Heat Sink
Post by: westexasmoker on July 27, 2009, 06:26:41 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on July 27, 2009, 06:01:33 PM
Not sure what I did with it... 

Anyway, the expected side-effect of a cat iron pan in a moist box came to fruition.   RUST.

Oh well, it's not for real cooking use anyway.


So now what did you do with that Cat again!   ::)

C