Whats the deal with the vent at the top of the smoker.Is that something that should always be open.please give me the open close rules on this venting issue.Thanks in advance for any info here.[:D]
I believe it should always be open at least 1/4. It really depends on what you're smoking. If you look in the BS instruction guide it should give advice on when and how much. I always use a temp probe to monitor the smoker temp and the meat temp so with the probe lead going through the top vent its open enough for most of my smoking. You'll know if its closed to much because the smoke will come out around the opening for the smoke generator. I also personally will open it all the way when smoking jerky (some will not agree)to allow moisture to escape.
Mike
I typically have the vent around half to two thirds open when smoking. Keeping it fully closed or opened too little will cause a build up of moisture in the smoker...... not good.
The other important thing to remember is to keep it clean, it unscrews easily and if it is not kept clean it gets gummed up and can be a lot harder to adjust.
And as Phone Guy said, many folks run their remote thermometer probe leads in through the vent.
Manxman.