I am a brand new kid on the block. As we speak my new smoker is seasoning. I could use some help with the issue of smoker placement. I am not certain where to put this thing when it is cooking. Do I need to worry about smoke damage? Are there any tips you might send my way so that I can ease the learning curve? thanks in advance
I have mine in a "tool storage" shed on the side of my house. Many store in the house or garage and take them outside to use them, use and store in the garage, or have a setup similar to mine but in a different form.
I wouldn't have a problem with using mine in the garage, but my dad doesn't want the garage and his truck to smell like smoke. :D House would be a different story though.
Welcome to the forum, give us some food porn when you get that far. :D
Thanks for your help. I guess my real concern was the house facia and paint and if there was concern over smoke stain. Also, My assumption is that you do not want to use an extension cord because of power drop. Am I correct? thanks
I use an extension cord with no problems. As for the smoke, I haven't noticed any visible signs on either my shed or the house, so I can't really tell you if it's an issue. Granted, the shed is that "rubbermaid" type stuff, and the siding is aluminum.
justmeandonlyme;
Welcome to the forum.
This link may be useful. While there check out the rest of the site for some good recipes, and more articles.
http://www.susanminor.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=162
I have had my smoker up against my house, and have not observed any smoke damage on the vinyl siding or fascia. Extension cords are alright, just keep them as short as you can and get one that is at least 12 gauge.
Welcome to the forum. I use my smoker on the carport and have it against the house which is covered with vinyl siding and I have not noticed any discoloration.
I have mine in the garage right now cuz of the rain. Other than that its on the deck next to the house and i have no smoke stain, or damage. Am building a BS shed with power roof vents that will have all my smokers in it ;D
nepas
BTW Welcome to the forum
I keep mine indoors when not in use. I use mine on the back porch next to the brick siding on a table and directly under a wood sofet and facia with no problems.
I really apprecoate the information you have sent. It is very helpful to me and grealy assists my learning. Right now, I am preheating for my first chicken.
Chicken is good - if it still has the skin on, be sure to open the vent at least half way to let out the moisture in the box.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i138/icerat4/DSC00038.jpg)
ALL MY XMAS STUFF HAS A SMOKIE SMELL. TOO FUN(http://www.smileypad.com/v224/Happy/Crowd-Grin.gif)NY
Positioning your BS is very important. My driveway would be a great place to place it.
JM&OM
I started with my OBS stored in Garage and used on a table on the deck. Then I decided to pipe it in the Garage and set it perm in there. I used it about 2 to 5 times more in there. No issues with weather and with fan(s) and vent out window all is good. Don;t have smoke evac perfect yer but its getting there.
Sure my window screen has some smoke damage onthe screen. But that's fine, I can replace that. I don't have any special holes or anything in there.
Have a good time. Don't forget about the recipe boards for many ideas.
I have an old TV stand with wheels. Holds the BS perfectly, about 18" higher off the ground. Makes it a lot easier to use, and I keep pucks and tools in the base.
I used to wheel the BS in and out of the garage to use. But now I smoke in the garage. I purchased some flexible stove pipe, and I use it as a chimney, hanging it out a window. I just set it on top of the BS, not attached, just loose. I still open the garage door, so that everything doesn't smell like smoke. But keeping it in the garage keeps the BS out of the wind, improving how well it heats.
Just make sure you do not have to much of a draw on air that it will take your temps down. Some cut sections out of the piping to reduce suction in the smoker. I cut some small 1 by 2 sections in my piping near the vent to make sure I am adding other air influences to have enough smoke and temps in there.
On your temp issues. After an hour with the slide full right, look at the bulb, should be glowing red. no red, no heat. The puck generator can give you good heat but not quite enough when loaded.
Good luck
I don't have a fan on the chimney. Just the straight pipe. No fan, so I don't think I need to cut extra vent holes in the chimney. ???
I have found that if I have the damper closed, even just a tiny bit, that the smoke won't go up the chimney, and comes out the rear and around the smoke chamber instead. So I have opened the damper full with the flex pipe just sitting on top of the OBS.
The element is glowing red when I open the door. Perhaps the damper being open full is allowing heat to escape, thus creating my temperature problem.
SJ, is there any condensation occuring at the smoke stack your using? Just thinking if you have a tall stack you may not be getting a good venting and moisture. Would have the same effect as IKW's thoughts on too much draft. Each would keep the temps down. ;D Same symptom with opposite causes. Gotta love it. :-X
In the other post I mentioned past posting here about not having the slider completely to the right but back it off to the left just a tap or two ensuring it is not sitting on a dead spot on the resistor. It is a thought even though your bulb is glowing red. Also read a post here where the slots in the V pan were not struck wide enough during manufacture of a few of the pans. Someone here said he opened his slots just a little and it helped ???