Top Vent Question

[Bigfish]

I have used my BP Engineered Drum Smoker three times now and am starting to become more comfortable with it. When I have used my Grill Dome for past low and slow cooks I just barely crack the bottom vent and barely crack the top vent to maintain 225 to 230 tempts. Using the Grill Dome taught me to start a fire and gradually build the temperature up to 225 and not to overshoot as it is heck to cool it back down. So, I have found lighting the drum and bringing it up to temp pretty easy. The issue I experienced yesterday is that it was hard to keep the drum temperature down in the 225 to 235 range (center of drum temp by Maverick probe). The temperature wanted to creep up to around 250. I ended-up totally closing the bottom vents (which are sealed with high temperature sealant) and late in the cook had to partially close the top vent.

My question is do you find that you have to regulate your top vent to control temperature? My concern is to guard against cresote taste getting into the meat. I know I will continue to learn as I use the drum but I would appreciate the comments from the experienced folks here.

Thanks,

 

[bnall]

I read some where that stainless steel drums run a little hotter.

 

[Kevinish]

I try not to do any regulation with the top vent, with the exception being when the fire gets way out of control. I think the key to keeping those low temps is to light only a few charcoals and place them in the corner of the basket. Then very gradually get up to temp. Once you get too many coals lit, it's very hard to bring that temp back down with out shutting it down to put out those lit coals. Hope that helps.

 

[Bigfish]

I try not to do any regulation with the top vent, with the exception being when the fire gets way out of control. I think the key to keeping those low temps is to light only a few charcoals and place them in the corner of the basket. Then very gradually get up to temp. Once you get too many coals lit, it's very hard to bring that temp back down with out shutting it down to put out those lit coals. Hope that helps.

I had the drum temperature pretty much in control until I opened it the first time to spray apple juice. The air from the open lid spiked the temperature and I really struggled to keep it below 250 afterwards, even with totally shutting down the bottom vents. What I learned is to keep the lid on the drum and only open if I absolutely have to do so.

I realize that cooking on the drum is a learning experience and I will get the hang of it. If I have problems maintaining a steady temperature I will pursue purchase of a BBQ Guru.

 

[drewbixcubed]

I normally keep the top vent 100% open. But, when necessary, I do "fine adjustments" with the top vent...mainly to bring the temp down a bit. However, this can lead to more smoke in the barrel, but I have yet to have oversmoked meat when doing so.

 

[BabelBBQ]

Someone else posted a while ago...

when opening the drum, they first close the bottom vents, slowly lift about one inch and then slowly slide the vent off sideways rather than lifting up. The key is remembering to reopen the vents when you put the lid back on. This helps avoid a huge rush of air when you lift up the lid.

 

[Bigfish]

Someone else posted a while ago...

when opening the drum, they first close the bottom vents, slowly lift about one inch and then slowly slide the vent off sideways rather than lifting up. The key is remembering to reopen the vents when you put the lid back on. This helps avoid a huge rush of air when you lift up the lid.

Thanks, I will try this technique on my next cook this coming weekend.

 

[southga]

There is really nothing magical about 225. My drum seems to be happy running around 260-265. Rather than fighting to keep the temp down a few degrees, I just go with the slightly higher temp.

 

[Big Poppa]

southga really good point...when the smokin forefathers cooked they didnt have thermometers. Cookers have a sweet spot that they like to run based on a lot of factors...charcoal type ambient temp and wind.

The biggest tip if you are having trouble with temp is to make sure you have the vents away from the wind.

 

[scooter]

I read some where that stainless steel drums run a little hotter.

Mine did until I noticed the bottom vents were not sealed properly. A little high heat silicone sealant and now my SS drum runs identical to my regular drum.