Just a little sticky to try to answer some of the more frequently asked questions
Do I need a heat deflector with my drum?
The simple answer is no. The best part of the drum is due to its versatility you can use a deflector plate...the primary benefits of drum smoking (forget the low cost vs fantastic results) is the self basting and flavor that is added to your product by the juices hitting the hot coals and returning to the meat. If you are experiencing a hot spot in the center on lower temp cooks the first thing to understand is that the temp at thermometer placement is lower than the center of the grill. Every grill is different and size of charcoal load, kind of charcoal, how much you initially light, along with how long you leave your lid off after lighting are the key factors to consider. If you are cooking at a low temp start with the bottom sliders with one half hole exposed and the top vents open.
What about a water pan?
Yes. You will need another shelf and place it where the upper basket hooks are...you can use a deflector plate and a water pan.
Lump of Briquettes?
Not all charcoal is the same...even from briquette to briquedtte or lump to lumo. Briquettes are more even temp and recommended...having said that I use lump1 Kingsford Competition is my favorite briquette....no additives.
When I open the lid and work on the meat and replace it the heat rises....what should I do?
The heat rises because you have introduced more oxygen to the coals. The best advice is to keep the lid on and make you moves with it off swiftly....after that don't worry about it ....it will return to the set temp...unless you left the lid off for an extended period.
Which adjustments should I use?
The bottom sliders are your primary source for temp setting. The wheel on top should be as open as possible. Use the top for small fine tuning of the temp....Remember the more you limit the airflow...the smokier the food gets and sometimes thats not a good thing.
How do I clean my drum?
Many people have discovered a deep dish pizza pan as an ash catcher below the fire basket. Some use a shop vacuum. Always make sure the fire is totally and completely out before attempting to clean your ashes.
Do I need a heat deflector with my drum?
The simple answer is no. The best part of the drum is due to its versatility you can use a deflector plate...the primary benefits of drum smoking (forget the low cost vs fantastic results) is the self basting and flavor that is added to your product by the juices hitting the hot coals and returning to the meat. If you are experiencing a hot spot in the center on lower temp cooks the first thing to understand is that the temp at thermometer placement is lower than the center of the grill. Every grill is different and size of charcoal load, kind of charcoal, how much you initially light, along with how long you leave your lid off after lighting are the key factors to consider. If you are cooking at a low temp start with the bottom sliders with one half hole exposed and the top vents open.
What about a water pan?
Yes. You will need another shelf and place it where the upper basket hooks are...you can use a deflector plate and a water pan.
Lump of Briquettes?
Not all charcoal is the same...even from briquette to briquedtte or lump to lumo. Briquettes are more even temp and recommended...having said that I use lump1 Kingsford Competition is my favorite briquette....no additives.
When I open the lid and work on the meat and replace it the heat rises....what should I do?
The heat rises because you have introduced more oxygen to the coals. The best advice is to keep the lid on and make you moves with it off swiftly....after that don't worry about it ....it will return to the set temp...unless you left the lid off for an extended period.
Which adjustments should I use?
The bottom sliders are your primary source for temp setting. The wheel on top should be as open as possible. Use the top for small fine tuning of the temp....Remember the more you limit the airflow...the smokier the food gets and sometimes thats not a good thing.
How do I clean my drum?
Many people have discovered a deep dish pizza pan as an ash catcher below the fire basket. Some use a shop vacuum. Always make sure the fire is totally and completely out before attempting to clean your ashes.
