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Stoker with SmokeWare

4Runner
4Runner Posts: 2,948
in EggHead Forum
I remember reading/watching Rock's website/YouTube channel about closing the top vent completely so the Stoker has better control over airflow.  I never did and use a Smokeware top with maybe 1/4 - 1/2" openings at top.  Well, I setup the Egg for 2 Boston Butts (came out amazing by the way) and totally forgot my flat cap (the stopper) was still on.  I set my vent openings like always and the cook went perfectly.  Held a nice steady 250 for about 15 hours.   It wasn't until I was cleaning up I realized my "mistake".

Anyway, anyone else completely close off the top with a Stoker?
Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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Comments

  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,887
    Not sure how closing the top entirely is going to benefit and in fact it will be a hindrance. Air inflow means there has to be air outflow and blocking the outflow on top means you better have a leaky gasket.
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    nah......No Egg is airtight.  I think it just ensures the temp will fall when the fan is off and the temp will rise slowly and controlled when the fan is running.  Gives the Stoker better control is all.  I could see it in my graph.  I could also tell the fan ran longer over the cook too.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,887
    Ok but it defies logic as in coming air has to exit.
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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  • SkinnyV
    SkinnyV Posts: 3,404
    Yes even closed it leaks.... Hence why it works.
    Seattle, WA
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    The air escapes through the natural seams, cracks and crevices is all.  Turn your Egg upside-down and fill it with water and it will escape.  Anyway, the fire will go with top closed as we all experience; however, the Stoker fan kicks on and the airflow raises the temp....I believe this technique simply increases the the temp dependency on the Stoker.  Makes sense to me.  You are thinking the benefit to the fire and I'm posting the benefit is to the Stoker.  Not sure how I will go forward other than I will not leave the flat cap on....I might just close up the Smokeware though.  My graph was flat line.  I've only experience runaway temp with a Stoker a couple of times because my initial fire was too large....I think closing off the top reduces the risk of runaway temps. 

    To all your Stoker owners out there you might consider closing off the top vent to give you more fire flexibility.  Not a deal breaker for sure but it worked for me last night.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,344
    4Runner said:
    nah......No Egg is airtight.  I think it just ensures the temp will fall when the fan is off and the temp will rise slowly and controlled when the fan is running.  Gives the Stoker better control is all.  I could see it in my graph.  I could also tell the fan ran longer over the cook too.
    Of course the fan ran longer - it had to work harder to push air out of the egg.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    HeavyG said:
    4Runner said:
    nah......No Egg is airtight.  I think it just ensures the temp will fall when the fan is off and the temp will rise slowly and controlled when the fan is running.  Gives the Stoker better control is all.  I could see it in my graph.  I could also tell the fan ran longer over the cook too.
    Of course the fan ran longer - it had to work harder to push air out of the egg.
    The point exactly....
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • calracefan
    calracefan Posts: 606
    If the top is open much it can cause a temp rise by natural draft that the stoker can not control.
    Ova B.
    Fulton MO
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    calracefan said:
    If the top is open much it can cause a temp rise by natural draft that the stoker can not control.
    Agreed.  I just never really thought of closing it all the way down.  I do plan to try this on purpose next go.   Plenty off lump left after this cook too.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,344
    calracefan said:
    If the top is open much it can cause a temp rise by natural draft that the stoker can not control.
    Open too much is different than not at all.

    Sure it worked. Probably shortened the lifespan of the blower also. But they're cheap so no worries I guess.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    agreed....lasts 39 years instead of 40.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    Here's what I've been doing with my Flameboss 200 to restrict the natural airflow. A flat cap with a fixed orifice!  No worries about the correct setting on the Smokeware cap (or daisy wheel for that matter) just throw the "250 degree plate" in and the egg will idle along at 250 degrees until the lump runs out.

    Started with a small hole and simply kept drilled it a little larger until the fan was running about 25% of the time ... around 3/16" seems about right.  Your egg might be different 'cuz of more or less felt line leakage.


    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    or just put on the SmokeWare top and with an opening 1/2" opening or less.  I'm going with less....like zero.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,344
    4Runner said:
    agreed....lasts 39 years instead of 40.
    Ok Mr. Moneybags - if you are ok with that it's no skin off my nose. :)
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    Whatever HG.  You seem to have a problem with me for some reason.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,887
    edited July 2016
    Jeepster47 said:
    Here's what I've been doing with my Flameboss 200 to restrict the natural airflow. A flat cap with a fixed orifice!  No worries about the correct setting on the Smokeware cap (or daisy wheel for that matter) just throw the "250 degree plate" in and the egg will idle along at 250 degrees until the lump runs out.

    Started with a small hole and simply kept drilled it a little larger until the fan was running about 25% of the time ... around 3/16" seems about right.  Your egg might be different 'cuz of more or less felt line leakage.


    Tom, that was the same idea behind Mickey T's Rings made popular many years ago.

     Then here is an advanced version he made so you could really fine tune the exhaust with just one ring.


    And then here was the underneath side to keep in place.

    This never made it further because a certain ribald egger made humongous fun of it!
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,344
    4Runner said:
    Whatever HG.  You seem to have a problem with me for some reason.  
    I have no problem with you. You're obviously free to run your rig however you choose.

    I thought I was just engaging in friendly conversation about why totally closing the top vent of a cooker may not necessarily be "best practice".

    My bad. 
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,887
    HeavyG said:
    4Runner said:
    Whatever HG.  You seem to have a problem with me for some reason.  
    I have no problem with you. You're obviously free to run your rig however you choose.

    I thought I was just engaging in friendly conversation about why totally closing the top vent of a cooker may not necessarily be "best practice".

    My bad. 
    LOL - at least you didn't get slammed as being OT!
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
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  • sctdg
    sctdg Posts: 301
    Called Falmeboss one day when I was thinking about retiring my Auber control .Talked to a very nice and helpful gentleman there who told me that when using the Flameboss I should keep Smokeware opened to the thickness of a dime ,that's it .Took his advice and did that with my Auber and it worked like it never worked before in the years I have owned it, stayed solid on set temp . Now I've gone to the simplest form of temp control which is the Tip Top and it kicks A$$ controlling egg with no probes, wires ,fans or lid opened problems . When the Tip Top is controlling temp most of the time it is only opened a crack at most . It also fits perfect into bottom end of Smokeware and I can put Smokeware cap on if it rains which I did on Friday when I did a 7 hour pork shoulder . Tip Top kept temp at 245 the whole time and did not move while I was over at my buddies shop . Came home and had pulled pork that was perfect . Tip Top cost all of $19.95 on sale ,absolute winner .No bells and whistles just steady temperature ,I think that is what we want in BBQ . 
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    sctdg said:
    Called Falmeboss one day when I was thinking about retiring my Auber control .Talked to a very nice and helpful gentleman there who told me that when using the Flameboss I should keep Smokeware opened to the thickness of a dime ,that's it .Took his advice and did that with my Auber and it worked like it never worked before in the years I have owned it, stayed solid on set temp . Now I've gone to the simplest form of temp control which is the Tip Top and it kicks A$$ controlling egg with no probes, wires ,fans or lid opened problems . When the Tip Top is controlling temp most of the time it is only opened a crack at most . It also fits perfect into bottom end of Smokeware and I can put Smokeware cap on if it rains which I did on Friday when I did a 7 hour pork shoulder . Tip Top kept temp at 245 the whole time and did not move while I was over at my buddies shop . Came home and had pulled pork that was perfect . Tip Top cost all of $19.95 on sale ,absolute winner .No bells and whistles just steady temperature ,I think that is what we want in BBQ . 
    Yep, doesn't take much.  Based on my Friday night cook, I think the Egg has enough natural "gaps" to provide ample airflow with the DFMT/Smokeware/Etc closed.

    I want data and remote access as many times I'm cooking while at work and just want to know what is going on.  I prefer my Stoker setup and think it is worth the extra $$.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Toxarch
    Toxarch Posts: 1,900
    I can hear the Stoker fan trying harder if there isn't a decent sized opening in the vent. If the opening is less, it will force air out through the Rutland gasket. Not sure I'd go closed, but I will try it with a smaller vent opening. I've had the Temp creep up on me at the end of a cook a few times.
    Aledo, Texas
    Large BGE
    KJ Jr.

    Exodus 12:9 KJV
    Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    Toxarch said:
    I can hear the Stoker fan trying harder if there isn't a decent sized opening in the vent. If the opening is less, it will force air out through the Rutland gasket. Not sure I'd go closed, but I will try it with a smaller vent opening. I've had the Temp creep up on me at the end of a cook a few times.
    Again, the Egg isn't air tight so nothing is really forced through.  I just did ribs and closed the SmokeWare with no flat cap and it did fine.  Flat line temp with minimal if any change in fan or lump usage.  Give it a try.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • BilZol
    BilZol Posts: 698
    I keep my Smokeware top just barely open for 225. If I close it too much I get a drop in temp. I basically get my egg to hold 250 at the dome before I put my fan in and start the Stoker. I had a problem this past weekend but found it was my iGrill pit probe being in the wrong place. When I put the Stoker probe and iGrill probe side by side my graph went flat. 
    Bill   Denver, CO
    XL, 2L's, and MM
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  • Wardster
    Wardster Posts: 1,006
    RRP said:
    Jeepster47 said:
    Here's what I've been doing with my Flameboss 200 to restrict the natural airflow. A flat cap with a fixed orifice!  No worries about the correct setting on the Smokeware cap (or daisy wheel for that matter) just throw the "250 degree plate" in and the egg will idle along at 250 degrees until the lump runs out.

    Started with a small hole and simply kept drilled it a little larger until the fan was running about 25% of the time ... around 3/16" seems about right.  Your egg might be different 'cuz of more or less felt line leakage.


    Tom, that was the same idea behind Mickey T's Rings made popular many years ago.

     Then here is an advanced version he made so you could really fine tune the exhaust with just one ring.


    And then here was the underneath side to keep in place.

    This never made it further because a certain ribald egger made humongous fun of it!
    I was going to bring this up.  I had forgotten all about these!!!
    Apollo Beach, FL
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    BilZol said:
    I keep my Smokeware top just barely open for 225. If I close it too much I get a drop in temp. I basically get my egg to hold 250 at the dome before I put my fan in and start the Stoker. I had a problem this past weekend but found it was my iGrill pit probe being in the wrong place. When I put the Stoker probe and iGrill probe side by side my graph went flat. 
    I just light a small section and setup the Stoker to control.  Very small overshoot and then it settles in just fine.  Give it a try next time as it works on mine flawlessly.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Toxarch
    Toxarch Posts: 1,900
    I can open the top almost all the way and use the Stoker fan. It will hold 250 and barely ever run the fan.
    Aledo, Texas
    Large BGE
    KJ Jr.

    Exodus 12:9 KJV
    Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

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  • billt01
    billt01 Posts: 1,528
    OT---to throw a wrench in the cog. The 10CFM fan from Rock's has a "door" inside. I have had, in the past, the door "stick" open and caused my smoker to actually pull air in and cause a temperature spike, all the while the fan was unplugged from the stoker... always listen for the little "clink" when the fan stops running...
    Have:
     XLBGE / Stumps Baby XL / Couple of Stokers (Gen 1 and Gen 3) / Blackstone 36 / Maxey 3x5 water pan hog cooker
    Had:
    LBGE / Lang 60D / Cookshack SM150 / Stumps Stretch / Stumps Baby

    Fat Willies BBQ
    Ola, Ga

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    billt01 said:
    OT---to throw a wrench in the cog. The 10CFM fan from Rock's has a "door" inside. I have had, in the past, the door "stick" open and caused my smoker to actually pull air in and cause a temperature spike, all the while the fan was unplugged from the stoker... always listen for the little "clink" when the fan stops running...
    Agreed.  I clean mine out and test the movement prior to starting a new cook.  Good point.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    Toxarch said:
    I can open the top almost all the way and use the Stoker fan. It will hold 250 and barely ever run the fan.
    You are an anomaly for sure.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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