Thermometer in base instead of lid?

[ou812]

Got my Smokenator yesterday, and I'm considering installing a thermometer in the base of the Weber as close to the food grate as possible. I'm thinking this is a better spot to mount the thermometer than in the lid.
But before I drill a hole in my baby, I want to make sure this is a good idea.
I bought a gas grill replacement thermometer that is is threaded, and held in place with a wing nut.
What do you guys think?

[injector]

we have a 2" dial with a 21/2" stem in the lid by the vent holes for when we use the hover grill and one at the bottom of the lid about 1 1/2" from the lid bottom for grate temp. this works great for us. it is about 2" from the cooking grate to the bottom of the lid. so at mounting it at 11/2" to 2" it puts the stem very close to the grate. we do not bother with reading dome temp to much. will post a picture as soon as my daughter brings our camera back. hope this helps.

[jerkylips]

Aug 14, 2010 12:42:47 GMT -5 ou812 said:

Got my Smokenator yesterday, and I'm considering installing a thermometer in the base of the Weber as close to the food grate as possible. I'm thinking this is a better spot to mount the thermometer than in the lid.
But before I drill a hole in my baby, I want to make sure this is a good idea.
I bought a gas grill replacement thermometer that is is threaded, and held in place with a wing nut.
What do you guys think?

If you plan to use your weber ONLY as a smoker, it might work, but if you use it as a regular grill I think you may melt your thermometer at higher temps, since it's going to be so close to the coals. I wouldn't do it unless I was using it as a dedicated smoker..

[ou812]

Aug 19, 2010 8:37:11 GMT -5 jerkylips said:

If you plan to use your weber ONLY as a smoker, it might work, but if you use it as a regular grill I think you may melt your thermometer at higher temps, since it's going to be so close to the coals. I wouldn't do it unless I was using it as a dedicated smoker..

Good point... I didn't think about that. I decided I didn't like the temperature gauge I had......too small. I found an Old Smokey 3' dial on sale, and it should be here Tuesday.
I'll probably follow injector's advice and mount it on the lid.

Thanks guys.

[injector]

we sear and grill steaks and never had the a thermometer melt.that might happen with a cheap gauge. check out the 2" dial w/ 2 1/2" thermometer from tell-tru