Getting rid of SN water pan totally

[flbuckeye]

I have decided (after using the SN for quite a few smokes, at least 50) that the pan that comes with the SN is no longer needed. I use the space that the pan occupies for extra charcoal and use a loaf pan for the water above the SN on the food grate. I open the grill less often (every two hours or so) to knock ash off of the coals and refill the water although it never gets below half empty.

Have had a lot of good results doing this and is less maintenance.

I also use the BBQ Guru Party Q to keep a steady temp. highly recommend this product. The bi metal thermometer through the lid is not a good idea on two fronts. You don't cook on the dome (the temp the thermometer gives you), you cook on the grate and bi metal thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. I recommend digital only for better accuracy.

I hope to get a Maverick dual probe soon for even better temp control (in the food).

[noboundaries]

Yep, I'm only three smokes into my SN experience, but this weekend I'll be making the following changes. 1. Using an angle grinder to get rid of the lift grate on the SN side of the food grate. When I have roasting pans in the Weber the part of the grate that lifts is a pain when I need to reload the SN because the roasters don't allow it to swing up and over. The lift grate provides no structural support so it won't make a difference if it isn't there. 2. Eliminating the water pan that came with the SN and going with a loaf pan to place over the center hole. 4 times the water. 3. Drilling holes in the side of the Weber through which to feed the Maverick dual meat probe and temperature sensor. I learned this weekend I prefer monitoring the temp at the grate, not the upper vent.

The Party Q looks interesting. Might have to leave that for my wife to get me for a present! She DID buy me the SN!

[harrygrowth]

What size hole would you drill for the maverick probe?

[ecripps]

Here is a post where someone drilled an 11/16 hole. smokenatorforum.proboards.com/thread/402/drilling-weber-temperature-probes I've seen grommets that you can buy to put your probe in. Looks clean when done.

Ed

[ncsmoker]

I missed this as I'm on vacation but agree on most points totally. The pan that comes with the SN is to small and you can use the space for coals. I place a pan half way over where the original pan went and over one of the round holes. This reduces the amount of evaporation and lets me go two hours or more before refilling and stirring the coals. I use a thermometer that has a 2" stem and drill a hole in the top for it. At 240 at the thermometer the grill is 225 perfect for any barbeque. Best bbqing to all.