Kamado style cooker

[cmseeley]

I don't see the problem then Cuz 275* is a Great all around BBQ Temp for everything. :thumb: Most of my stuff is 300*ish (+/- 10*) on charcoal n wood chunks ( UDS,Cabinet and Kettle) and 260-275*ish in the Bandera Stickburner.

Thats what I should have done in the first place. 275 - 300.

 

[tnfan47]

Well Its all done. Pulled it at 200. Turned out better than I thought it would. After that last re-light, I kept it between 270 and 300. I guess that is what I should have done to start with instead of shooting for 215. I guess I just thought 215 was the "sweet spot" temp to keep.

I might just get one of those PID temp draft controllers and see what it can do for the lower temps. And then maybe I will trust it for an overnight cook?

At least this time when I went away from it for too long the temp was going low instead of shooting up.

Chris

I would atleast master how to control temp by adjusting the vents first before purchasing a controller.

 

[Sumpwitch]

I am a rookie, but I'll throw out my .02

I bought my Akorn about 4 months ago. I cook on it 3-4 times a week and love it. I definitely think the brand of lump makes a difference.
When I use Royal Oak (red bag), I can lock in around 225-235 and my vents are barely open. Less than 1 on the bottom and just a trickle at the top. I've done a couple 10 hour butts with no problems.
Right now, I am using Chigger Creek Sweet & Smokey. It wants to be in the 240s and the vents are way more open. Bottom at close to 2 and top at 1. If I try to lower the temp with this lump, it will snuff. So I just roll with it in the 40s.
Going forward I am going to use the RO for low and slow and the Chigger for pizzas and hot cooks. (Reason being: there actually seems to be a flavor difference with the pizzas using the Chigger. I tend to get into the grape while doing pizzas though, so maybe it doesn't even make a difference and it's all in my mind.)

 

[cmseeley]

Just for an FYI, I did end up calling Char-Griller on the damaged lid just to see what they would do. I really didn't think they would do anything just because I knowingly bought it damaged, and received a pretty good discount because of that. At the request of the CSR I emailed them pictures and a copy of my receipt. I just got a notice from UPS that something is at my door, from A & J Manufacturing. At 30lb, I bet it is a new lid!!!

I have grilled on this thing almost every day since I got it, and love it, even with the bent up lid and seal. I have actually thought about selling my gas grills.

I also have some gasket material to seal up the bottom a bit more.

For the money, this cooker kicks ass!!!

I think even the wife loves it, lol.

Chris