OT: smoker

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

thanks guys!

i think one of the ceramic offerings is in my future.

i'm already thinking i'm going to pour a small concrete pad to put it on.

question:

is it OK to leave these things outside uncovered year round? my weber and the stainless steel natural gas grill live in the elements and have held up well over a decade+ of ownership, but i admittedly know i killed my cheapo smoker by leaving it not out.

well.....that and the blazing fire i had in it that completely overheated it and burned all the paint off, haha.

i should probably buy a nice cover for this thing if i want it to last forever right? but the other school of thought is that covers trap moisture? what to do?

You can not leave a ceramic cooker outside uncovered.
Mine is on wheels. I keep it in the shed at the lake.
Roll it out to use, rollout back in after.
Otherwise you need a good cover.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by CNY rider

You can not leave a ceramic cooker outside uncovered.
Mine is on wheels. I keep it in the shed at the lake.
Roll it out to use, rollout back in after.
Otherwise you need a good cover.

Thank you. This is good vital info.

I will make sure the father's day fairy includes a cover!

[AngryScientist]

also

[glepore]

I'm a hillbilly. Have a homemade Ugly Drum Smoker-a 50 gal steel drum with a weber grill lid. It has a door cut into the side to load wood during a cook, and a couple of pipe nipples and caps for airflow control-I only use these with charcoal, and most of the time I smoke with hardwood. The cooking surface is a weber grill grate that sits on long screws or bolts that are just run thru the outside. Total cost of under $50.

Another tip-Walmart sells this grill-https://www.walmart.com/ip/Expert-Grill-22-Kettle-Grill/286918005 - which is a knockoff of a Weber 22 kettle for under $90 (the weber is 250). I bought it just for the lid and grate, but ended up using the grill as well, as its very well made, as nice as the weber, and has charcoal baskets that allow the smoke/sear technique.

[mistermo]

Do you think there's a smoker forum someplace where they're asking about what bike to get?

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by mistermo

do you think there's a smoker forum someplace where they're asking about what bike to get?

potd

[teleguy57]

Originally Posted by mistermo

do you think there's a smoker forum someplace where they're asking about what bike to get?

Originally Posted by coloneljlloyd

potd

+100!

[booglebug]

Originally Posted by CNY rider

You can not leave a ceramic cooker outside uncovered.
Mine is on wheels. I keep it in the shed at the lake.
Roll it out to use, rollout back in after.
Otherwise you need a good cover.

Have kept 2 BGE’s outdoors for over 10 years uncovered, the only wear was I had to replace the wooden handles, grills still in great condition with minimal wear. Ceramic grills seem to shine at holding moisture in the meat, chicken, brisket, ribs, BBQ and great pizza. As for cooking a steak or burger can the same result on a Webber.

[fmradio516]

How do the off brand ceramic grills hold up against BGE and Kamados?

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by booglebug

Have kept 2 BGE’s outdoors for over 10 years uncovered, the only wear was I had to replace the wooden handles, grills still in great condition with minimal wear. Ceramic grills seem to shine at holding moisture in the meat, chicken, brisket, ribs, BBQ and great pizza. As for cooking a steak or burger can the same result on a Webber.

Interesting to hear that......I was basing my statement on the Kamado instructional manual which I remember warning against it.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by CNY rider

Interesting to hear that......I was basing my statement on the Kamado instructional manual which I remember warning against it.

The problem that probably occurs is when the ceramic absorbs moisture, and then freezes....water expands and cracks the ceramic. Sort of like clay flower pots left out over the winter...the warning in the manual is probably a warranty thing....

Everyone I know that has a BGE type cooker, loves it....I have not gotten on board yet.

[lookout2015]

Originally Posted by fmradio516

Thats probably what i was remembering then. I know it was something with the weather. Not necessarily humidity.

I’ve also heard people report that their pellet feeders clog in high humidity. Dunno how real of a concern it is, or if it varies by brand of pellet or model of grill.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by lookout2015

I’ve also heard people report that their pellet feeders clog in high humidity. Dunno how real of a concern it is, or if it varies by brand of pellet or model of grill.

Probably depends how pellets are stored....they are like little Duraflame or Presto logs...they absorb humidity and fall apart if not kept dry.

[booglebug]

Originally Posted by Ozz

The problem that probably occurs is when the ceramic absorbs moisture, and then freezes....water expands and cracks the ceramic. Sort of like clay flower pots left out over the winter...the warning in the manual is probably a warranty thing....

Everyone I know that has a BGE type cooker, loves it....I have not gotten on board yet.

Guessing the coating on the outside of the egg prevents water penetration?

[iPaul]

I have a Vision ceramic grill outside and have been cooking on it for 3 years through the coldest days and nights. Not a hint of issues doing so and that has included cold start ups in single temps, pouring rain and high heat. I do keep cover on it. Your mileage may vary. Do love mine for it’s versatility.