Vent Control on a WSM

[Bscull]

Hi All

I found a new; old style 18.5in WSM and have only three smokes under my belt, so a complete newbie.

All the forum/YouTube sites I have looked at, say to keep the top vent fully open and control the air flow from the bottom ones. When doing a long smoke (15+ hours) with Heat Beads, water pan full (warm water) and the minion method. I have to keep the bottom vents completely closed and control the top one, mostly half to almost close during the whole smoke. If I open up the top vent and control air flow from the bottom ones the temp skyrockets to 270 – 300+ F and stays there, even if the bottom ones are completely closed.

Not sure what I’m doing wrong here. Hope you can help.

Thanks!!!

[NoviceGriller]

Hi,
I'm new to kettle bbqing & WSM smoking, but I have used the heat beads and have found they just burn too hot. I've also used the weber briquettes and found them a nicer fuel to work with, & control. The Americans swear by Kingsford but we don't have that choice over here unless you want to pay silly money on postage$$$$$$$$
The other thing to check, if you haven't checked already, make sure you haven't got any leaks. I've just bought aWSM and after a lot of reading, the problem people have a gripe about is the doors don't seal very well and you might have to make a couple of modifications.
Hope this helps.

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

Love the heat beads on mine but you need to use fire rope around seals and door etc to make the unit more air tight.

I use a clay saucer as a heat sink

I keep the bottom vents closed down about 2/3 - maybe less on a really cold day - and mainly use the top vent to regulate temp. Start with it about 1/2 open.

I use minion method for coal. Don't light too many to start with. I light about 1/3 of a chimney and pour those into a well in the centre of the basket.

[Bscull]

Thanks for the replies.

I like the heat beads as i get a long burn with them.

I'm convinced it's the door leaking air that causing the problem. I have ordered the FireBlack Gasket from Amazon and will do the Door, top and bottom of the middle sections (belts and braces). Will let you know.

Thanks for your help!!

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

No worries. Also invest in a remote digital thermometer if you haven't done so already. Much more accurate than the ones they come with standard.

[NoviceGriller]

Since replying , I finally set up my wsm & gave it a whirl. I read through the instructions and it says not to use heat beads in it. They don't give any reason but just giving you guys a heads up.

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

Since replying , I finally set up my wsm & gave it a whirl. I read through the instructions and it says not to use heat beads in it. They don't give any reason but just giving you guys a heads up.

Probably because they want you to use their own briquettes - which are pretty good too tbh!
I'll stick with the heatbeads though as I think they are better than the Weber ones.