British BBQ Society Forums

Is it normal for a little smoke to escape around the lip of a closed WSM?

Mine does, but I don't worry about it.

Cool. Thanks

As Big Al said a little leak isn't a problem, if your fire won't snuff out then you know it's too big a leak. Lid leaks tend to seal themselves as grease builds up on the lip and if it really bothers you the door can be adjusted to make it a better fit.

Couple of vids here too:






Please to hear that is is normal.

On a seperate note, it has been running hot (300F) a couple of times with the clay saucer in there. Closing the vents still failed to reduce the temp.

Looks fairly normal to me for smoke leakage. With regards to temps they key with not using water is not to let the temp run away as there isn't the water to rapidly bring the temperature down, it's a double edged sword water can make temps unstable but does make it easier to control temperature runaway.