Weber Smokey Joe Gold

[gunman]

Hi All. I recently bought a Weber Smokey Joe from my local garden centre as it was on sale. Has anyone modified the lower vents on t the gold to a configuration more like the silver? Problem is that the side vents don't seem to keep the coals hot enough for roasting meat and I'm camping this year and would love to be able to smoke chicken and pork pieces when away from home. I have a Weber one touch which I use at home and it seems to be easier to control the temp. I've read reviews about the smokey joe and those that know say the silver was better as it had a bottom vent. Still, at under £30 I thought it was worth a punt.

Where can I get a vent from in the UK? I'm concerned about making one myself in case it warps in the heat and becomes useless.

Cheers

[Eddie]

This may be what you are looking for, but pricey. If I was in your position I think I would make one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RC-4-POLAR-AR ... 417199a3e6

Regards

Eddie

[gunman]

Thanks Eddie, yeah, that's a bit pricey alright. I am now thinking about moving the 2 side vents to below the coal grate and bolting a piece of stainless over the side vent holes, having just the lower vents and no side vents like the (proper) original smokey joe.

I could leave the ash tray in and have the vent holes just below the grate on the sides or mount the ash pan underneath like the silver and put the vent holes right on the bottom in the centre.

Not sure if the vents just below the coals will be enough, would I be better going with it in the centre?

[Eddie]

I've always thought that having your vents on the side are better, as air flows across a BBQ rather than under and then up!!

Eddie

[gunman]

You could be right, I'm just starting out with regards to slow roasting, but from reviews I've read the original layout of vents was better for slow cooking. My view was that the air can enter above the coals and leave via the top vent without being drawn into the coals.

I might give it another go before I cut holes in my BBQ then. Thanks.