Christmas break project

[toddmog]

Finally picked up a pot locally from a brand new Walmart near my mother-in-law. The lid fits perfectly...no need to crimp this one. This will be a nice project to do with my 12 year old over Christmas break. Not sure if I'll paint the pot or not.
 

[CharliefromLI]

Good luck,

It's a fun project. Painting them is easier than you would think.

TIP: if your 12 year old want to personalize, a die cut decal applied pre paint and then removed after paint, can make an easy stencil.

[toddmog]

I've seen a lot of people go the decal route and it looks pretty cool. We did the UDS in KC Chiefs...not that it's helped them any!!!  Not sure what the plan is for this one just yet.

[Fishawn]

Looks like a Seahawks logo would fit perfectly.....

[CharliefromLI]

I've seen a lot of people go the decal route and it looks pretty cool. We did the UDS in KC Chiefs...not that it's helped them any!!!  Not sure what the plan is for this one just yet.

While a team smoker confirms loyalty, clearly they don't bring any luck.
My mini hasn't brought my Jets any.

[toddmog]

Well, we couldn't wait until break to start.  Got the holes drilled and the bottom cut out today.  I thought about mounting the lid to the bottom as I've seen others do, but I don't think I'm going to do that...at least not yet anyways.  I plan on using the steamer insert that came with the pot as the diffuser.  Any issues with doing this? Maybe putting a pie plate on it to catch drippings?  I use a similar set up on my UDS with a rack above the fire basket that has a perforated pizza pan on it.  If I'm loaded down with butts, I put an empty foiled water pan on that rack as well.

We still need to pick up some expanded metal and build a charcoal ring.  That's going to have to wait until next weekend though.  On another note, how many lit coals are you guys starting out with to hit your desired temp?  I like to cook around 275 ish for butts and 350+ for chicken.  I have that figured out on my kettles, but not sure on the mini since it's so much smaller.  Thoughts?

[1911Ron]

I would leave out the pie plate as it may restrict air flow and you may not reach your target temps.  I would start 12-15 briqs and then when you get to your desired temps close down one side intake or the other to catch it where you want.  I see you don't have a temp gauge, what you can do is get an oven thermo and put on your rack or stick one thru your vent to monitor temps.

[toddmog]

I drilled a port for my maverick probes and will be using it to monitor temps. I probably won't add any other thermometers since I've had good luck with this method on my UDS and kettles. Although a small tru-tel would look nice on the side.