Exhaust location

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Wtxsmoker
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Exhaust location

Postby Wtxsmoker » Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:35 am

Question on exhaust:
Which is better and why. Exhaust on top of pit or out the side of pit at grate level?
I plan to build a 24 inch by 72 inch two door offset with 24x24 fire box traile comp pit. I Plan to add a manifold type exhaust exit like a jambo pit set 1 inch above grill heigth (center line of pit) and 4 inch square pipe exhaust 48 inches tall. Fire box opening possibly 5 inches x 14 inches about 1 inch below grill height.
The intent is to draw heat/smoke to top of pit then down to grate height to exit pit. Any thoughts/input and picture of simular set up would help me decide.
PS Thanks ahead of time guys
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby 3 star redneck » Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:52 am

On the side of the pit abot 1 " above grate level...it keeps the smoke and heat at grat level and helps the pit cook at a consistnet temp...
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby ChileFarmer » Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:02 am

Redneck got you covered. Thats the way to go. CF :D
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby blazer » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:10 am

I like mine on top and not down in the chamber at all. I put a dampner on top the stack if i feel the need to close it down a little. I feel that drawing the smoke from the center of the cooker would cause stagnant smoke. I almost always run my stacks wide open and control the heat with the draft on the fb. Ive never had a problem with not enough smoke on my cooks. This is just my personal preference.
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Wtxsmoker » Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:15 am

In my mind exhaust at grate keeps more heat in pit and saves on wood. As heat rises to top then back down. Using a manifold. Reducer to exhaust provides greater draw and less needed at firebox.
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Wtxsmoker » Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:20 am

I guess it is like the fat side up or down question. Hot and fast or low and slow.
Maybe a pit builder like gator has tested this out?
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby blazer » Fri Nov 18, 2011 2:42 pm

That is true, Its all in what a person wants. Gator builds some awsome pits! :D
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby E Town » Fri Nov 18, 2011 8:04 pm

Wtxsmoker wrote:I guess it is like the fat side up or down question. Hot and fast or low and slow.
Maybe a pit builder like gator has tested this out?


I like mine fat side down and hot and fast. Exhaust 1 inch above grate level. :lol:
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby blazer » Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:18 pm

Just dont see how you can make heat go down.
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Pony Express » Sat Nov 19, 2011 9:02 am

blazer wrote:Just dont see how you can make heat go down.



If you think about it this way. your not making heat go down but filling the pipe with heat down to where the exit is. If your exhaust is at the top then the heat leaves the fire box, rises to the top, runs along the top and out the stack. thus wasting the heat.
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Wtxsmoker
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Wtxsmoker » Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:40 am

Exactly! Next question with two level of racks how much hotter is the top rack temp?
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby 3 star redneck » Sat Nov 19, 2011 12:25 pm

Maybe 10-15* hotter
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http://www.redneckcooker.com



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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Wtxsmoker » Sun Nov 20, 2011 8:24 am

Thanks guys
Grate level for sure on exhaust. Setting my fire box opening about 2-3 inches below grate level
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby Chain Smoker » Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:15 pm

What would be the effect of an exhaust below grate level? I am considering buying a really nice steel offset smoker from a friend, but the exhaust is just below grate level.
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Re: Exhaust location

Postby GRailsback » Tue Oct 31, 2017 7:29 pm

Read this thread and see if it helps you.

viewtopic.php?f=67&t=30397

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