The Texas BBQ Forum

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

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...

Redneck got you covered. Thats the way to go. CF

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.

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.

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?

That is true, Its all in what a person wants. Gator builds some awsome pits!

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.

Just dont see how you can make heat go down.

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.

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

Maybe 10-15* hotter

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

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.

Read this thread and see if it helps you.

viewtopic.php?f=67&t=30397