Carlos

Welcome along. I took an starting out with a standard 57 kettle. Take a look at my post below, the help is already piling in.

I’ll get this done ASAP and hopefully be having a burn the weekend. I’ll up date the results. Once again thanks for the advice and help 👍🏻

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the time your taking to go into such detail. I drilled the holes in the ash catcher to in crease air flow. I drilled out the 5 main holes in the base of the fire bowl and added the smaller ones.

Do they really work that well? Not sure who I would block the bottom holes though.... I had assumed air flow was my biggest problem. Which I why I drilled out the bottom vents and added a couple of new holes. With the though that I could control temp with the top vent. The only way I have had good temps (150°c and above) is to dump in 1-1.5 chimney of roaring briquettes in. Pile the either side (a bit like using baskets). The temp runs away and I can’t really control it. Shutting the top vent in the beginning and opening it as the temp starts to drop helps some what but it’s not great. I have found this the best way to cook a Kelly bab, without a rotisserie, just lay the meat on the grate I tried a bag of heat beads last year with similar results. Thinking the Big K coals were the problem.

That good to hear and reassuring. I think my main problem has been attempted cooks with low air temps, both the last 2 have been less than 5°. Big K briquettes? These are easy to get from a local supplier that stocks them all year round. The bottom vent holes on my kettle don’t have a damper. I enlarged to holes in an effort to increase air flow as I though this was my main issue. I have a damper on the top vent but normally run it wide open. I have been using the snake method the last one lit at both ends and struggled to to keep a temp above 120-130°c

Welcome along. A new member myself.

Hi Wade, I’ve been playing for some time at hot smoking and straight grilling. I’ve got a el cheapo 57cm kettle of no brand I’ve had for years. I’ve drilled out the bottom vent holes to allow more air flow and added a lid thermometer. One thing I’ve always struggled with is getting good temps and holding them. I’ve convinced myself it the cheap kettle, made with thin steel and just painted or v.thin enamel not holding the heat well. Along side this I have a gas kettle which is great for a quick steak in the week. It’s an https://www.wayfair.co.uk/Symple-Stuff--39.5cm-420-Gas-Barbecue-29.238.94-L6173-K~OUCH1026.html?refid=GX200082348655-OUCH1026&device=m&ptid=325087524464&targetid=pla-325087524464&network=g&ireid=134667675&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMz-2vHc7gIVBu3tCh3nEAt-EAQYAiABEgK3ePD_BwE I picked up of Facebook market for £25. Im looking at getting a mini kamado for smoking small joints of meat. Like the cheap one Lidl sell in the spring

Afternoon all I’m looking to add a mini kamado to my collection. I know these normally come on sale in Lidl around May time but I don’t want to wait that long. Does anyone know of a reasonably price alternative available straight away. I can order from Amazon but they are around £180ish. any help gratefully receive

Hi all, new member Looking forward to gleaming your knowledge and hopefully adding in some of my own Carl