MrMelons

After much silicone sealing and stove taping I fired up for the first time. I used the Weber briquettes which I started in a chimney for 20mins. According to the inbuilt thermometer, I reached a maximum temperature of 150 degrees c in the main chamber, which held for maybe 40-45mins or so before it started to drop. After an hour it was at about 130. 125 after 80 mins. Grate and chimney were fully open throughout. I never once opened the main lid. I opened the firebox lid once to move a few coals around. Super brief. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on the above. Fairly standard results? or underwhelming?

Yep. Same here. Too big a gap. There's does seem to be something more to it than just a loose fit. Hard to tell if there's anything wrong with my lid. No obvious signs of damage. Thats what leads me to suspect the dastardly "piece 30." Looking forward to hearing what others peoples looks like.

Afternoon, gents. A quick update, a couple of photos and a question. I've had no contact from Landmann, and the retailer doesn't seem interested in helping. So, I've been investigating further, and trying to work out why I don't get a good closure on the lid, and have extreme gaps etc. Now I don't know if this is the sole reason for the problem, but it seems to me that the lower part of the main chamber (the pit?) is not level. the right hand side is lower than the left. Even when I take the right hand screw out completely. It therefore occurred to me that I might be able to insert a metal plate between the pit and the right-sided legs in order to lift it on that side. Thats what caused me to see /remember what the instructions call "Piece 30." See photos. Not the greatest pic, I know. And ignore the two plates I've jammed in there. Check out the slope on the actual Piece 30. The way it points downwards. Is that normal? That's nothing to do with the metal plates. It's always been like that. I noticed it during the build and thought it a little odd. I assumed there was a reason why is wasn't a perfect 90 degree angle. Do you think this I've found the smoking gun here? (No pun intended). Is a bent piece 30 the problem? I'd be really grateful if you could have a look at your smokers and see what your "Piece 30" looks like. Cheers Dan

Good idea. I’ll dig one out. I did try and use a spirit level, but there any many large surfaces to use it accurately

By the way, if anyone has any further thoughts on this, I’m all ears 👂 👂😃

Hey General, Thanks for your message. I got it from BBQ Land in Hitchin. As a supposed specialist store, I’m disappointed with their stance on it. I bought it online, so even though I still have the box, having removed all the packaging etc I don’t see how I can possibly return it in “saleable condition.” Surely they must realise that? Makes their response seem a little cynical, to be honest. I haven’t replied to BBQ Land yet. Before I emailed them, I also took the time to email Landmann direct. They have not replied yet. I having been waiting for them to do so, because if they imply the unit is defective, I can show that to the retailer which should win the argument, at least.

I emailed the retailer. Here's his expert opinion. "There is a sizable gap on the right hand edge of our display model, and less so on the left hand side. Whilst this will have some impact on the ability to smoke, it should perform in line with its value.I believe that this is normal for this model unfortunately, being that it is a dual-purpose model that enables both grilling and smoking, with rear hinge - as opposed to a smoker that is made from steel tube, with the door aperture cut away.As I a sure you appreciate this is an entry-level smoker, and therefore not engineered to the same specifications as a more substantial and pricier smoker.Of course, in light of the above, if you wish to disassemble and return to us, we're happy to refund you. we would just need the unit back here in a resaelable condition."

Hello again, Given the size of some the gaps between lid and pit, could something like this be used to any great effect? Stuck to the outside rim of the pit perhaps? https://www.kitchenwareonline.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=21021331&AccID=100187&PGFLngID=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwitPnBRCQARIsAA5n84nrdrlf3k2fvrkW7mshIhTMheBPCcCnN17md6h3mOP9pZb2Jkqc924aAmvWEALw_wcB What do you guys think? A couple of pics below, by the way.

Hello Ice, Would that aluminium corner strip have to be pop riveted? Or could you use the silicone sealant to stick it?

Hi, Thanks for replying. That's great advice. It's exactly what I was worried about. Maybe I'm not so stupid after all. I'll get cracking with mods today instead of seasoning. Thanks again. I'll definitely be coming back to this forum. This place is great.

Hi everyone, I've been browsing this thread with great interest. Full of brilliant info. I wish I'd found it before now. I'm a Landmann newbie. I finally finished building it about 30 minutes ago. (My God!. Those instructions!) Even before first use, I am concerned about the various gaps around the two chambers. Not a great fit / tight seal. That's what brought me here, basically. You've heard it all before, I know. I'm happy to follow all the advice about stove rope etc, I'll read back in more detail soon. A quick question first, however... I've read in various other places that it's important to "season" my smoker - Smothering in cooking oil and burning some coals for a few hours, basically. I was planning on doing that today. But should I do the modifications with the stove rope first etc? What would be best for me to do? Would appreciate any advice you can give me. The build was hard work. I don't want to spoil it now. Cheers