Landmann Kentucky offset smoker

[Icefever]

Courtesy of HeyBertHeyErnie

Edited June 2, 2019 by Icefever

[General85]

Is that a flat metal strip? Or does it have an edge at the top where the tape is, like a 90 degree angle if that makes sense?

[Icefever]

3 hours ago, General85 said:

Or does it have an edge at the top where the tape is, like a 90 degree angle if that makes sense?

You've got it General....a length of angle fixed then the fire tape on that,  you will have to sort out another length fixed to the lid also,  so they come together and form the seal.

 

Ice.

[MrMelons]

Hello Ice, 

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

 

[Icefever]

3 hours ago, MrMelons said:

Hello Ice, 

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

 

Pop rivet would be good, but you could use small bolts,

Ice.

[General85]

Ah great, so doesn't have to be welded on then? I've wrote to the company I purchased from anyway as there's a few dents on it as well 😳

[Icefever]

7 hours ago, General85 said:

I've wrote to the company I purchased from anyway as there's a few dents on it as well

Maybe try for a replacement then??......I bought mine and in any photos, it looked ok, but being a newbie at the time I thought it would be spot on.  The price was right, I'd never been near an offset until then, so what did I know??

With the help and info on here, I did the mods, but after being part of Woodsmoke18 for that weekend talking to guys and watching and seeing other bits of kit I realised that there are some very cheap end bbq's out there.

When a manufacturer builds down to a price then I think you have to expect problems, or you have to try and correct their shortcomings. As I better my game I now understand why a top piece of kit, made from top materials costs what it does.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Ice. 

[Icefever]

This video may help with ideas on how to tackle the gaps,  I know it's a different model but it shows that all the Landmann's have to be sorted to some extent??

 

Ice.

[General85]

I completely agree with you, like with most things, the ones that cost more are for a reason. Like you, I've never been near an offset before either but I've been researching the hell out of them for the past couple of months so I knew about some gaps etc, bought stove tape, heat silicone and clamps at the same time as ordering the offset.

 

I didn't expect this huge gap though as it's not one people have come across on the mod videos I have watched. 

 

The issue with a replacement is that I've assembled it now and it has stove tape and heat sealant on it's easier to put it on when assembling. 

[MrMelons]

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.  

[Smokin Monkey]

That is one hell of a gap.

The only way of sealing that is a piece of flat bar riveted on to the lid  to make up the gap where you fingers are, then use Stove rope.

I would ok at taking it back.

[sotv]

I would agree with Smokin Monkey. That gap is unacceptable. So long as it isn't hasn't be put together badly/incorrectly or used already and the seller doesn't charge an excessive amount for returns, if bought online. I would return it (especially if it is within 14 days of purchase, buyer change of mind time allowed usually) and you still have the original packaging., to pack it back into.

Either ask for a replacement (depending on T&C's) or refund and buy something else.

Citizens Advice

[MrMelons]

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."

[sotv]

I would send it back, depending on, if it is at their cost or affordable to you if not, depending on T&C's. Even with mods, you are going to struggle with it, I would imagine?

Sounds like from their reply, it is known fault and you are not the first to complain about it.

Don't know what you paid but if around the £200 mark? there are other better choices out there for £200-300 depending on your budget and requirements.

Edited June 3, 2019 by sotv

[Icefever]

Totally agree with the above...send it back......if possible.

 

Ice.

[General85]

MrMelons, where did you buy it from?

 

I've contacted my seller and they have got in touch with Landmann who are going to contact me to send replacement parts (mine also had some small dents in it).

[MrMelons]

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.

[MrMelons]

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

[General85]

I agree with you MrMelons, you will only see the gaps once you have put it together so to take it all apart and return it is a ball ache! Hopefully you get a better response from Landmann.

 

I'm just worried if they send me a new lid, that it won't match up to size with my current pit. I'll keep you posted on how I get on (if/when they contact me).

[Icefever]

43 minutes ago, MrMelons said:

As a supposed specialist store, I’m disappointed with their stance on it. 

I've been on their website and it comes across as a very good place to shop, but now reading about their reaction to you it'll make me think twice now about dealing with them??.

I also noticed that there are reviews on their products, if you get no satisfaction from them tell them that you're going to review this model??

Hope it gets sorted for you.

 

Ice. 

[Icefever]

30 minutes ago, General85 said:

I'm just worried if they send me a new lid, that it won't match up to size with my current pit.

 

My build did not have such bad gaps,  but now this seems a big problem with Landmann smokers.  You have to ask if they are all defect from the time they are boxed and shipped??

How many do we not hear about?? do some folk just think that's how a smoker works?? or just can't be bothered to do anything about it?? Another point I'd like to make, either the base or the lid has to be out of true, which is it??. are they coming off the presses like this??

Just out of curiosity if you have a set square, or engineers try square try it on all of the corners?

 

Ice.

 

 

[MrMelons]

1 hour ago, Icefever said:

 

My build did not have such bad gaps,  but now this seems a big problem with Landmann smokers.  You have to ask if they are all defect from the time they are boxed and shipped??

How many do we not hear about?? do some folk just think that's how a smoker works?? or just can't be bothered to do anything about it?? Another point I'd like to make, either the base or the lid has to be out of true, which is it??. are they coming off the presses like this??

Just out of curiosity if you have a set square, or engineers try square try it on all of the corners?

 

Ice.

 

 

 

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 

[Icefever]

If you do find it's bad, take photos that will be more ammo for you.

 

Ice.

[MrMelons]

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

 

 

[goldencrunchs]

Hey Guys,

Haven't been following the thread very well super busy at the moment with a number of things, but I know when I built mine there was a gap and it 100% wasn't working properly, however self adhesive stove rope solved this problem and after all the other lessons you guys taught me I've had quite a few successful smokes. I can take some photos of any parts for you @MrMelons. 

If you don't know, I bought this exact smoker as my first smoker too and got the newbie of the year award on this forum for all the silly mistakes I made and things I learnt as a consequence haha!