Gravity Feed....operations guide ?

[Puff]

Saturday I'm hoping to fire up the gravity feed and despit the tons of video on you tube and write ups by owners, no one addresses what could be a simple thing. The bottom ball valve drain.

Do you leave it closed and occasionally open it to drain out excess drippings

Do you leave it open and allow it to drain continuously

Do you just open and close it regularly through out the cooking

Thanks...

[Big T]

I don't know the answer for sure but I would only open it if it needs to be drained and then close it back as soon as possible.

[The Czar]

We usually keep it closed and only open it for cleaning purposes...shouldn't have that much drippings during cooking process...

[Puff]

Thank you both for that answer. I kinda assumed you need to close it but frankly, I've assumed things before that were completely wrong.

I see a potential side benefit with this smoker, I can open the drain to allow air flow to help burn my pellet tray for cold smoking and place the cheeses on the regular racks inside

[Gizmo]

Good luck Puff! Keep us posted! Good or bad - we've all been there….

[Puff]

UPDATE: It rained hard all day. Did nothing so I will start tomorrow and we'll see how it goes