Mini GF Performance

[cinelk]

I am going to build the mini GF. How consistent is the tempature within the CC of the mini? If there are variances within the mini CC what should I expect. How does the performance of the mini compare to the Stumps baby xl or Assassin 17 or 24? Thanks.

[pr0wlunwoof]

I'm sure the answer to this depends on the running temperature and allotted time for preheat. I would be willing to say mine has less than a 5 degree temp difference within the cc when running at 225. At higher temps their would probably be a slightly higher variation as the firebox radiant heat would be higher, but that would be only speculation. I would strongly suggest getting a digital controller and fan to run the gravity feed. I wouldn't build another without one after having mine.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[cinelk]

I typically cook at 275. I agree on the digital controller. I run one on my BGE and it is awesome. Would I be able to attach it to the air intake valve?

[Elmacho]

I typically cook at 275. I agree on the digital controller. I run one on my BGE and it is awesome. Would I be able to attach it to the air intake valve?

Absolutely!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pr0wlunwoof]

I think it will maintain temp better than your bge. You wont smoke on the bge after you have ur mini. I will almost guaranteed you that.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[mp4]

Ditto on the temp controller. If you get one right away you won't have to spend the money on the 2" ball valve.

[okcsmith]

I am planning on mini build too-do you have a picture of controller install without valve?

[Elmacho]

Basically the idea is you can, instead of the ball valve threaded onto the pipe nipple you put a coupling. Then you can thread a reducer into the coupling. I use the BBQGuru Pit Viper fan, just because they have done all the work and make adapters for anything I can think of putting my Heatermeter on. In this case they make the adapter that threads right into the coupling/ball valve. I however would still suggest running a ball valve as well. Depending on your blower motor setup, you still want to be able to completely shut off all air flow to the smoker when you are ready to shut it down.

[JKalchik]

I just unscrew the adapter and thread in a plug. No ball valve on mine.

Edit: Besides, the BBQ Guru adapter comes with a silicon rubber plug.

[cinelk]

Are there any recommended modifications to the mini plans? I manage a nice sized sheet metal fab shop and fortunate to have a lot of tools available to me. I will be cutting on a 6kw fiber laser and bending on a 150T press brake as needed. Please let me know if you all have any recommendations. I decided to build the mini over an offset cabinet style cooker based on the set it and forget it advantage the mini will provide.

[JKalchik]

Removable firebox grate. If you don't make any other changes, weld up a removable firebox grate. It'll allow you to shake off the ashes during a smoke, dump the chute in case of a runaway and easy to empty the chute without a fire.

If you're going to add a firebox controller, build a pocket to hold it above the air inlet.

[Chromeski]

Removable shelf, storage under unit, removable ash pan, port for temp probes. Really depends on what you want. The removable grate is pretty much required. At least you have the required tools available. Not a bad idea to look at other build threads for ideas. You may consider using the brake to fold the sides rather than weld all the corners, but I think you have more experience than I do.

[pr0wlunwoof]

Most useful addition I have is the ash pan for the fire box. I was gonna put the lower storage shelf on but never did. Making it taller is helpful so food is more at eye level.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[mp4]

I made the stand taller on mine and if I made another one I would make the cc 3-4 inches taller so I could space the racks out a fuzz more. Right now large butts are a tight squeeze between the racks.

[Pete Mazz]

Right now large butts are a tight squeeze between the racks.

[Dirtytires]

Good catch Pete....I missed that one!

[mp4]

I figured that would get a rise from someone...I figured The Czar would be 1st to pounce!

[Bricklayer2]

Are there any recommended modifications to the mini plans? I manage a nice sized sheet metal fab shop and fortunate to have a lot of tools available to me. I will be cutting on a 6kw fiber laser and bending on a 150T press brake as needed. Please let me know if you all have any recommendations. I decided to build the mini over an offset cabinet style cooker based on the set it and forget it advantage the mini will provide.

Now that is just not fair. 150T Press Brake {Tools we love tools}

[pr0wlunwoof]

I made the stand taller on mine and if I made another one I would make the cc 3-4 inches taller so I could space the racks out a fuzz more. Right now large butts are a tight squeeze between the racks.

Yeah it is tight if your trying to cook all 3 racks with butts. I have yet to have the demand. I did add a couple more rails and change the rack design a little based on material I had left over. I hope I get to the point I need more cc space, but 4 butts feed an army as it is and I dont know how many disciples I need fawning over my BBQ skillz.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[pr0wlunwoof]

I used some square tubing and channel for my rack guides. Put rails every 3 inches down starting at 4 inches from the top. This configuration let's you move racks to fit taller things like turkeys or shorter things like briskets and halved chickens Dunno if it added any functionality, but it made me feel like I was being creative and personalizing the design a bit.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Dirtytires]

There is no 100% correct answer or a wrong one. Try it and see if it works for you. If not, quides are easy enough to cut off and move.

[cinelk]

What does everyone think of the slam latch that is specified in the mini plan. Seems like everyone goes with the slam latch, but I noticed others like Stump and Assassin use toggle pull latches. Seems like the pull latches will ensure a better seal. Seems like this could easily be incorporated into the mini plan, just make the door a little wider and put the hinges on the right side. What does everyone think?

Pull Toggle vs slam latch

2018-10-31_12-11-05.jpg (15.54 KiB) Viewed 1136 times

[Dirtytires]

Either would work. Drawback on pull latches is that they take a little more work (2 hands) to close.

[pr0wlunwoof]

I think the slam latch gives it a little shazam factor. Both ways work and the pull latches are allot less money. That slam latch is cool though and you can use your hip or foot or beer to close it when you need too.