jonj

Nice setup and cabinet!

6 hours ago, Basher said:

And my mum made tiles arrived today.

Wow!

All this KK Shopping Network peer pressure! Okay, I ordered the Modernist Cuisine steel yesterday:

https://shop.bakingsteel.com/collections/steels/products/modernist-cuisine-special-edition

I first made a template to be sure it fits the way I expected on the various grates.

More pics, please, sir...

I smoke a lot of baby back ribs. Used to do them in combo with St. Louis style ribs, but now I just throw on a pork loin. Like Tony, I never wrap them. I generally marinate them overnight in Wicker's Marinade & Baste (a vinegar-based marinade made in Hornersville, Missouri) or a dry rub if ribs are a last minute decision. I sometimes use both if I think about it and want to throw the change-up. In the KK at 250° - 275° F with hickory or an apple-cherry wood mix. Usually 5 - 5 1/2 hours to competition tenderness. I start checking for doneness when 1/2" of bone peeks out from the meat. We aren't fans of clean-bone doneness; seems overcooked to us. 

I do think one has to ask the question of whether a "one size fits all" wrapping technique applies equally between offset stick smokers and kamados, and particularly Komodo Kamados. Those with both types of smokers may have other opinions, but I believe the inherent moistness of KK cookers negates the need for wrapping, especially ribs. At least, this is the way we like them. YMMV.

However, if you were to offer me one of those 3-2-1 St. Louis ribs just off the smoke, I would eat it with a smile on my face. 😋

That is gorgeous! You must be very pleased with the result!

No locking castors but the weight, especially with a 32, provides lots of inertia. I have a 23 and while it moves easily once in motion, getting the motion started takes some effort.

Those with a 32 can add information as needed.

And yes, welcome to our not-so-little clubhouse! 

I use Boeshield T-9 mainly for rust prevention on hand tools and woodworking power tool steel tops (cabinet saw, jointer, planer, etc). It does do a good job as a lubricant as well. I hadn't thought of lubricating the KK hinge. Good tip.

16 hours ago, Basher said:

Fire pit is done.

Your backyard just keeps getting better and better!

In my opinion, removing the dome is not a big deal. I have had mine off (two different KKs) a couple of times and the tolerances are such I’ve found they usually don’t need much adjusting. If they do, it is usually a minor matter. There are a few threads here on how to do it.

Base weight is about 340 pounds. Dome is another 120.

I have a KK23 and they are heavy. I would suggest removing the dome and firebox (assuming it has never been used - it is a one-time opportunity) to lighten it and using a well-supported and secured ramp for the steps. Direct vertical lifting of a 23 will indeed take four people.

He can plug but he can’t hide...

Excellent!

45 minutes ago, Pequod said:

The great advantage of Kamados is that one tool can cover a lot of ground with excellent results, reducing or eliminating the need for multiple cookers.

Except for Charles...

I ordered a bag to give it a try.

Beautiful!

+1 on PBW.

I think I remember older KKs used a square rod to transition and newer ones use hex. 

I like the sparkless idea. If JD is indeed so, I'll have to give it a try. Fogo, on the other hand...

Still got the bong?

I use the smoker about 1/2 the time for BBQ, usually when the meat load is such I don't want to fool around moving it to add wood during the cook.

I have two different sized dutch ovens ready to turn into small and medium smoke pots, but, well, they are down in priority on the work list...

Congratulations in advance, Wingman and Christine! Two is much better.

Great job!

I have the same issue in my 2016 vintage KK23 and Double Bottom Drip (DBD) Pan. I thought until today (seeing Syzygies' fit) the interference was an issue with all the DBD pans. I also had the same issue Tony relates about the pizza stone and the upper grate, which I resolved as he mentions.

This thread prompted me to look into it further. I don't use the DBD pan too often, mostly because it doesn't fit where I want it on the middle grate. After some checking this afternoon, I believe the actual issue is the handle location on the DBD Pan, not the bend or lack thereof of the middle grate handles.

The actual balance point of the DBD pan is located in the forward 1/3 of the handles (as they are welded on the pan) noted with the blue tape on the photos below, instead of at the center of the handles. The handles could (should?) be welded to the DBD pan approximately about 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5 cm) forward of their current location (at least on mine), at which point they would clear the middle grate handles and actually provide better balance for the DBD pan at the center of its handles. Which would be helpful if the DBD pan was full of water, drippings or stainless steel chain...

This would eliminate the need to bend the middle grate handles (and risk a broken thumb, as I can attest from experience as these do not bend easily, at least as it applies to the charcoal basket. But that is another story). Such a method would require a significant bend on mine to clear the DBD pan handles and also reduce the clearance between these handles and the KK body (which may be seen in Syzygies' photo). I assume the curve in my grate handles was done to provide better hand clearance when placing the grates into the KK (Thanks!).

Changing the location of the handles on future DBD pans to their natural balance point would seem to be a more elegant and simpler solution.

Some photos for context.

DBD pan on middle grate in an appropriate location for cooking on the main grate, which would be located above in the actual KK, showing handle interference:

Blue tape indicates the natural balance point of the DBD pan in the front 1/3 instead of the middle of its handles.

Moving the pan forward on the middle grate still doesn't clear the grate handles and runs the DBD pan into the "T" handle of the hinged part of the middle grate:

Moving the DBD pan forward to completely clear the handle interference between the DBD pan and middle grate handles results in the DBD pan too far forward to fit into the KK.

Obviously, I have a lot of time on my hands given the U.S. and Kansas stay-at-home orders. My apologies for the length. As for my DBD pan, I will just continue to locate it on the charcoal basket handles rather than try to bend the middle grate handles. One broken thumb is enough.

Just a friendly suggestion for future KK improvements...

Jon