Newbie looking for advice - #1 in detached garage?

[pax238]

Total newbie here, looking for advice.

I just got my #1 and am thinking about my setup. I don't really have a good, level outdoor area for a permanent setup without major exposure to the elements.

One option (the obvious one) I was thinking about is storing it in the garage on a cart and wheeling it to the open garage door area to smoke. A second option would seem to be putting it on the bench table that we have at the back of the garage right in front of two casement windows. I could either open the windows and the garage door to get some airflow, or try to attach some flexible venting and put that out the open window when I smoke.

What do you think? Recommendations appreciated.

(Mods: I don't know if this is the right place to post this, so feel free to move)

 

[swthorpe]

My smoker is on the back deck, but I have has a couple of occasions with rain where I moved the smoker into the garage.  I placed it close to the garage door and ran a floor fan in the front of the garage to push the smoke out.  This worked fine for me, and I suspect it will work for you as well.  If you are willing to give up work bench area, then putting the smoker on the work bench could work, but you will definitely want to somehow make sure that the smoke is exiting the garage.

 

[gregbooras]

Total newbie here, looking for advice.

I just got my #1 and am thinking about my setup. I don't really have a good, level outdoor area for a permanent setup without major exposure to the elements.

One option (the obvious one) I was thinking about is storing it in the garage on a cart and wheeling it to the open garage door area to smoke. A second option would seem to be putting it on the bench table that we have at the back of the garage right in front of two casement windows. I could either open the windows and the garage door to get some airflow, or try to attach some flexible venting and put that out the open window when I smoke.

What do you think? Recommendations appreciated.

(Mods: I don't know if this is the right place to post this, so feel free to move)

You could make a vent attachment for the smoker, but with as little smoke that comes out of these babies, put a strong exhaust fan in the window.

Another plus, is your garage will always smell great!

Greg

 

[SconnieQ]

I really don't see a problem in a detached garage. Leave the garage door open, and you should be able to leave the SI under cover. Should be plenty of ventilation to clear the smoke. It's not like these "billow" smoke. An attached garage might be more of an issue, but detached? I don't even see a need for a fan.

 

[DivotMaker]

We had a guy who set up a cool range hood area for his, for in his garage when it was really cold.  Pretty cool.  I've been trying to find it...

 

[NDKoze]

This is what Tony was referring to. Pretty slick setup.

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1257

 

[DivotMaker]

That's it, Gregg!  I knew it was Steve, but couldn't remember which one.  Haven't heard much from the Polish Q in awhile.

 

[pax238]

Thanks for the replies. The range hood setup is a really nice setup (way beyond what I'm thinking of at this point). I think I'll open the windows and the door and see what kind of cross breeze I get. If it blows in the right direction, I may give it a try on the built in table in front of the windows (after I move the car out... just in case the wind is blowing in the wrong direction).

 

[NDKoze]

The SI doesn't put out a ton of smoke, but what it does put out is pretty darn strong.

I would make sure your smoker is placed in front of the window that will pull the smoke out verses trying to blowing the smoke across the garage.

My 2 cents.

 

[mizzoufan]

Agreed with it going out the window right by the smoker.  Building a setup using dryer vent tubing should be pretty easy to send it straight out the window.  The only issue that might have is if the prevailing winds are blowing it back in the window.  Heck, for a detached garage, it shouldn't be too hard to put an appropriately sized hole for the dryer vent and put a hood on the outside

 

[SconnieQ]

Agreed with it going out the window right by the smoker.  Building a setup using dryer vent tubing should be pretty easy to send it straight out the window.  The only issue that might have is if the prevailing winds are blowing it back in the window.  Heck, for a detached garage, it shouldn't be too hard to put an appropriately sized hole for the dryer vent and put a hood on the outside

I don't know if I am missing something, but isn't there a giant opening on one side of the garage, called the garage door? Wouldn't you just wheel the smoker over into the vicinity of said opening? What is all this business with venting out windows and such? Smoke inside the garage, near the open the garage door, rain, snow or shine.

 

[jcboxlot]

+1

Crack the garage door (in bad weather) and a window for cross vent. 

Don't over think it.  I have mine in a screen in porch, never an issue (after the 1st hour

 

[pax238]

Agreed with it going out the window right by the smoker.  Building a setup using dryer vent tubing should be pretty easy to send it straight out the window.  The only issue that might have is if the prevailing winds are blowing it back in the window.  Heck, for a detached garage, it shouldn't be too hard to put an appropriately sized hole for the dryer vent and put a hood on the outside

I don't know if I am missing something, but isn't there a giant opening on one side of the garage, called the garage door? Wouldn't you just wheel the smoker over into the vicinity of said opening? What is all this business with venting out windows and such? Smoke inside the garage, near the open the garage door, rain, snow or shine.

My preference would be to have a bit more permanent set-up up at a reasonable height due to back and knee issues. Using a cart to move to that giant opening is my backup plan.

+1

Crack the garage door (in bad weather) and a window for cross vent. 

Don't over think it.  I have mine in a screen in porch, never an issue (after the 1st hour

As far as not over thinking it goes, that's one of my favorite things to do. If I stop over thinking things, what'll I do with all that spare time? :

 

[NDKoze]

I overthink stuff all the time. I sooths me.

 

[SconnieQ]

With a detached garage, I would think you could smoke with it almost anywhere, as long as you open the big garage door. Opening a window or two would be a plus. Should be no problem. I think the vent hood examples were from attached garage situations.

 

[mizzoufan]

Why would one want to get all bundled up just to go out and 'monitor the smoker'...by which I, of course, mean have a few drinks and/or a cigar...If the garage has a vent, you don't have to let all that cold air in  ;D

 

[NDKoze]

In a perfect world, having a permanent spot with a hood/exhaust fan, but this may be more work than some people want to put in.

I frequently travel with mine, so a permanent option would not work for me, unless I someday spring for a 3D.

 

[SconnieQ]

Why would one want to get all bundled up just to go out and 'monitor the smoker'...by which I, of course, mean have a few drinks and/or a cigar...If the garage has a vent, you don't have to let all that cold air in  ;D

The garage is detached, so the cold air is already there. And if you have a Maverick, or other wireless thermometer, then there's no having to go out to the garage for monitoring. Unless you need an excuse to get out of the house for whatever reason!

 

[cogGrease]

My 3 is set up in a detached garage. It's placed next to a window that has an exhaust fan set up. Maverick 732 and all is good.