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Leaking smoke - due to probe?
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Leaking smoke – due to probe?


Hey folks, I’m losing a lot of smoke that should be going over my ribs – it’s flowing out of the lid where it meets the kettle.

Is this because of the tiny cord attached to my probe? It’s so small – could it be causing the problem?

If so, what should I do? Feed the probe through the top vents instead?

My cherry and pecan is in need of emergency help here lol.

by spencer204

18 Comments

  2. ElGringoFlaco

    I think there’s always going to be some smoke leakage, but I’d recommend placing the cord through the top vents. That should also help extend the life of the cord as well, since it won’t be potentially damaged by being pinched between the seal

  4. spencer204

    Thanks folks – consensus seems to be: chill out and drink beer

  6. Ambitious_Jelly8783

    Smoke will escape without a probe… as carbon builds up on with several smokes, it seals better. You’re good.

  7. 6disc_cdchanger

    As everyone else said, you’re good and it’s  100% not necessary BUT if it’s bothering you-  lavalock makes a gasket and sealant that you can use around the lid to help seal air gaps. 
    I did it when I decided my kettle was going to be a full time smoker but it was more an attempt to block wind/air flow from the outside of the lid into the kettle to help with temperature control. 

    I also added a rubber probe gasket on the body of the kettle to avoid having the wire under the lid 

  8. Frisco-Elkshark

    There’s some heatproof gasket tape and drilled in probe ports available if you’re interested in a project. But definitely not going to hurt the cook nor are they necessary.

    I have a $20 Craigslist kettle that I’m going to turn into a dedicated project smoker but for the occasional smoke it’s really not necessary.

  9. iHeartweeddc

    It’s a grill, not a submarine. Let her leak!

  10. Ig_Met_Pet

    Not sure why people are saying you should do that. The manual specifically says not to pinch the cable.

    Just thread it through the vent hole.

  12. Riverboatgambluh

    Run the wire through the top vent hole. Those metal foldable paper clips really work well to clamp it down and fit quite well

  16. FunkyWind

    Kettles leak around the lid. All good and don’t need any mods, zero.

  17. Lower_River_6856

    Or put your probe in through the top vent? I’d be less concerned with smoke loss vs air ingress affecting your temp especially if it’s windy.

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