4 EASY MODS for your Offset Smoker!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Items I used for this mod: LavaLock Silicon Adhesive: amzn.to/2LAxKmY High Temp Gasket: amzn.to/2LxLbUU Disposable Tins: amzn.to/2KUtoaL Fire Brick: amzn.to/2LGZruH

[@AveryW.27]

Right on CJ, I just got this grill a day ago. So I'm going to make these mods myself thanks to you bringing awareness to where the smoke leaks may come from.

[@sircavalli4379]

Very helpful, Nice video. Thank you!

[@blaznafrothunder]

@@AveryW.27 howd the mods go?

[@AveryW.27]

@@blaznafrothunder picture of perfection. I only had minimal smoke leakage, but where there was somewhat of an abundance of smoke the mods sealed it in nicely. I recommend.

[@MsDivanessa]

How did you condition your smoker? Do you use canola oil and smoke it for 2 hours? Just brought it, put it together, and got the items you recommend! Thanks

[@latanyasm17]

Thank you so much for considering the new comers on a budget. I'm new at grilling and don't know anything so there was no way I was going to spend big money on a grill. I got to get some experience 1st. I really appreciate this video along with the 1st one.

[@CookingWithCJ]

That’s great! Thanks much for watching. Have a good one!

[@raquelherrera8246]

I just bought this exact smoker for my bf for Christmas & read reviews on it so I knew there would need to be some improvements on it. Budget was tight so I couldn’t afford a big expensive one so it will do. Thanks for sharing everything used & how to do it. I know nothing about this stuff but am preordering everything used so he’s ready to get down once he puts it together. Thanks again for helping a clueless woman lol

[@CookingWithCJ]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dwyanejetersr6470]

You rockin' it bro, thanks for the tips!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you! Cheers

[@davlord9470]

Just picked one of these up on sale. Was very happy to find this and your first video for an honest review and showing. Thank you for taking the time to make both of these videos. Definitely going to put these tactics to use when I assemble and do my first burn. Will be following you for more of this content.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks much. Cheers

[@MelsSimpleMeals]

Great and easy mods that actually seem easy enough to make all of it worth doing for sure !! Such a great option for people on a budget. Thanks for sharing and looks great !

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks Mel! I appreciate ya stopping by and watching. Cheers!

[@roki5337]

Ha ha keyboard commandos!! I like that!! Thank you very much for this video I just purchased this grill and loved the price but appreciate the video to help me make the best of my purchase!!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Right on! I really need to get back to cooking on it more. I set up a BBQ specific channel last week called Cj’s Que. Check it out for more cooks using it. Appreciate you watching! Cheers

[@roki5337]

@@CookingWithCJ nice I just subscribed! That chicken looks amazing.

[@CookingWithCJ]

R Oki awesome! Thanks much! Appreciate the support!

[@roki5337]

@@CookingWithCJ smoked some chicken and salmon last week came out so delicious! The modifications worked.

[@CookingWithCJ]

R Oki right on!! Thanks for letting me know!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I had the same issues with my old Oklahoma Joe Combo grill. I like that you took the time to explain the problem, plan of attack, and then the solution. Good detailed video… and it worked! CJ, to you and your family, have a safe and great 4th of July (Oh… and take the day off… it’s my birthday!).

[@CookingWithCJ]

Hey thank you sir! Same to you and happy birthday! Mine is Saturday, so I'll be celebrating too. Cheers!

[@daddydutchbbq]

Great job brother. Very good explanations and how to !

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks Dutch! Appreciate it.

[@FLASK904]

Yo! Boss! Appreciate the low budget hacks man. Like other channels on KZbin think everybody be rollin Benjamin's! I got this model and I am a beginner, so hoping to implement these.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Right on! It’ll do the job for sure. Cheers

[@darrencooper594]

Great video. I just got one last week I will do this sealing now. One note about the chimney I actually put the chimney through the hole and screwed the pages on from the inside out. I didn’t get much leakage doing it this way.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Darren Cooper right on. Glad it worked. I ended up doing a few mods and sealing it. Worked out well too. Appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@mikewilkins9343]

Thanks for showing the mods,it comes in handy. I got the same grill n it’s awesome,thanks for the tips!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Very cool! Cheers!

[@EROK21611]

Put mine together this weekend. One thing I noticed is for smoke stack if you insert from inside of grill then bolt it down. Didn't see any smoke escape this weekend from there

[@momeetamee007]

I like the wind chimes. This grill may be our first charcoal grill. Your video is very helpful. Thanks

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!

[@joerodriguez305]

CJ thanks for all the great tips. I just bought the same pit me smoking it out for the first time. Working great so far.. Your videos were awesome.

[@CookingWithCJ]

That’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know. Cheers

[@ldgboogy]

Hey man thanks for the videos! I have the same exact Grill doing the same exact mods LOL excited to see how everything works out for you and to compare notes with what I'm dealing with keep them coming man thank you. There's not many videos on KZbin on this Grill you're the only one out here doing it thanks

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks Larrie! It's not a widely used smoker, but I figure there are enough people buying them. Hopefully it helps them out. Cheers!

[@tommyreed8537]

Good show bro! Definitely some good mods. I've grabbed some rope gasket that im going to try on the sides at the lid. Also a couple of thermometers im going to install lower down closer to the cooking area. Keep bringing the great vids bud.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks brother! Let me know if you come across anything interesting too. Have a great 4th. Cheers

[@thegalleryBBQ]

every grill could use a Mod or two to make it better and yours. good stuff brotha!

[@CookingWithCJ]

The Gallery Backyard BBQ thanks Tommy! Cheers!

[@michaelfish3846]

Just bought this smoker for myself. Definitely going to do the mods. Thanks for the vid. Be Safe. Definitely subscribing to your channel.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Michael Fish thanks brother. Appreciate ya joining the Crew. I’ve actually set up a bbq channel too. Check it out. kzbin.info/door/HOpPBuq7_DKl2Z7Y_e46mA

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Hey CJ! You are headed in the right direction! Sealing it and getting that draw and ample airflow through the pit is the key. Using those small splits gives you the control on maintaining steady temps. You will see.....it's a lot easier to add... than to try and reduce temp. Thanks for the mention......Metal On! 🔥 \m/

[@CookingWithCJ]

Heavy Metal Bar-B-Que cheers brother, thanks for the guidance. I like the small splits is cool, but I have a small axe and afraid I’m going to chop off and finger cutting the splits down... Lmao! Cheers brother

[@kingkielbasa2991]

Great mods on the smoker Cj ! Cant wait to see cook a brisket

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks brother! Cheers

[@eastwindfarms3671]

Good job CJ, Happy 4Th!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Eastwind Farms thanks brother! You too! Cheers

[@LazyCookPete]

Great mods CJ. TFS! 👍

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks Pete! Cheers!

[@brianplumlee6238]

I have the same smoker and I put my chimney through the top not screwed it on top and it actually sealed pretty good by itself that way.

[@princeryell]

Thanks for the mod video. I bought this smoker and used it for the first time. So thanks to u, I ordered all the stuff. I'm gonna put em on and see what happens! Cause there was no way I was gonna fork out 300$ for a smoker.

[@LouisatRshackBBQ]

Way to seal that baby up - definitely an improvement. I need to order some gasket - will follow your link buddy.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks LT! Have a good one!

[@jasonshapiro4895]

Solid video. Thanks for the heads up. Merry Christmas.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@paulstyles5483]

Thank you for the video. Bought one of these and all the mods at the same time Big help when I did my first cook and came out great!!!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Awesome!

[@meatcranium4280]

Huge improvement. Kind of funny what a little bit of money can do to upgrade a cheaper offset.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Definitely! Thanks brother. Have a good one.

[@nic3065]

I really appreciate this vid (and the other one you did for the build). I thought I was going crazy with how much charcoal/wood I burned through during my first couple cooks. Looking forward to adding these mods and making my first grill work a lot more efficiently

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!!

[@tonyjackson256]

Great video, one thing I did notice is you have the stack flange on the outside. Put the stack in from inside the lid with the flange on the inside, cuts down on loss of smoke.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yeah definitely my mistake

[@GreyCountyGrillin]

A bunch of mods on your cooker...who do you think you are, Phil in Florence!?! 😆😆😆 Nice job CJ! You made a world of difference on that stick burner with just a few simple mods!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Everyone strives to be PIF! LOL Thanks brother!

[@mikemagnifico524]

Hi CJ , thank you for these helpful tips. Question, I noticed the way you have the brackets on the cover of the firebox was the way I initially went to do it but the door came down too far so what i ended up doing is folding the brackets and screwing from the inside not the inside of the firebox so when you close the door all you see is the hinges and when I did that it seemed correct now that I'm seeing yours I'm realizing It could probably be done both ways. Whats your thoughts ?

[@flyingclosetotheground8523]

Thank you for taking the time to show us all the mods in detail. You video shows a huge difference before and after.

[@CookingWithCJ]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@brucerockhill5082]

Bro just subscribed and your video is very easy to understand your great at explaining so someone like myself can understand lol but what did you us for fire brick Thanks and keep posting Smoking tokin and chokin 🤘

[@RobsBackyardBBQ]

Great detailed video CJ - looks good!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks brother! Cheers

[@tolofish83]

Please make a grill review of this model, I can't find it anywhere.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Nice and easy mods CJ! Well done!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Tom Horsman thank you sir! Means a lot.

[@tri-tipjunkie]

Great video very helpful I need to do the same to my offset. Thanks

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks much! Appreciate ya stopping by!

[@MargaretsMakeandBake]

Hey CJ, Just finished watching these 2 vids about your smoker and found them real interesting. Watching how you sealed the leaks to give a more even temperature. Thanks for the info....👍

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks much! Take care

[@antekozina9747]

Hey man thanks for making this video i just bought one of these and look forward to learning how to smoke like a pro these are definitely some good mods Keep up the good work man

[@CookingWithCJ]

Hey thanks much! Cheers!

[@kujop1]

Could you just line the offset with foil?

[@k1rschbomb5]

I just got this smoker and noticed there isn’t a hole for grease drippings? What do you do for that

[@NorthTexasBBQAddicts]

Good info for people getting new pits man

[@CookingWithCJ]

What's New BBQ thanks KC! Cheers brotha!

[@CookingwithStephennJacklyn]

HI CJ Great mods on the smoker. Have a great week and Happy 4th of July.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Hey thanks! you too!

[@BlazeT3D]

Have you had any issues with the strip gasket coming off from use?

[@IRastahFari]

Did you season the smoker before all this? And if so, how did you do so?

[@CookingWithCJ]

I just fired up to 375-400 for like 30-45 min. Some people spray the inside with canola oil. I didn’t on this one.

[@thegrumpyolgringo]

Great cheap and simple mods should improve your smoking experience. Nicely Done. Thanks for sharing. 😎.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks again! Cheers!

[@SoufCentrol]

Wait, I put my chimney through and screwed it not right on top. Did I do it wrong? 🤔

[@CookingWithCJ]

Honestly I think I did it wrong.

[@TheSaltedPepper]

Great tips!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks Louise!

[@ldgboogy]

Try turning the ash pan upside down in a move the coal bed up higher for better heat into the main chamber and have more clearance underneath for airflow and Ash removal

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks, great tip!

[@ldgboogy]

That's awesome man thanks for the vids. I'm a subscriber!!!

[@RickTheStick]

Nice mods to the your offset. I see you made your own "Ash Kicker" tray for the firebox lol! If you haven't see the ads for it look it up its hilarious. Another great video!

[@CookingWithCJ]

I’ll look it up. Thanks brother

[@EROK21611]

Just received the model cc1830fc as a wedding gift. Not sure if this is a better model or not. But thanks for these videos if my royal gourmet model has the same leaks I'll pick up those items from your store!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Right on. Hope it helps.

[@NathanLJustice]

This was helpful. Thanks.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!!

[@The_Truth_]

Pro tip to keep firebox clean. I did the same for inside of grill 2x with water, but didn't think to use the tins in fire box

[@k1rschbomb5]

Did you put the lava lock in between the two pieces of the actual firebox ?

[@CookingWithCJ]

No just in the seem of where it connects.

[@jl_finesse]

What does the fire brick do?

[@CookingWithCJ]

Helps hold in heat.

[@cool98ish]

Hi CJ! I just came across your videos! I'm about to do these mods to my offset smoker too. Question, where did you get the charcoal basket? I've been trying to find one for mine but no luck. I also did not see it on your amazon store.

[@CookingWithCJ]

This is an older video, I’m honestly not sure. Sorry

[@jaybatemen4497]

Awesome Got Pan, Got gasket. Grill still box however. Oh got cover

[@CookingWithCJ]

Lol. Story of my life. Get a grill. Stare at the box for weeks, build when wife finally yells at me to get the box out of the garage.

[@curtisrogers4190]

I just came across this company and found your video. I see this is a couple years old, do you still have the smoker? How has it held up?

[@CookingWithCJ]

I ended up giving it to a friend, he still has it and uses it. Not bad for a cheapy little pit.

[@rlcarrcarr3095]

Great video how many st.louis ribs do you think it will cook whole

[@CookingWithCJ]

Appreciate it. I think you could probably get 4 in there. Thanks for watching

[@MrJasonvanbrusselen]

You live in south FL cj, I see those palm trees! Watching your video today, my first day using my grill...

[@CookingWithCJ]

Nah I’m in SoCal. Pretty close to same. Appreciate you watching. Cheers!

[@marksorensen5720]

I just bought one and followed the directions and if you follow them correctly and and insert the chimney from the inside then volt it it doesn't leak. Other than that great video thank you

[@marksorensen5720]

Just saw Eric's comment after this post he said it nicer sorry lol. U still gained a subscriber

[@CookingWithCJ]

LOL! All good. Yeah I missed it. Thanks!

[@williamgalloway7262]

good video. if you leave main door oprn until the fire burns clean you won't get the off smole taste in the food at all' Jist a suggestion

[@dhoser9296]

Great video. But does it really matter that smoke is leaking out several places? Seems to me as long as it's in the cooking chamber the meat will get smoked.

[@CookingWithCJ]

It would ruin your cook, but it’s good to have a concentrated consistent smoke when there are no links.

[@daddyzac62]

Great Video

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks!

[@samiatieh4658]

This guy is great.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks!!

[@johnmcgowan2585]

I just line the bottom of the firebox with 2 layers of aluminum foil. When the ash is cooled down I just fold it up, take it out and throw it away or use it elsewhere. Good job on the seal project.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Great tip for sure. Thank you!

[@joshelmintz1]

Just bought this grill, what a bear to build! Thanks for the info on getting this thing straightened out! Did you do the season with the oil before you used yours for the first time?

[@ragtop91]

Would you recommend this brand of smoker if you had to do it over?

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yes, for a beginner it’s great. Inexpensive and works fine. And if you decide you’re not in to a stick burner, you’re not out a lot of cash.

[@ryanmccain1158]

awesome. thanks

[@305zel]

3 years to late but I just got one and the instructions say the chimney goes through the inside maybe that's why you had all that smoke escape

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yeah I mess that part up.

[@willie_style26simmons98]

CJ would it work if i just lay down a couple layers of foil to catch the ash instead? Love your vids man

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yeah I’m sure. I would probably make it the heavy duty foil though. And thanks man, much appreciated.

[@GreenhornBBQbeer]

Cool mods bro, I could try a few of these out someday for sure! L.T. sent me, new sub from Oxnard and we're foodies and drinkers too!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Right on! Welcome to the Crew! I’ll have to thank LT! Cheers!

[@tomasbiela5860]

Picking one up and coming thurs. Awesome video review on the off set and the mods, pretty hard to find honest reviews of this. Def going to mod it as well. Looking forward to learning this will be my 1st. Any other tips to using this?

[@CookingWithCJ]

So far I haven’t done anything else. I have a poor man’s brisket video that I did on it Wednesday. So far I’m digging it, especially since I did the mods. Thanks for stopping by and watching. Cheers

[@princeryell]

Let me know how urs went, I have that grill too

[@eatcreolesoul]

Awesome! Thank you for this!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!

[@strategicdroneservices3487]

Awesome, thanks so much for the video. Cant wait to make these improvements, used your links bud. Can I ask for a more in depth explanation on the fire brick? If I am trying to do real low and slow, less than 200 degrees, will the firebrick prevent that, or help it? Thanks!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Hey thanks! It helps hold temps. So if the fire dies down it helps keep the temp more consistent.

[@DGamer76]

I got the same grill and stuff for the modification. Could you use heavy duty aluminum foil for the charcoal ash? I was just thinking that might be another solution. Very good video man 👍👍

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yeah I don’t see why not, might be easier to change it out after every cook too. Thanks!

[@DGamer76]

@CJ I’m planning on getting a fire brick add on for this pit. Would I have to season the brick before I do my cooking? I just want to make sure I don’t mess up the taste of my food.

[@philipwood8776]

Thnx for the video!!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks for watching!

[@KINGDOMKONCEPT]

For the smoker charcoal pan you could’ve lined it up with aluminum foil then put the pan on top like you did.

[@marioarmijo295]

Hey CJ I have a question. Did you put some gasket across the back? Mine seems to loose a lot of smoke/heat out of the back. Thanks for all your vids super helpful.👍

[@CookingWithCJ]

No I didn’t, I wish I would have though.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!

[@marioarmijo295]

Ok... Yeah I put a thermometer in the middle at the back and temp was only at 225 when the top and front were at 300

[@diceflawless9115]

These are all great ideas except all the stuff you're showing us isnt on camera lol.

[@macscorner3139]

I have my smoke stack on the inside instead of the top

[@ajonline87]

You sir got a new sub I wama see you cook a brisket on this sucker

[@CookingWithCJ]

Hey thanks! It’s definitely in the plans for it! Have. Good one. Cheers

[@djahvelle]

J/k thanks for the vid bud!

[@sombreroy]

Chimney better from inside to outside. Instead of ontop of the lit. Less sealing use this way

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yeah I missed on that one.

[@richardtheisen6456]

Out didn't matter if it keeps smoke. Plenty of smoke gets where you want it. Just consider the leaks a ventilation.. You use the vents a little less. It's what you get for a hundred bucks. I used one of these smokers until the fire box rotted out,about ten years. Still used the grill after that. Don't leave ashes in it. The ashes get wet from rain and will rot the bottom out.

[@CookingWithCJ]

drumming old man all good points. Definitely get what you pay for, but if spending a few extra bucks improves things, I think it’s worth it. Thanks for stopping by and watching. Cheers

[@chloewalton3277]

Lets see you clean it out 😆

[@CookingWithCJ]

All you'd here is me breathing and cursing... LOL

[@chloewalton3277]

I did what you said. I bought the aluminum pans and it was still a pain to clean. I did order one of the bricks, but I haven’t received it yet.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Put some work into this video. 😎 I couldn't see how far off the bottom that the charcoal grate is. If it's not a couple inches or so you could put legs on it using some nuts and bolts. Get some airflow under the grate. Good deal. 👍

[@CookingWithCJ]

There's not much room. I'll give it a try. Thanks for the tip. Cheers brother!

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

@@CookingWithCJ I downloaded the owners manual but couldn't tell how much space it has under the coal tray.

[@richardlicata6895]

Nice🎉

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks!

[@jasonwilliams6087]

Fyi the stack is supposed to go from the inside right not mounted on top😮

[@CookingWithCJ]

Yep after this video being up for 4-5 years now, I’ve heard it about 100 times.

[@ДмитрийПивоваров-п9з]

Всё замечательно. Только трубу нужно вставлять изнутри 👍😜😊

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thank you!

[@markmennenga-ix9wz]

I would send it back after paying for what they want for it it shouldn't have a smoke leak like that

[@justinm.3594]

I have the same barbecue 😂 I think we should’ve just spent more money on a better cue.

[@CookingWithCJ]

Justin M. Lol! Yeah but I wouldn’t have been able to make this awesome video. Cheers for watching!

[@danieljohnson1564]

I have the same one, and make amazing food with it. Maybe it is not your grill.

[@HarrySatchelWhatsThatSmell]

Instead of the aluminum tray, try heavy-duty foil.

[@ericfitzwater8516]

HEY, HEY, NTBA BREATHEREN!!!

[@CookingWithCJ]

Eric Fitzwater yessir! Cheers brother!

[@djahvelle]

How's that sealant taste? 😂😂

[@LordLlama93]

Like bacon

[@fredito60]

Anyone ever tell you , you sound like Paul Walker?

[@CookingWithCJ]

Few times. Wish I had his good looks too!

[@CookingWithRexy]

Good video honey. You’re just a lil smarty pants. Hehe 😉 Anyhoo. Nice job honey. You explain things very easy.. Thank you. ☺️😘

[@CookingWithCJ]

Thanks much Miss Rexy! I try! Have a good one. Cheers

[@CookingWithRexy]

Cooking With CJ you always succeed honey. Have a great and safe 4th!! ☺️ Cheers 🍻

[@chloewalton3277]

I know you are probably tired of my comments…but. I bought the brick. It kept the smoker so hot, it burned up the wood in no time. Plus the temp inside the grill was a constant 400!!!!! Live and learn, but I’ll do what I have been doing for years. I also noticed you don’t have a video using this smoker, except to burn some charcoal and wood. I need to do my own video’s, I can do better than you!!!!!!!!!

[@CookingWithCJ]

I’ll make sure to tune and subscribe to support you!