My DIY indirect slow & low setup on my Weber Kettle / Slow & Sear Hack

Wanted to share a little video on how I setup my Weber Kettle for indirect slow & low cooks. Basically it works the same way as the slow & sear for your Weber Kettle, but this way cost's a hell of a lot less. You be the judge
Below are the links that I talked about check them out give them a 👍🏼 & subscribe to their channel.
“Meathead BBQ”
/ @meatcranium4280
"Heavy Metal BBQ”
/ @heavymetalbarbque
/ fiorinojv819
/ 605371879587207

[@shamismcswigins453]

You could save more money by not using the “Weber” aluminum foil pan and get one from dollar store instead, after all you are all about saving money ;)

[@smokinjoes9383]

Shamis McSwigins I totally agree lol but, the Weber foil pan lasts a lot longer. 👍🏼 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. Happy Smokin’ -Joe

[@hwanjung8230]

I bought 2 at the dollar store. It worked well

[@razorpit]

I like this setup with one change. The drip pan is good where it’s at but I don’t use it as my water pan. Instead I bought a bread pan since they’re a little more heavy duty, fill it with water and put it on the grill above the briquettes. The water will boil at 212° and keep things nice and moist in there. For the money you spend on a SnS you are better off just buying a WSM.

[@ratking948]

How many coals do you start with usually? I usually keep my top vents open for exhaust but you close those halfway and the bottom to a quarter eh? Don’t want to buy no SNS. That fancy gimmick is close to $200 here in Canada.

[@smokinjoes9383]

I start out with 10 charcoal briquettes and place them in the corner. I live in Peoria, Az we have no humidity 95% of the time and running my top vent 1/2 open and the bottom vent a 1/4 to pencil width open to achieve 225° /250° That’s seems to work best

[@ratking948]

@@smokinjoes9383 thank you! Look forward to trying this soon.

[@smokinjoes9383]

@@ratking948 Sounds good! Let me know how it works out for you. Joe

[@roberttorres4887]

Where can I get a couple of fire bricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Robert Torres You can get them at tractor supply store, Ace Hardware and Amazon should also carry them. They are 9” x 4” x 1” -Joe

[@timduenas2120]

I made a slow sear too😀 DIY. I TOOK A RADIANT HEATER APART AND I USED THAT HEAVY DUTY ALUMINUM PART OF IT AND I BENT IT INTO SHAPE OF A SLOW AND SEAR😃AND I ADDED A BUNCH OF HOLES WITH A SCREWDRIVER FOR OXYGEN 😀

[@smokinjoes9383]

Tim Duenas Looking forward to seeing & hearing how everything worked out for you. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@tdtommy196]

I tried this hack yesterday. I had 2 fire bricks going across the grill as you do. Then I put foil down on the charcoal grate on the indirect side as you did. Then I put 2 more fire bricks laid down flat on the charcoal grate on the indirect side and put my water pan on top of that. I think it might have been a bit too good. none of my water evaporated on a 6 hour cook. My temp was a constant 235 which was real easy to keep. I think this is because there was so much thermal mass. However, after 3 hours, my ribs had an internal temp of only 142 degrees, so I wrapped them, and after almost another 2 1/2 hours they got to 190 degrees. Not a ton of bark or pull back on them, so I finished them off by closing up my vents and then doing a quick direct sear. They were good, but a shade tougher than the perfect bite, but I had great penetration on the smoke. The smoke ring was pretty much the entire inside of the ribs. I think I had too much thermal mass on the indirect side, and my cooking temp was not high enough to compensate for that. I'm going to try the same setup again, only next time keep my temp up around 275 for the whole cook and see if that not only speeds things along, but also helps with the bark. If that doesnt work, then ill try a cook without the extra 2 bricks.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, glad to you see you gave the setup a try sometimes I’ll open up the bottom vents a tad and do my ribs hot and fast at 350° i’ll still start out at 225°/250° just to introducing smoke to the meet them bump up to 350° for the hot and fast and spritz once and hr or once every 45 mins. Thanks again -Joe

[@prolibertate3499]

Best explanation I've come across, thanks for the video. I totally agree with you, why spend money on a gadget when you don't need to? Some guys have to have all the gadgets though...

[@smokinjoes9383]

Pro Libertate Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, Enjoy & Happy Smokin’ -Joe

[@bc454irocz89]

Slow n Sear is a waste of money... they sell the same slow n sear thing on temu for $22 that they charge 100 for.. just takes a month to arrive.. its all made in china. I made a bro n sear but i like this fire brick idea.. Did you have to cut the corners out on the bottom of the ends?

[@allieGirl146]

Genius! Thank you. Crazy money for the SnS!

[@larryholland7192]

Great setup!!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Larry Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, I appreciate your support and feedback. Enjoy & Happy Smokin’

[@klosepit2782]

Nice DIY set up for the Weber kettle looks like it would work just fine. I've done the minion method many of times but after seeing this I'm gonna have to give it a try, with the minion method you have to turn your meat as the coal burn down especially on the larger cuts of meat. Thanks for sharing

[@smokinjoes9383]

Klose Pit Thanks for stopping by and commenting, give the DIY setup a try doesn't cost much and you'll be happy with the results.

[@4000marcdman]

If the slow and sear was 75.00 I would buy one. The price is too high for what it is and how easy the results are to duplicate for free.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Enter User Name Here. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, doesn’t get any easier then that I still can’t see why others don’t give this a try before they spend the $. Thanks again -Joe

[@meatcranium4280]

Hey man thanks for the mention. I was hoping you were going to do video on this. That would absolutely work. I have a hack video on my OKLAHOMA Joes Highland smoker about Heat diffuser plates. Most this stuff is s huge rip off.

[@smokinjoes9383]

MeatHead Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Once you said something about this setup on another one of videos I had to look and see if I could find the old video of this setup. Wasn't able to find it so made this one. I couldn't agree more some stuff they sale is a joke. Thanks again

[@meatcranium4280]

Smokin' Joe's BBQ Right On Brother

[@terryyang2084]

hey dude i watched this and did it myself with some clay bricks (fire bricks liek 5 bucks each, clay bricks 60c each) tysm

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and watching my video, hope it helped out. 👍🏼 Enjoy & Happy Smokin’

[@goody869]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I'm a Weber novice who's been toying with getting a SnS. Going to give this a go very soon. Just subbed as well. Cheers!

[@smokinjoes9383]

goody869 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, I appreciate your support as well. Looking forward to hearing how it worked out for you. Thanks again -Joe

[@walleyeye]

I lime how well organized your setup is but how do you get that long a runtime at a consistent temp with that much coal? I find the inly way I can get that consistent a temp is by using a snake.

[@smokinjoes9383]

With this setup you only have to lit 5-6 Charcoal briquettes to start out with have the bottom vents open about a pencil width to achieve 225° remember it’s easier to bring up the temperature then to bring the temperature down in the Weber kettles. And if need be that you have to add some charcoal briquettes just add 8-10 at a time to help maintain your temps.

[@michaelstlouis2472]

I like that set up, i to have a kettle stove. was wanting to get the baskets for each side, but damn. so much $$$ they want. I will do like you have, also i put a temp gauge in my lid. it is off to the left of the vent. seems to work well. (fyi ) but thanks i know now witch way im going to do my low & slow.

[@smokinjoes9383]

I didn’t add a temp gauge due to the age of the kettle on my newer kettle I add a temp gauge that is adjustable/ has the turn dial so it can be adjusted once I get my grill grate temp to 225/250 I’ll adjust the temp gauge to the temp. 👍🏼 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video let me know how it works out for you.

[@robertlewis8965]

How did you cut your fire bricks... I dont know if your still monitoring this video comments but thanks for the layout really nice diy

[@smokinjoes9383]

Robert Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video, I used a 4” angle grinder w/ a concrete diamond blade to cut the fire bricks then you get a 4” flappy disc if needed to smooth out the cut. Thanks again for stopping by -Joe

[@Aonexia]

Straight to the point and Awesome set-up mate! Nice...

[@smokinjoes9383]

Curtis Kinoo Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. As always Enjoy @ Happy Smokin’

[@quirozchris7]

Nice video 💯 wanted to ask looks like those bricks are cut on one side did u buy them that way or cut to fit properly on the rounded side of the webber 🤔

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. Yes, the two end bricks they are cut to fit the side wall of the Weber Kettle. What I did was get a piece of cardboard and placed it on the edges and cut them down to get them to fit as close as possible then I use a 4 inch angle grinder with a concrete diamond blade to cut out the angle part, it doesn’t have to be perfectly snug just as long as it’s close as possible. Hope this helps out Thanks -Joe

[@tastysnack1]

Did you cut the firebriks to match your grill? It seems like it was made for it.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Joey Mathew Yes, I took a piece of cardboard as a template then scribed the angle on the firebricks and cut them with a diamond blade with my angle grinder. Thanks for watching my video. -Joe

[@utp216]

Awesome video, Joe! I might try this!

[@smokinjoes9383]

utp216 Jason it’s been a long my old friend! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video! Definitely give this a try you can get some serious long cooks out of this setup for slow & low cooks. -Joe

[@LakshayGrover]

I'm seeing different sizes of bricks. Did you break them in a way to fit your grill?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Lakshay Grover There are 2 full size fire bricks that I’ve cut the ends to fit the inside of the bowl, the other firebrick was cut to close up the difference of what was left over to close the center gap. Thanks for sharing stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@LakshayGrover]

Thanks for replying. Can I ask how you cut the fire bricks? Regular hand saw?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Lakshay Grover I used a 4” diamond cutting blade and placed it on a 4” angle grinder. Home Depot-Lowe’s

[@furiousangel6508]

Thanks for sharing

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video. Let me know how it works out for you. Joe

[@chevojke]

I love the method very simple and doesn’t cost you an arm & leg lol 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@smokinjoes9383]

Negan20 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@chevojke]

You are very welcome,,, thank you man for showing an easy alternative. I was pretty much close to waste my money. Thx again 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@smokinjoes9383]

Negan20 Awesome glad I was able to help out and save you the extra cash. You’re really gonna be surprised how well it works. I use the same method in my 26” Weber Kettle, this method is flawless don’t forget about the extra charcoal grate. 👍🏼 -Joe

[@mlzz805]

Would be cool if you made a video on how you cut the bricks to fit the Weber Kettle shape.

[@smokinjoes9383]

ml zz Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my DIY video. What I used was a diamond blade for a 4” angle grinder. 1st used a piece of cardboard to make a template and get the inside angle of the Weber Kettle bowl then placed the cardboard template on top of the firebrick and marked it then cut the firebrick using the 4” angle grinder w/ the diamond blade. Hope that helps out. -Joe

[@desartster71]

Thank you. Really good vid. 👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@smokinjoes9383]

Des Artiss Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@robthompson2610]

Watching your you tube videos, you can cook every pit master meats on the weber. Thanks for your info. Save us money. You can get sucked in to all the gagets.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Rob Thompson Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@genekatauskas6904]

Good dude

[@intensepisgahbiker]

That's the same setup I've been using for years too.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. -Joe

[@ChadRex1]

I am using regular red pavers I bought at HD for less than 1.00/brick. But the pavers aren't as tall or thin. where did you get those firebricks? I see them online for like 25.00 for a box of 6, I just need need 2,

[@smokinjoes9383]

ChadRex - thanks for commenting on my video, if you have a local tractor supply go there you can or should be able to buy single firebricks around $4 a piece. -Joe

[@breth9276]

Thank you!

[@gibzdeka23]

Hey Joe :) Whats a dimensions of the bricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Szymon M They are 4.5”x9”x1.5”

[@bbqbenny2947]

Nice video Joe. How did you cut your bricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Bbq Benny, thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video! I used a hand held grinder with a diamond cutting wheel attached to it which allowed me to cut the bricks nice and easy. Get a piece of cardboard and make a team plate of the inside angle of the bowl do a ruff cut then fine tune it to get as close a possible. It’s not really heard to do. Thanks again -Joe

[@ACE-kn4vc]

Great tips thank you for sharing.

[@smokinjoes9383]

ACE 01 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video! Let me know how it works out for you. Thanks

[@TyStyckify]

Good stuff and TY. Keep it simple is always the best method. The old kettles were made tough and last forever. Do you think the newer kettles can handle a lot of slow burns with the coals laying up against the porcelain side for many years?

[@smokinjoes9383]

TyStyckify Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video, the older Weber Kettles can definitely take the heat! The youngest Kettle I have is the performer deluxe copper in color that’s about 6 yrs old. I have done many of slow & cooks with it and have also done many wood fire pizza cooks on it, so far haven’t had any issues with paint flaking off. I have heard that the new red limited edition Kettle has had a lot of problems with paint chipping not sure it they changed the paint or this was just a cooling process problem. Once again thanks for stopping by and for your support. -Joe

[@easybackyardbbq]

Can you use this method and cook at 325-350 temps? I don’t want to spend extra on a sns. Thanks so much

[@smokinjoes9383]

Superman- yes, just open up the bottom vents more to achieve the higher temps. Thanks for commenting on my video. Joe

[@carlsberg1668]

I just made my own slow and sear type basket out of stainless steel. Works mint

[@smokinjoes9383]

Adam Would love to see the basket you made. 👍🏼

[@carlsberg1668]

@@smokinjoes9383 got an email or facebook link? I can send a couple pictures

[@smokinjoes9383]

Adam [e-mail]

[@chevojke]

I would see it too. Plz could you send me on [e-mail] 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rus8884]

Could u send the pic as well pls [e-mail] i use a small weber smokey joe so will need to make custom stuff for it. thanks!

[@richardblankenship5481]

I did this for years with perfect results but because of the fragility of fire bricks I was constantly breaking them. Ultimately, I paid enough money over the course of time that I delayed getting a SNS to gave paid fir a SNS. My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas so I’m the proud owner of two SNS’s (26” and 22”). Both work equally well as far as I can tell but the SNS is a bit more convenient.

[@smokinjoes9383]

I personally never had any trouble with my firebricks cracking/breaking up do to the heat unless you drop them then of course they would break. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. 👍🏼

[@richardblankenship5481]

@@smokinjoes9383 Most of the ones I had break were broken simply by falling over. I’ve even had one break when I picked it up.

[@smokinjoes9383]

@@richardblankenship5481 That’s not good at all, just curious the ones you had or were using were 9“ x 4“ x 1“ thick? I have heard the thicker one break easier as they are less compressed which leaves more air pockets in the fire bricks. -Joe

[@ALWAYSLOUDNEVERQUIET]

This video is accurate to this day!

[@smokinjoes9383]

AJ thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. Let me know how it works out for you. Any questions feel free to ask

[@stevenleifheit214]

It looks like you cut the fire brick down to place in between the two. If that is correct, what tool should I use to do that?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Steven Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, I used a 4”angle grinder with a Diamond concert blade with on it to cut the fire bricks. 1st get a piece of cardboard and get a template made so you can place that on the firebricks and trace the angle on it. Just take your time cutting them and wear safety glasses. Let me know how it turns out for you. Thanks again -Joe

[@stevenleifheit214]

@@smokinjoes9383 thanks for the help!

[@smokinjoes9383]

@@stevenleifheit214 Here to help if I can Thanks again

[@06dloya]

Do you have a link on where you bought those exact fire bricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

I bought them from tractor supply www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/us-stove-single-firebrick

[@06dloya]

@@smokinjoes9383 Awesome! Thank you so much for this. These bricks look like the perfect height for blocking some direct heat that may occur for bigger pieces of meat.

[@HiVizCamo]

This showed up after I watched a bunch of the Bro 'n Sear vids, and what a great idea, this is even less work! :D So those are the kind of bricks you line a wood stove fire box with? Sounds great, will try this.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video! Yes, same type you can find them at tractor supply house, ace hardware also carries them. To get the angle for the sides of the firebricks take a piece of card board and make a template and then drawn the line onto the firebricks to cut the angle out just on the end pieces. Hope that helps out

[@HiVizCamo]

@@smokinjoes9383 wow, tight tolerances there too, that makes sense! I already do the foil floor thing just to control grease in the kettle bottom and ash catcher, but here I see its to control draft as well. Great vid, thanks!

[@smokinjoes9383]

@@HiVizCamo Thanks again! Let me know how it works out for you, and if you have any questions feel free to ask -Joe

[@gdawg4ever119]

Now I can’t stop wondering why your other channel got deleted. I need some closer man lolol

[@smokinjoes9383]

My email account was hacked and KZbin wouldn’t let my account change to a different email. This was at least 8-9 years ago no worries

[@gdawg4ever119]

@@smokinjoes9383 I didn’t even realize it was an older video until you said that. Hate you got hacked man but hey I enjoyed the video, some good ideas there , and hope you never get hacked again. Best of luck to ya

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and watching my video, hope you’ll give it try. Thanks again Joe

[@edwardboyer7102]

Excellent idea thanks

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, glad to help out. Let me know how it works out for you. -Joe

[@chrisgiroux5267]

Great video, just did this today and it worked great! Thank you!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Chris Giroux Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video, glad you gave this setup a true and very pleased to here it worked out for you! I appreciate your support Enjoy & Happy Smokin’ -Joe

[@smokeycanuck8058]

I've used the fire bricks for years with great success. I use the second grate too at 90 degrees, great for lump, less little bits fall through. The SnS has a huge following. I've toyed with the idea but here in Canada it's $150 - I can get a brand new kettle for that. Basically I've been unable to part with my cash to date ;). My setup is darn near identical to yours. Costco great deal for large HD foil, fire bricks were $6.oo each - hard to beat that price. Great video, I've subscribed. Thanks.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Smokey Canuck Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my channel I greatly appreciate it. Same can’t find myself buying the SnS not when this setup works great 👍🏼 I agree with the Costco and he foil along with the meats they have too! Thanks for subbing and for your support on my channel. I’ll definitely head on over to your channel as well. -Joe

[@smokeycanuck8058]

Smokin' Joe’s thanks man. My channel will disappoint bro, it’s empty. Been meaning to do a few things there but I still have about 943 items on the honey-do list first :).

[@smokinjoes9383]

Smokey Canuck 😱 no worries all in time you’ll get some videos on there. 👍🏼

[@Freabyrd]

Great video 👍🔥

[@smokinjoes9383]

T-Dogg thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video.

[@cybersean3000]

Awesome idea!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, let me know how it works out for you. 👍🏼

[@jimbob4456]

Interesting, I would not think you would get enough air in there for the charcoal to stay lit. Might try that.

[@quailstreetcoffeeroastersm6674]

Brilliant!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Appreciate that! Let me know how it works out for you. Joe

[@jny78]

Very nice!!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thank you for stopping by channel and commenting on the video, definitely give this a try and let me know how you like it. Any questions feel free to ask. -Joe

[@RADDY1993]

Was going to buy a SnS but will defo try this method, its almost $200 to get one shipped over to the UK. Cant wait to try this now :) subbed aswell.

[@smokinjoes9383]

RADDY 1993 Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my video, Don’t forget if you can get and extra bottom grate and turn it opposite of the other so the charcoal briquettes are forced to burn into smaller pieces. I have used this method for along long time and it hasn’t failed me yet. Let me know how it turns out for you. Thanks for your support and subbing to my channel. -Joe

[@hwanjung8230]

Hi Joe, do you know the dimensions of the fire bricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

They are 9” long x 4.5” high x 1-1/4” thick

[@hwanjung8230]

@@smokinjoes9383 thanks, bro! Having a hard time finding just 2 bricks. Going to try your method when I get the bricks.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Hwan Jung Check your local hardware stores also ( Ace Hardware, True Value, Tractor Supply etc

[@hwanjung8230]

@@smokinjoes9383 thanks, brother!

[@hwanjung8230]

@@smokinjoes9383 found them at a tractor supply, smoked some ribs last weekend using your system. It was fun, but regulating temps on the kettle is a bit of a challenge. Meat head is a good dude

[@TheJohnnyMannion]

Yep did this for years! Great info for Weber owners or any kind of Kettle user!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Onion's Smoke Shack Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video. Thanks again.

[@ignanttv3006]

Are those regular bricks next to the firebricks?

[@smokinjoes9383]

IGNANT TV No they are all firebricks, the ones you’re talking about are just darker due to being used more then the other ones.

[@connietaylor504]

Thank you for this informative video. I plan to try this method to cook low n slow rather than spending the big bucks gor the SnS. I was wondering... what size fire bricks to use? Does the thickness matter? Did you use 4 and custom cut a couple? Thank you.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Connie I believe the fire bricks are 1”x 4”x 8” I cut the ones on the ends as close as I could get them to the shape of the Weber Kettle doesn’t have to be prefect but, you do want to get the bricks to sit as tightly against the side walls as possible. Buy 6 of them just Incase one may break. Thanks for your comment I appreciate your support. Let me know how it all turns out for you. -Joe

[@connietaylor504]

Smokin Joe’s thank you so much for your prompt response. Ace Hardware (local) didn't carry them so I'll check Lowes and Home Depot. My husband can cut them to fit snug against side walls of grill. God bless you for taking time to help people my sharing your knowledge. Keep the videos coming!!👍

[@calzadafamily6204]

I agree the slow and sear isn’t cheap. #me too. Saving money is good. I am sure 130 bucks will be spent else where

[@dadinthecityoutdoors]

I like the set up and like you I like to keep it simple at times.

[@rudyg1049]

Awesome idea! Thanks for the info hence your name Smokin Joe! Thanks again!

[@smokinjoes9383]

Rudy G Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, let me know how it works out for you. -Joe

[@kingmiller1982]

Cheapskate

[@smokinjoes9383]

No not a cheapskate just allows me to spend my money on food lol

[@aveysegal2667]

Great idea, thanks I'll try it

[@smokinjoes9383]

avey segal Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my video, let me know how it worked out for you. -Joe

[@chadwallace3598]

Why did you’re other channel get shut down?

[@smokinjoes9383]

Hacked into