How to Seal Up Your Vertical Pellet Smoker | Better Temp Control & More Smoke

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

Brother your daughter is ADORABLE! She reminds me so much of my grand daughter "Dumplin". We are blessed men! Nothing better than having those kids, help out on any project they can!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Well said! I'm blessed more than I deserve. Thanks for watching!

[@EndHimRightly]

Never underestimate his much your helper will learn from you. My oldest started as my healper then used his experience as my assistant in competitions to get into college (he had vast expertise knowing how to break down cuts of meat) in proud that I was able to teach him something that he could use to help his future!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I appreciate you sharing that with me. Solid advice. Thanks for watching. Smoke on!!!

[@mikeob7258]

I bought mine at Lowe’s on Nov 3 2021. I have 12 brisket cooks, and probably 20 rib cooks, and 2 turkey cooks - i do not recommend turkey or chicken in this. The only things i do to clean it are as follows: 1. Use as few pellets as needed. Unless you are going to sleep on it, keep it at a minimum so the pellets dont get stuck before the auger. 2. After every cook, take your leaf blower - i have a 1000 cfm blower - to the inside until you no longer see any dust coming out. 3. Use tin pans in the bottom to catch all the grease - and to add water. For the last Super Bowl, i literally had this thing running for 52 hours with zero intervention. The best thing about this, is that it will run at 140 which is perfect to hold your brisket overnight. It is not the best piece of technology as i find it will only hold the temp at certain intervals - for mine it will hold temp at 140, 160, 190, 220, and 350. Any other temp and it seems to fight itself. For example, i am currently cooking two briskets for Daytona bike week - i like to gradually increase the temp from 140 up to 200 for an overnight 24 hour or so cook. But increasing from 160 to 180 just did not work - sat for an hour and actually lost 2 degrees. Bumped it to 190 and within a few minutes it was at temp. This has been transported in the back of my truck from Orlando to Daytona twice a year, and has always worked.

[@leighhill9185]

Great vid bro! You know what I'm gonna ask now, gotta do a test cook! Haha I might have to do this myself. Great to see the kids getting involved, I have two younguns myself and they love it 😂

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Oh yeah. I’ve always got cooks coming up and we will see how the old bird performs. I’m loving my girls finally getting to where they can make appearances. They are such a huge part of my life. No reason they shouldn’t be part of the brand. Thanks for watching!

[@kennethmorrow740]

@@TheAmericanSmokedo you smoke with your rain cap closed all the way like that?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@kennethmorrow740 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWiXqqWraZucZ9Esi=bo15RodQIpAd-Ucw

[@justineubank6497]

Rivets might be a better choice but to each their own. I put lava lock gasket on my copperhead 5 and it's amazing. 1 thing about these smokers is the amount of dirt that gets on the fans. I went to Walmart and got the cheap green central air filter and cut it like I was making a box. I zip ties that to the outside of the fan boxes and that keeps a lot of dirt from getting on the fans and their components. I recommend cleaning the fans and their components every 3 smokes. Good way to kill an hour on Saturday with a couple beers. Love your videos dude

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Great advice! Thanks for watching and for dropping a comment. Smoke on!!!

[@williamfasulo2636]

Great video! I just ordered the latches and gasket!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@atm1513]

I bought the new elite and it's badass man. Shuts tight, no leaky door.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Pit Boss has definitely had their ear to the ground. These new units have upgrades that solve most of the problems people report with the older units. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@atm1513]

@TheAmericanSmoke yeah I believe so too. Keep on smoking!!

[@KLJ100]

Just got my series 6 elite and it leaked directly aimed at the side controller so all smoke and moisture causing the screen to create a black spot which clears after the smokes and moisture stops...and pit boss says it's not suppose to be a tight seal around the door or else it creates a pressure cooker...maybe but my water pan also shouldn't be empty after 13 mins on 400 either....Here was pit bosses reply.The vertical door will allow smoke to come through since we do not want it to act as a pressure cooker and pop the door open. As far as the door not sealing properly, I have several things you can check. Try taking the door off and laying it on the ground to see if it lays flat or if the frame is twisted. Then please check the rubber seal around the inside of the door to make sure it is intact and in good condition. Next, you can check the door latch to make sure it is tight enough. You can turn the screw on the claw side (attached to the cabinet) clockwise to tighten the latch. You may need to move the nut to tighten it more. You can check the hinges to make sure the screws are tight enough and that the metal is not bent. It may help to remove the door to see if the metal on the hinges is bent. You can also check the legs of the smoker. Try laying the smoker down on a box or chair so that the legs are not touching anything, and loosen all four legs. Then tighten each leg just a bit, and then go around and tighten each leg just a bit more, etc., until all the legs are tight, much like you would tighten a spare tire. Tightening only one leg at a time can tweak the cabinet so that it is not square.

[@atm1513]

@KLJ100 🤔 dang, got me thinking now

[@KLJ100]

Same trying to figure out what is right and if I'm being lied to lol Wouldn't be the first time a company has lied to me. Here was there email : The vertical door will allow smoke to come through since we do not want it to act as a pressure cooker and pop the door open. As far as the door not sealing properly, I have several things you can check. Try taking the door off and laying it on the ground to see if it lays flat or if the frame is twisted. Then please check the rubber seal around the inside of the door to make sure it is intact and in good condition. Next, you can check the door latch to make sure it is tight enough. You can turn the screw on the claw side (attached to the cabinet) clockwise to tighten the latch. You may need to move the nut to tighten it more. You can check the hinges to make sure the screws are tight enough and that the metal is not bent. It may help to remove the door to see if the metal on the hinges is bent. You can also check the legs of the smoker. Try laying the smoker down on a box or chair so that the legs are not touching anything, and loosen all four legs. Then tighten each leg just a bit, and then go around and tighten each leg just a bit more, etc., until all the legs are tight, much like you would tighten a spare tire. Tightening only one leg at a time can tweak the cabinet so that it is not square. @@atm1513

[@sanfordrhudy774]

Great video man. Those supervisors were on the spot,,making sure the job was done to perfection! Was just wanting to ask if you or anybody has had any issues with this same smoker, with the cooking grates being too narrow? Like the smoke chamber is just a little too wide, anything more heavy than one rack of ribs and they will fall to the bottom, on mine. Bought at Lowes, pre-assembled. Oh yeah,,im going to be making the same upgrades to my smoker, THANK YOU for the ideas!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! Sounds like someone gave you the wrong grates. Mine fit snug.

[@jayphilbin2871]

Thanks for the ideas! Gasket material already ordered.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Glad to help. It’s a cheap and easy upgrade. Thanks for watching!

[@scotc84]

I had to replace my latch because I wore it out and it flew off. Got a new pitboss one from where I got the smoker. Considering your fix. Looks easy enough

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

It’s not a bad project. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanrichter8517]

Already said, my baby girls name is Adeline Charlotte. 90% why I watch and 90% cuz you are awesome

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I like how you do math. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@asmxh]

Great idea with the extra latches. I'm going to put some on.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Both are easy and cheap upgrades. Thanks for watching!

[@jdmartin522]

I was having trouble with mine (same model). It's new but haven't noticed smoking leaking out of the door. But my chicken wasn't cooking like it should, so I hung a temp probe by the meat. I had the smoker set at 250 but the hanging probe was registering about 200. I had to bump it up to 290 to get the temp to 235 inside (in about the middle of the smoker). I may need to give this a try and see if it makes a difference. (I've been cleaning out the ash inside too, thanks for that video!).

[@johnmanthey2683]

Have you seen Head Carnivore's (Zack) video on cleaning the Pit Boss Pro? You may have a lot of ash build up in the fire pot. He has a real good video on what needs to be done to keep proper temps.

[@jdmartin522]

Yes, I've watched it, and cleaned out all the ash. :)@@johnmanthey2683

[@kennethmorrow740]

Great vid , only thing I would suggest is using rivet nuts for a more secure attachment of the latches.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Yeah, I knew there was a better way. Thanks for watching and sharing the info. Smoke on!!!

[@kennethmorrow740]

@@TheAmericanSmoke absolutely, your reviews of the series 4 are the main reason I ended up getting one.

[@stlknowswhy]

Come on maaaan! We need a smoke test! -EDIT- Just ordered those latches through your link! Great idea BTW. Thanks buddy! Smoke on!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

You know I got cooks coming. Just stick around. Thanks for watching!

[@sjc57]

Great video. I was looking at replacing the current latch with a ratcheting one, because of the issues I'm currently going through. The reason for that is that the door will not easily close. Certainly not as easily as I have seen you close yours. I have to grab it and then squeeze, and it still usually takes a few tries to get it to connect. So there is no quick open to flip or baste, then quickly close the door with one hand while holding something else in the other. Which is how most of us do things. Do you have any recommendations on "fixing" a door with these issues? Because of spinal issues, I went ahead and had Lowe's put it together (I know, I know). Then to get to know it, I watched videos on putting it together. lol I did undo the screws on the hinges and latches to try and adjust them. It helped with the gap you could see through, but it is still very hard to close. I have diminished mobility in one hand. But even the guy that delivered it couldn't easily close it. And I still held it still while he tried. If you or anyone is aware of advice that has already been given on this topic, please just point me in the right direction. No sense in having to repeat it. I have been searching myself, but not having any luck. I see the complaints about it, but no fixes other than replacing the latches, so far. Thanks!

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

The only fix I could recommend is something I’ve had one other person report doing. Take the doors off the hinges, get some pliers or something and make adjustments to the position of the hinges. Sounds like yours got warped.

[@BadDadGamer]

I was (am) having the same issue until the internal spring broke, then I had to use my thumb to open it (but it was easier) I ordered a new latch, under warranty, hoping that would help, and it just brought back to my original problem. I'm not sure which one is worse. I'm going to keep playing with it, because I love this smoker.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@AndyMcBeard it’s a labor of love. Smoke on!!!

[@MrNoLen5]

I just got my smoker yesterday. It will be delivered this Saturday. I'm really excited. I did get to see it at Lowes and did the paper test; the seal was okay, but I would like it a bit tighter. I'm wondering if you got any updates on if this voids the warranty? Because the latch was the only downside to me since it felt a little weak.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I got no news on the warranty. However, what they don’t know can’t hurt them. Haha naw, if you’re really concerned about it, reach out to Pit Boss and I’m sure they will help you out. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@supermilk70]

Just picked up this same model off fb marketplace it was never used. It still had the sales paper in the window. The door doesn’t line up very well and it has gaps. I’m ordering my latch’s and gasket today. Questions : About how long were the screws that you used ? The knob on the temp controller is missing can I order another knob or would I need to replace the whole control unit? I was thinking of using the app until got some solid answers. This is my first pellet smoker after using an offset smoker for years. I’ve been watching your vids for inspiration 😂! Thanks in advance for the help be blessed !

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

5/8 screw is what I believe I used. 3/4 would probably be too long. Get a new knob. I would turn it with a pair of pliers to make sure the control panel functions properly. If so, get a new knob. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@TheCut2009]

Thanks I did my first deep clean after a year still looking good and smoking no leaks

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I have never had much leaking myself, but so many people have requested a fix that I figured I should shine some light on the situation. Thanks for watching!

[@kennyg9018]

Good video and suggestions. Ruff ruff, that's what the dog said when he sat on the sandpaper. (Dad joke).

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

😂 I love it! I’ll be sharing that one with my older daughter. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@jp_two3]

Great suggestions.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrNoLen5]

Sadly, I just got my smoker a few days ago, and the auger seems to have a malfunction 😢. For some reason, the auger won't stop feeding the pit, even when it's off and just plugged into the wall... I tried to find a solution online, but there isn't one for an auger that won't stop turning. I'm lucky I was able to take the pellets out and put out the pit fire before things got really bad. I'm going to get a replacement soon. It just sucks because I was excited and even got a seal to make it better...

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

You got a lemon. Bummer! You will get it going though. I know I have had my fair share of bumps along the road. Keep grinding and things always smooth out. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@kaldric702]

Do you remember what size screws you used?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I don’t. There are kits that come with appropriate hardware.

[@wormwoodrandoms3919]

Great advice. Quick question though. How do you run your probe wire. Do you run it through the door and just pinch it in?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I run it through the door . There are no two hard surfaces pressing on it, so the wiring is compressed, but not at risk of being severed. Thanks for watching!

[@mattsedlacek9068]

Do you recall the size of the drill bit you used for the screws for the two latches? Doing the gasket and latches today. 🙂

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

It was a size smaller than the gauge of the screws is all I can tell you. Good luck on your install.

[@mattsedlacek9068]

@@TheAmericanSmoke Thank you. I always try to error on the side of a smaller size hole than too large. 🙂 So the latch you specified is a bit different now than the one in your video. It came with screws but they are too long. I used them on the door part of the latch but they are probably about 1/8" too long for the side. I just found some shorter one in my collection and will try them shortly. Thanks for the feedback. You did a nice job on the video.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@mattsedlacek9068 I’m glad it went well for you. Never throw away unused screws! It’s so satisfying when you actually get to use them. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@johnmanthey2683]

Pit Boss does have a separate gasket you can get to replace the rubber seal. If unit under 5 years old it would be covered under the warranty. My problem is moisture got trapped between the layers of glass and now I can't see through it. Pit Boss replaced my door once when the glass shattered on me.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Wow. I’ve been lucky with my door. No glass problems. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@YOXMAS]

Sorry if i missed it but what size/depth screws did you use?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

I don’t want to lie to you. There were close to 1/2 in long and not sure on the gauge. Just make sure to get a set of clamps that comes with hardware. Thanks for watching and smoke on!!!

[@Benjamin-pb6jo]

Does this void the warranty?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

It might If you tell them about it. 😂 I’ve made two warranty claims since getting this unit and if they agree on the diagnosis, they just send out the new parts. They don’t come out to your house or anything. I touched on this in the video. Thanks for watching. Smoke on!!!

[@BadDadGamer]

I'm about to try this fix, but I'm concerned about which screw to get. I can't find a single latch that comes with hardware. What i don't want to do is end up with screws ripping out of the side or something. Have you noticed any pulling or wiggly-ness? What screws should I get?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Half inch self tapping stainless or galvanized is probably your best choice. I’m not sure on the gauge

[@BadDadGamer]

@@TheAmericanSmoke got them installed and I love them. So much easier

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Smoke on, Carnivore!

[@lesliecoleman8766]

corporate has come down from nap management ♥

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

They had to dissolve the napping division, due to lack of compliance. A real tragedy. 😂 Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@jimmysisouvanh9283]

Would of been nice to see the smoker in action after sealing it up but thanks for the advice 👍

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching! Here is a rib cook I did after sealing it off. Extremely EASY and Delicious! Lazy Cajun Spare Ribs kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaaZqGutqt6Ar9k Smoke on!!!

[@Glory-Days-Fishing]

Question. I have the same smoker as shown here. It's brand new and I have done 2 smokes with it so far. I noticed it was taking an awful long time on both smokes. I took a temperature reading at the meat with one of my work high temp probes (I do heating and A/C for a living) with the temperature setting set at 200, my reading at the meat was showing 190. I put the setting up to 300 and the temp at the meat went to 325. I see the sensing probe is at the rear of the unit and very close to the rear wall that is hot from channeling the heat and smoke and appears to be a false reading. Is there any fix for this? sure seems like a design flaw. I called Pit boss and they question my professional tools. Say I need a store bought Bi-Metal oven thermometer to be certain to get an accurate temperature. I trust my equipment much more than a $3.00 bi-metal thermometer

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Just remember that it’s not an oven. It uses convection to cook with the heat source being at the bottom. Temps will vary throughout the chamber. I big pan of water at the bottom shelf helps regulate chamber temps, but your still going to have swings. It’s the average temp that matters. If it’s running lower than your set point then bump it up a notch. If it’s running high, bump it down. Just imaging the temp swings in an offset stick burner. Focus on the average. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@Glory-Days-Fishing]

The actual temps when set to 300 was 225. And then at 350 it went to 245

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@@Glory-Days-Fishing did you register your smoker with Pitt Boss?

[@Glory-Days-Fishing]

@@TheAmericanSmoke yes I registered it.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@Glory-Days-Fishing tell customer service you think your thermostat is malfunctioning. They will send you a replacement. If that doesn’t work call back and get a new control panel. Both will be covered by the 5 year warranty

[@aditihubbycookingvlogssupp1739]

Awesome 👍👍👍

[@brianbanks3044]

my PitBoss leaks smoke...i can see there is a slight deflection in the door but I won't try to bend it straight because I don't want to break the glass....the latches should do the trick...thanks...PS, I would have used a good pair of scissors to cut the strips of insulation...for some reason, the razor blade doesn't make a one slice cut and I think that caused the ends to shred

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Lord, don’t let my wife read this. She was standing there the whole time saying I should use scissors. 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@brianbanks3044]

@@TheAmericanSmoke i GET it....too funny...but then she would say, "Don't ruin/use my GOOD scissors"...that's why I bought my own "good" scissors

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Bro! Exactly! 😂☠️😂 thank you. I needed a good laugh this morning.

[@Grahame66]

Spend 500 on a smoker then have to make the door air tight?. Dosent seem right to me at all. These should not leak at all. My own new pit boss has smoke pouring out of the door where the hinges are Quality Control issues. I wonder if treager has the same problems?

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

That’s true! But you know, it is what it is. I’m not sure about Treager. Thanks for watching!

[@Grahame66]

Sir.. Unfortunately "It is what it is"is the standard reply to most Things/Problems these days. Pit Boss should step it up, or step off It' really is not good enough. $500 is a lot of money for a product that is not a necessity. Times are hard and getting harder. I bought in good faith a product then I had to watch your informative video on how to mend it before its used. Maybe im getting old. @@TheAmericanSmoke

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

@MrGrahameh oh, I feel your pain. We all do.

[@lynncagle9858]

Level that buddy was and is my issue. But it helps. Nice tips and thanks.

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Thanks for watching! Smoke on!!!

[@roblewis7214]

I will be ordering latches tomorrow….

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@rolltide5586]

Roll Tide!,

[@TheAmericanSmoke]

Roll Tide!!!