Thermoworks Billows Smoker On A Weber Kettle - Installation And Review

[@migsince82]

Hi there, nice video. What were your top and bottom vent settings?

[@learntobbq]

Top vents were 1/4 open and the bottom vents are completely closed. I am also at 7,000 feet so at sea level the top vents should be 1/8 open. When running the Billows you always close the bottom vents and let the fan supply all the input air.

[@lightman500]

I installed my Billows following your video tutorial and it came out great. Very easy and my first cook of chicken breasts went perfect. Temp of pit stayed within +/- 5deg F. We are at 2700ft in altitude so top vent was set at 1/8. Thanks for your insight and instructions!

[@learntobbq]

Great job!

[@lowdownone]

This video is very helpful, no way I would have understood this with just written instructions. Having said that, I am scared sh**less about drilling my kettle. Then again, a kettle is the cheapest grill you can buy, so if I have to screw it up....Also, I noticed that temperature controllers can be very expensive and I didn't even know Thermoworks had one that was cheaper and does its job based on your review. Nice work.

[@greatfallsboy]

Great video. The step drill works much better if you use some cutting oil...

[@WookieLove1]

Great video. Really appreciate your time Sir

[@scottdware]

Great video! I am thinking about getting a Billows, and I have two Kettles with Slow-n-Sears - this is exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@bart_carter]

Scott, how did you position the Billows in relation to your Slow-N-Sear?

[@scottdware]

@@bart_carter So, I actually didn't end up using the Billows on my Kettle's. I got a 22" WSM last year and have been using the Billows with that

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Nice Metal skills You got there! 👍 Adding a stoker of any kind can take a kettle to the next level! 👍

[@Rayzer2368]

Very informative and helpful video, thanks! Apparently, Thermoworks thought so, too because they linked it on their website.

[@jerryrussomanno7179]

What’s the background music?? Very cool!! Perfect low and slow tunes

[@learntobbq]

I get all my music from www.epidemicsound.com . Highly recommend.

[@jacobsteele7138]

That's amazing consistency!

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Guess I dont understand why you wouldn't mount it under the side rack? Keep it from getting knocked off and deflect rain.

[@learntobbq]

You have that option. My grill is in a covered area that has little foot traffic so was not that important to me.

[@int666h]

Thank you very much for this video! I’ve already bought my Signals, but forgot to by Billows... I guess, I’m buying it next month :-)

[@learntobbq]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnpische3847]

Question, in the video you have the air temperature probe down on the bottom charcoal grate. How come you didn’t install the top grate and clip your probe up there as you would in most cooks? Good video though!

[@learntobbq]

John - In retrospect, I should have done that and from now on will. But because the fan is moving the air around like a convection oven I don't think it would have changed the outcome by much. I might test to see if there is any difference.

[@rickzabala6020]

Thank you! How to use meat thermometer, do they go in upper air vent hole? Are the bottom vents closed during cooking? How open or closed should the top vents be?

[@learntobbq]

I assume you mean routing the probe. I just lay it between the bottom and the lid. I have a gasket that keeps the lid sealed. Yes you close the botton vents for the billows is supplying the air.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Very good information. What other pits do you use the Billows on?

[@learntobbq]

I don't for they are either pellet grills or santa maria style grills that cannot work with it.

[@jeffreyyoung702]

Sir, On finding these "3 points" about how far down on the Ash Sweeps did you measure down to complete the triangle?

[@Jason.F.]

Do you take your fan out when you are about to clean the ash out? I just went out to my kettle and turned the lever left and right and watched the ash movement. Even with a little ash in the bottom of the kettle it seems like ash would find its way into the fan. What is your experience?

[@learntobbq]

It just takes a second to remove the fan and that way you can clean out the bottom of the grill and also the fan. When the fan is on it blow the ash away but when it is off some ash is going to get into the fan.

[@bobs_retirement_adventures]

I got my Weber Master Touch today and before I assembled it fully, I drilled the 1" hole for the Billows. That way I could do it indoors, in my workshop. I attached the ash lever surround part and that was all I did before drilling. I found a website www.blocklayer.com/circle-templateseng.aspx where I printed out a 1" hole template along with a center hole the size of my pilot bit. I taped the template onto the masking tape. Then I could see exactly where the final hole would be and I confirmed it was centered and there were no conflicts. The drilling wasn't so bad - noisy but it worked. I attached the Billows and confirmed there were no issues with the fit. (What would I do anyway even if something was wrong??? Cry I guess.). I finished assembling the grill and now I just need to buy something to cook! Thanks!

[@kevinrutledge9602]

I did this for an old style temp controller that connected neither a metal bowl baffle. A few years in, my temp got too high for hit grilling that the hose connector on the baffle melted and I don’t really have a way to close the hole when I don’t want to use the temp controller and can’t actually put my fire out without it burning up all my charcoal. I like your technique, but I was wondering if you had any ideas of how to plug the hole when not in use

[@learntobbq]

You can get 1 inch plugs on Amazon that will work.

[@mathieusanterre1312]

@@learntobbq Could you give us an Amazon link as an exemple please? And could 🤔 it be a good idea to install a vent control? If yes, what do you suggest? Thank you

[@EXECUTI0N619]

as for someone new to grilling/smoking with a weber kettle. Is this necessary? Could i go without it? What would be the pros and cons of not having a Billows? Thanks :)

[@learntobbq]

You do not need a Billows to make great barbecue but it will make it a lot easier by controlling temperature.

[@stalkev]

Great video, by chance where did you get the side tray for your Webber?

[@learntobbq]

BBQ Dragon makes the side table.

[@great207]

Nice video. What size bit did you use to make the pilot hole?

[@learntobbq]

one inch.

[@2_LIVE_Que]

Will it work with the snake method so you wouldn't need to add coals?

[@learntobbq]

yes that will work.

[@thekettlecookers]

Awesome video. I’d love to see another where you start with 4-6 lit coals in each basket and a bunch of unlit. When you said you were starting with a full chimney I was pretty sure it would overshoot 225, but I’m impressed with how quickly it got back down to 225. A few questions and thoughts. Did the billows come with instructions for where and how to drill the hole? Also, I noticed your temp probe was on the coal grate, I’d love to see it in the cooking grate where the food would be. Lastly, how did you have the top vent set? Despite my questions I know thermoworks has well thought out products so I’m sure there would be the same results or better with my previous suggestions. Again, great video! I think the installation details were great as well as your detailed result reporting. I thought I was done buying thermometers and fans and all that jazz but it looks like a Signals and Billow might be going on my birthday and Christmas lists!

[@learntobbq]

Actually, ThermoWorks asked me to come up with a way to install on a Weber Kettle. I also need to confess that another KZbinr actually figure it out installing a similar product. Chris over at kzbin.info/door/N_rsQ8jYZeu92_BtnuXkEA . Chris did all the real research and he was nice enough to share. I did enhance a few of the steps trying to make it easier. I will now be doing a full series of videos using the Weber Kettle with Billows. This weekend Pulled Pork (hot and fast at 300f) and chicken thighs at 400f and cook till meat temperature of 175F. Also later next week will be doing hot and fast baby back ribs. 300F and cook time of 2.5 hours. I do them in my BBQ class and they always come out great. I am a big Maillard Reaction fan and if you are not above 280F you are missing out on a lot of flavors.

[@learntobbq]

I see you are a KZbinr. If you have not joined you should join Facebook groups - KZbin Cooks Community and KZbin Cooks. They helped me build my channel and they will always support you . Some have become very successful.

[@learntobbq]

To answer all your questions. No there are no instructions on how to install in a kettle. My video was done based on ThermoWorks asking me if I would do a video. I agree with you on just a few lit coals and let the coals develop heat with the unit running. Yes, I did have the air probe on the grate between the baskets for I was not looking at food temperature for I had none. I just wanted to see if the Billows could move enough air to equalize the air with no coals underneath it. The charcoal grate is actually cooler than the cooking grate in this configuration. Really appreciate the feedback and all the good questions.

[@thekettlecookers]

Learn to BBQ I think I’m in both groups! Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Not sure how I wasn’t aware of your channel already!

[@issombeituni]

So after the cook u just keep it on? What happens in grilling mode when ur doing wings with the kettle blazing hot?

[@learntobbq]

When you are done cooking just turn off the Billows and let the coals burn out just like if you did not have the Billows. As far as wings the Billows would do a great job. Just remember to leave the lid on so the Billows can control the temperature. I also use a needle temperature probe to monitor when the wings are done. The minute the drumette of the wing hits 175F they are done. the wings are done.

[@MrRatFinkster]

Could you comment on whether or not the charcoal consumption goes up with a fan controller unit compared to not having one?

[@learntobbq]

Remember the fire triangle? If you add more oxygen to the fuel you are going to produce more heat and burn more fuel. If the fan is running you should be burning more fuel.

[@mwverzola]

My experience is yes, with the billows, I believe I'm using more charcoal than without the billows. But, well worth it. I love this billows.

[@emf9]

What do you do when you want to grill? Leave the bellows in? Plug the hole? Or??

[@learntobbq]

There is a rubber cap you put on the billows so you can just leave it on the grill. Also if you want to remove it there are a lot of 1-inch caps that can fill the hole with the billows removed.

[@fncsxolevzz1949]

@@learntobbq Hi, I’m just about to make the modifications to the kettle for the Billows. I want to be able to use the Kettle without the Billows attached, you mention that there are 1 inch plugs that can be purchased, where can I purchase these plugs from, are there any on eBay? I’m located in Australia

[@learntobbq]

@@fncsxolevzz1949 I used this one - amzn.to/2WT3tUc

[@matteason989]

@@learntobbqdo the ash sweeps still work with the plug

[@learntobbq]

@@matteason989 It still works with the plug and even with the billows attached. That is why the hole is placed where the sweeper cannot get to it.

[@jaybutler9797]

The last picture of the rating scores had an adpter between the Weber and the Billows. What is it and why you installed it? Thanks

[@learntobbq]

There is a rubber gasket that is between the billows and the grill. This has to be a sealed connection for if any air leaks in the billows will not be able to control the air flow. That gasket comes with the kit.

[@jaybutler9797]

@@learntobbq thanks. But if you see the video it shows a big adapter 2-3 inches wide between the bowl and the fan, perhaps there is something deceiving the view? Thanks for your reply

[@jaybutler9797]

Just notice. It is a reflection of the Billows 😂

[@DuffyF56]

I guess I am a tad confused. I have a Performer version of the Weber Kettle and I am trying to figure out why you are recommending the blower be installed to the right of the Kettle when viewed from the "back" of the unit? Would not the blower position be related to where you normally build your fire(s) as opposed to any arbitrary "Right" or "Left" direction? Also would it not depend on the sweep of the cleaning arms and the orientation they were installed on a One Touch version of the grill?

[@learntobbq]

The right side works well for the left side the billows would be in front of the lower vent arm but it can be mounted either way.

[@DuffyF56]

@@learntobbq Lower vent arm? Do you mean the vent adjustment arm? On the Performer that arm is on the front of the grill a bit to the left of center when at the extreme of its travel. I suspect the orientation of the parts with respect to the grill you installed the Billows unit on is different than the orientation of a Performer.

[@learntobbq]

@@DuffyF56 I did the modification on a Premium Kettle 22 and I am not sure how that relates to the Performer. I would have thought they would be the same but not sure for I do not have one.

[@learntobbq]

@@DuffyF56 Yes the vent adjustment arm. When you use the Billows that has to be closed. Also, the hole is placed so that the vent adjustment arm blades do not go across the hole or it would hit the springs that keep the billows attached. That leaves three places the hole can be drilled in the kettle.

[@DuffyF56]

@@learntobbq Thank you for your responses. Yes, apparently the orientations are different between the different versions. Looking at a Performer and keeping in mind the desire to not have the hole within the arm swept by the cleaning/vent adjustment "wings" inside the grill, that spot that is not covered by either extremes of the vent adjustment wings is on the right side of the grill when viewed from the back of the unit. The Adjustment arm on the outside of the grill is at one extreme as I described to the left of center when viewed from the front of the grill and moves to its extreme position towards the right side of the grill. One thing I don't like though is the Billows will have to be slightly off angle...not at a 90 degree angle compared to front to back of the Performer Unit as the bowl is mounted at an angle. I have contacted Thermoworks and suggested they design and sell an adapter for installation of the Billows with an adjustable air deflector so it will allow the blower air to be diverted away from a fire location in the grill. As I am sure you know there are a multitude of ways a Weber can be set up and I am a tad concerned that the blower installation will become restrictive as to where I can then build and maintain fires.

[@JoeyDoingThings]

Would there be a problem drilling the hole about the charcoal grate?

[@learntobbq]

Just need to be sure that the coals do not go into blower. I made a little hood out of foil so that no coals or ash get into the blower.

[@shawnsgear]

Awesome video! Do you think this will work with the PK 360?

[@learntobbq]

I do not have a PK 360 but if you can access the lower vent you should be able to get it to work.

[@shawnsgear]

Learn to BBQ thanks for the reply! I ordered a PK 360 and it will be delivered soon. Not sure about the lower vent till I can get my hands on it. Do you think I can put it in one of the upper vents as well?

[@learntobbq]

@@shawnsgear I found this review and it talks in detail how to use the lower vents or as PK calls them "air intake cylinders". Based on this review it looks like you should be able to find a way to hook into these lower vents. Also Billows only works on the lower vents for this is where the fuel gets it oxygen. Here is the link to the review - www.wired.com/review/pk360-grill-and-smoker/

[@shawnsgear]

Learn to BBQ Awesome! Thanks so much! I will take a look at this review! Separate question...since I haven’t bought the Billows yet I was considering other options as well. Did you consider The Flame Boss? If so why did you end up going with the Billows?

[@learntobbq]

@@shawnsgear The primary reason why I picked the billows over the others has nothing to do with the fan. The Signals thermometer is one of the best Barbecue and cooking thermometers on the market. Also when you factor in the Thermoworks App with the ability to chart and store your cooks it is almost a no brainer.

[@mikesr3011]

Great video. From researching the Signals/Billows combo I see that the fan is either on or off. Other brand temp controllers use a pulsating fan so once the pit is up to temp it will cycle on/off as necessary to keep the temp steady. This is a concern. Have you had any problems with temp swings? Thanks

[@learntobbq]

If you look at the chart in the video the billows holds temperature extremely well and because the fan is so quiet you do not hear that it actually slows down as it comes to temperature. Like all temperature control fans you need proper placement of the pit probe and you need to let the coals come up to temperature gradually. Avoid putting in a whole lit chimney (my mistake in the video) or it will overshoot at first but it will then get back on track in 15 to 20 minutes.

[@JoeyDoingThings]

@@learntobbq the first lesson I learned was not to start off with too many lit coal, it makes it hard to have stability. The second time I used the Billows, I only lit a few coals, and let Billows bring the smoker up to temp. WAY more stable!

[@learntobbq]

@@JoeyDoingThings Good advice.

[@victorrhodes4474]

Hello I have a INKBIRD IBBQ-4T can it work with Bellow unit !

[@learntobbq]

No - The Billows was designed to works with the Signals Thermometer. I also works with the Smoke X.

[@johnnyaguilarjr.9920]

What do you use to cover the hole when not using the fan

[@learntobbq]

You can get a 1 inch plug - amzn.to/3B7FS4o

[@jakederuyter6141]

What's the side table you have attached called?

[@learntobbq]

That is the BBQ Dragon side table.

[@diydan6045]

Any reason why the hole is not drilled above the ash fall line?

[@learntobbq]

I guess you could do it but you want the airflow to be near the coals so the additional airflow can generate more heat. If you go to high the airflow will just go towards the top vent and could bypass the coals meaning the billows will have limited affect.

[@diydan6045]

@@learntobbq makes sense

[@bobfirebaugh3075]

Did you mention the size of the hole? At my advanced age I guess I have missed it in the second viewing. I'm trying to remember if it said one inch in the first viewing? Thank you.

[@bobfirebaugh3075]

Found it under JohnnyB -- a "one inch hole."

[@issombeituni]

Question about ash and drippings.. the bbq guru has a nice cap the protect ash and drilling from entering the fan is there an issue with the billows? Also how would snake set up do with the billllw or should I use the slow n sear.. or possible a minion method with a diffusers plate

[@learntobbq]

I remove the Billows and insert a metal cap I got that is 1 inch in diameter. You can do both the snake and minion for the Billows is below the coal grate. I do make a foil shield that stops the ashes from falling directly into the Billows.

[@issombeituni]

@@learntobbq thank u so much one last ? Where would u install itnon a 26 inch kettle

[@learntobbq]

@@issombeituni You use the same process. You want to drill the hole so the lower vents are clear of the hole. Go all the way to the right and mark where the vent stops and then to the left and make another mark. You will see the area that the vents never cross over and that is where you put the Billows.

[@issombeituni]

Added it thanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3TRc2Crm8-LsJI

[@scottschau9656]

@@learntobbq what does your foil sheild look like?

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

Looks good but I am wondering how to keep drippings from entering the fan? Anybody have a solution? Or perhaps it is not an issue.

[@txfieros]

I wonder the same. I have a BBQ quru probe on on my kettle and it has a cover that shoots the air down and keeps crud from entering the port and the fan. I think you'd have to be very careful with your placement of billows to keep drippings out.

[@daphlavor]

I use an aluminum lasagna tray or a turkey tray under my food, to catch the drippings, also serves as a water vessel too.

[@danielploy9143]

Watching this picking my nose, flicking buggers @ my babe.

[@je11092]

Do you recommend any gasket or cap to cover the hole when the ATC fan is not attached?

[@learntobbq]

Yes - Because it is a one inch hole I recommend a metal cap like amzn.to/2LLAAGO

[@fattypros82]

Just performed this mod, unfortunately the caps fell through.....which kinda makes sense, outer cap diameter is 1 inch, hole is 1 inch. Other than that, placement is excellent, will look for different cap solution.

[@oliviercuny7901]

@@fattypros82 Did you ever find a solution for that?

[@fattypros82]

Olivier Cuny I have 4 different grills so on the others I took it to 7/8ths, and the cap fits, loosely, my WSM has the one inch hole that I’m trying to rectify, found a 1 inch drain plug at Home Depot that has prongs similar to the one that comes on the Weber summit charcoal, but I lost it so I have to get another one, will follow up when I try it.

[@oliviercuny7901]

@@fattypros82 Thanks! I was thinking about using a high heat silicone plug

[@georgereid6514]

Helpful info on this specific topic. However a 14 minute video could have been edited down well under 7 minutes. I lost interest in a few spots but forced myself to stay with it to make sure I understand the modifications.

[@learntobbq]

I guess better to long than to short.

[@joshua7999]

I just dumped paint thinner in nine

[@theburningredbeacon9625]

I feel like such a rookie

[@SH4DOWTROOP3R]

ThermoWorks Billows... How to drill a hole

[@learntobbq]

But it is drilling a hole in the right place.

[@sullivanspapa1505]

Talk about TEDIOUS, what’s with the dramatic pauses!

[@learntobbq]

First time I have been recognized for dramatic pauses. To each his own.

[@bdr5150]

Quick question. If i dont want to use the billows. Is there a way to just grill normally still even though there is a hole in the grill?

[@learntobbq]

I got a metal plug on Amazon but you can also make a small ball out of foil

[@kv501]

What do you do to close the hole when you’re not smoking?

[@learntobbq]

Rollup a ball of foil slightly larger than the hole then push it in. Works great and is also easy to remove.