Any of you fine folks use your RT680 in the weather? Store it in the weather? Smoke in the weather? Just wondering how it handles it.

I keep mine outside but covered when not in use.  I've used it in the rain and snow with no issues. 

I store mine in the garage. I wheel it out and have cooked in all kinds of weather.

I store mine in the garage. I wheel it out and have cooked in all kinds of weather.

This is where I am right now. I am thinking of keeping it out back with just a cover. Just wondering what others were doing.

I keep mine outside but covered when not in use.  I've used it in the rain and snow with no issues.

So you use it while raining?   Interesting.

The unit can handle getting wet.

Please be aware, quite a bit of moisture builds up inside a grill/smoker in bad weather if not being used.  They tend to mold very quickly inside if left outside and under one of the typical grill covers and not used very often.  They just do not breath under that cover and over time things grow, especially if you use it for only/mostly low n slow smoking and do not get it to max temp to burn off all the grease/fats..  If you use it every week probably not an issue, let it sit a month or two....

I bought a cover on Amazon with two vents.

The unit can handle getting wet.

Please be aware, quite a bit of moisture builds up inside a grill/smoker in bad weather if not being used.  They tend to mold very quickly inside if left outside and under one of the typical grill covers and not used very often.  They just do not breath under that cover and over time things grow, especially if you use it for only/mostly low n slow smoking and do not get it to max temp to burn off all the grease/fats..  If you use it every week probably not an issue, let it sit a month or two....

Thanks for the advice. Right now it is in my garage but I would like to get it onto the back patio. However, there is no cover there and likely won't be until spring/summer. I have the "cold smoker" attachment so I think the only cover I can get that is large enough would be the one from RecTec. However it doesn't say anything about having vents so that might be something I need to look at for airflow.

I actually was going to ask what everyone's experience with the cover has been. I grill all year long but have the grill cover on over winter in between uses. I notice moisture/condensation on the grill when I take the cover off despite the grill being cool and dry when I cover it. I'm trying just leaving it out uncovered, so far seems to be handling it just fine.

 RE: Mold and moisture ... Cold at nite. Sun hits the pit in the day. The dark cover absorbs heat = condensation. Add rain or melting snow that migrates thru the stitching = water.. Propping the lid open 1/8" to 1/4" with the cover on will help..Adding some sort of spacer, ie, 1/4" thick pvc (wont hold moisture)  between the pit and cover, on top,  to provide a small air space helps even more..If the pit hasn't been used after a rain or snow fall, remove the cover and hang to dry. Fully open the pit and let the air and sun in. Helps with rust too.

RE: Mold and moisture ... Cold at nite. Sun hits the pit in the day. The dark cover absorbs heat = condensation. Add rain or melting snow that migrates thru the stitching = water.. Propping the lid open 1/8" to 1/4" with the cover on will help..Adding some sort of spacer, ie, 1/4" thick pvc (wont hold moisture)  between the pit and cover, on top,  to provide a small air space helps even more..If the pit hasn't been used after a rain or snow fall, remove the cover and hang to dry. Fully open the pit and let the air and sun in. Helps with rust too.

This is a good breakdown. I like the PVC idea!

 
Forgot-MOST IMPORTANT:  NEVER EVER cover a wet or damp pit!

I guess I started this thread because I was mostly worried about the electronics or the pellets getting wet. Doesn't sound like anyone has a problem with that. Did anyone gasket their hopper lid? I was thinking about doing that but maybe it isn't necessary.

I don’t think the lid needs a gasket as it overlaps enough. You also need it to breathe and the gasket would seal it up too tight.

I've used mine in the rain many times and never any ill effects. Never had moisture get into the hopper either. 


Dan