Pellet Fan
Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => GMG => Topic started by: Darwin on September 18, 2017, 04:02:17 PM
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Hi all,
I have noticed a few post on here that mention the Don Godke`s Downdraft. I have looked at the videos and I really don't get the purpose of this device. Can someone clue me into the problem that this device solves for? It the problem is sufficient to require an add on device, why hasn't the issue been resolved by GMG?
thanks
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Not sure it was made to address issues. I have never had temperature issues on either of my Daniel Boones. I did a Product review of the Hurd's downdraft. I want to say that the main purpose was to keep the smoke in the chamber longer. It may have evened out grate temperatures for others. Another benefit was that it decreased Pellet consumption by about 7%, so that was an advantage.
And the downdrafts are for many more units then just the GMG's...
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Thanks Bentley.
I did a bit more Googling and found a few images of hacks/mods. I now have a better idea of the purpose. I did like the idea of the reverse flow version. I guess I will toast some white bread and have to spend time cooking to get to know the grill. ( Once I have it! )
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Hi all,
I have noticed a few post on here that mention the Don Godke`s Downdraft. I have looked at the videos and I really don't get the purpose of this device. Can someone clue me into the problem that this device solves for? It the problem is sufficient to require an add on device, why hasn't the issue been resolved by GMG?
thanks
I've had Dons downdraft for about 2 years now and I love it. It's helped even out my temps and lowered my pellet consumption.
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I did a cheapo $3 elbow and a short length of pipe to get it to grate level. It did reduce pellet consumption, but did nothing to stabilize temps left to right. Did help some on set and actual temp.
Now granted, it may not work as well as a Godke's downdraft as I've never seen anyone do a direct comparison test.
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I did a cheapo $3 elbow and a short length of pipe to get it to grate level. It did reduce pellet consumption, but did nothing to stabilize temps left to right. Did help some on set and actual temp.
Now granted, it may not work as well as a Godke's downdraft as I've never seen anyone do a direct comparison test.
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I use the exact same thing!! Just have to modify the end to get it to fit into chimney.
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I did a cheapo $3 elbow and a short length of pipe to get it to grate level. It did reduce pellet consumption, but did nothing to stabilize temps left to right. Did help some on set and actual temp.
Now granted, it may not work as well as a Godke's downdraft as I've never seen anyone do a direct comparison test.
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I use the exact same thing!! Just have to modify the end to get it to fit into chimney.
I cut there 1" slices in the crimped end. Fits great.
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I did pretty much the same. Used and angle grinder with a slicing blade and cut four 1/8' wide pieces out at each 90 degrees and it fit right in. It is also easy to change around if you don't want to keep it facing straight down.
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I took the dryer vent tube and ran it across the top of the unit to the left side. This evened grate temps dramatically essentially making it a reverse flow design.
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Good ideas - I like home-built innovation :clap:
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I just added my downdraft the other afternoon. Very nicely made. I have done the burn in but that is it. Hope to try it out this weekend.
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I took the dryer vent tube and ran it across the top of the unit to the left side. This evened grate temps dramatically essentially making it a reverse flow design.
I may have seen a pic of this on another site. ;) How much open space do you leave on the left side between the wall and the end of the tube? Is the vent tube just open on the left end? Hmmm.... curious about trying this......
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I've been very happy with Don Godkes Downdraft and I definitely recommend them! Don is very knowledgeable...
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I did a cheapo $3 elbow and a short length of pipe to get it to grate level. It did reduce pellet consumption, but did nothing to stabilize temps left to right. Did help some on set and actual temp.
Now granted, it may not work as well as a Godke's downdraft as I've never seen anyone do a direct comparison test.
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I use the exact same thing!! Just have to modify the end to get it to fit into chimney.
Are the elbows steel or aluminium? All I can find around here are aluminium. I guess that would fine for low temp smoking and just remove it for anything above 300 or so. Thanks!! BP
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According to GMG use of the downdraft will probably void your warranty.
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According to GMG use of the downdraft will probably void your warranty.
According to Traeger, using any pellet but theirs will void the warranty. ::)
I don't own a pit with a stack on it (mine has equally spaced vents on the back). Had I a pit with and exhaust stack on the side, it would have a downdraft installed. Everything I've read points to more even grill temps, better temp control, lower pellet usage, etc. I read that as 'easier' on the components that drive the smoker. Seems to me if GMG wanted to push the point, they'd have a hard time upholding their position given the abundance of info out there.
But that comes at a cost to the consumer. I really hate the bully stick that manufacturers drag out because they think they can. >:(
That said, I'm not aware of either party litigating the matter.
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I would have to hear it from GMG before I would accept it as gospel.
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I would have to hear it from GMG before I would accept it as gospel.
Agreed, the downdrafts bolt on and do not modify the grill therefor I can't imagine why they would void the warranty.
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I did a cheapo $3 elbow and a short length of pipe to get it to grate level. It did reduce pellet consumption, but did nothing to stabilize temps left to right. Did help some on set and actual temp.
Now granted, it may not work as well as a Godke's downdraft as I've never seen anyone do a direct comparison test.
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I use the exact same thing!! Just have to modify the end to get it to fit into chimney.
Are the elbows steel or aluminium? All I can find around here are aluminium. I guess that would fine for low temp smoking and just remove it for anything above 300 or so. Thanks!! BP
Believe it's aluminium or tin maybe. Got it at local hardware store. I don't do high temp cooks on my DB, so I never remove it.
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I took the dryer vent tube and ran it across the top of the unit to the left side. This evened grate temps dramatically essentially making it a reverse flow design.
I liked the idea, but I use my 2nd shelf a lot, and this wouldn't allow me to use it.
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I took the dryer vent tube and ran it across the top of the unit to the left side. This evened grate temps dramatically essentially making it a reverse flow design.
I liked the idea, but I use my 2nd shelf a lot, and this wouldn't allow me to use it.
Thats what I like about Don's downdraft, its low profile allows you to still use a 2nd shelf.
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According to GMG use of the downdraft will probably void your warranty.
I call BS (Bravo Sierra), I talked to them about using one for the down draft and they didn't say anything about voiding the warranty.
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PG1000 Fast Eddy's Pellet Grill: .................................................... ZEP
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Phantom Down Draft: ...................................................... ZEP
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Phantom Down Draft: ...................................................... ZEP
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I'm curious Zep... That exhaust looks to be in pretty direct line with the firepot. Doesn't that just push the heat directly out of the pit?
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It is on the other side of the unit, that is the grease catching tray!
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Phantom Down Draft: ...................................................... ZEP
I'm curious Zep... That exhaust looks to be in pretty direct line with the firepot. Doesn't that just push the heat directly out of the pit?
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......................................................................... ZEP
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Not sure it was made to address issues. I have never had temperature issues on either of my Daniel Boones. I did a Product review of the Hurd's downdraft. I want to say that the main purpose was to keep the smoke in the chamber longer. It may have evened out grate temperatures for others. Another benefit was that it decreased Pellet consumption by about 7%, so that was an advantage.
And the downdrafts are for many more units then just the GMG's...
I have the Godke downdraft and I notice a little more smoke flavor and a reduction in pellet consumption.
Bently how do you have your heat sheilds set up in your DB's? I have the old style 3 piece I took the side shields out when Installed the downdraft and the heat seemed real even but now that its colder the right side seems hotter than the left. It might be due to the wind.
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Just what I consider regular configuration...But I don't have a downdraft...I did a Product Review on the Hurd Down draft, but it was given away in a drawing on Pelletheads.com. Each section of the pit may have had a little different temperature, but the Hurd Down Draft sure made them steady temperatures over time!
(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n90/lwnna/Pelletheads/Product%20Reviews/Hurd%20Down%20Draft%20Hood/IMG_0001.jpg)
(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n90/lwnna/Equipment%20Photos/IMG_0755.jpg)
(http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n90/lwnna/Pelletheads/Product%20Reviews/Hurd%20Down%20Draft%20Hood/Hurd%20DD%20Hood%20Test%20150deg%20No%20Hood.jpg)
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Thanks Bentley. I think I will put the baffles back in next time I clean the pit and see how it goes.
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I just purchased the Don G Downdraft for my GM DB, seems like mixed reviews. Anyone have an updated review/tip they'd like to share?
Thanks!
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I ordered the Don Godke about 3 months ago after owning my GMG JB for 3 years. I have tried everything to get even temps on this grill. Before the downdraft my temps from left to right could vary well over a 100*. The higher the set temp, the bigger the spread. I have tried both the old style heat deflector and the newer SS 1 piece. Both still had uneven temps
I just found time about a week ago to put it on. The first thing I did was run tests at 180* 250* 350* and 400*. At 180*, and 250* the grill was within 10* in all four corners, at 350* and 400* the grill was within 20* in all four corners. This was better than I expected.
I have used the grill for two cooks since the test, both with similar results to the test run.
I so happy I may order one for my GMG DC
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I think the Hurd Down Draft Hood is better!
(https://i.imgur.com/6ScVgUWh.jpg)
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I'd love to see a side by side test of a grill with a down draft and the same grill without.
I'm skeptical of these products, if they work then why don't we see them in grills? I know the guys at Blaz'n don't like them at all.
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I've been using Don's downdraft for 2 years and I recommend it to anyone with a GMG.
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Aussie user
One piece heat deflector
Godke fitted
Good thing. Keeps more smoke in the chamber. Slightly more noticeable on food.
No change in surface temps but had no issues prior also.
I’d recommend
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I think the Hurd Down Draft Hood is better!
(https://i.imgur.com/6ScVgUWh.jpg)
I should walk down to Hurds and pick one up to try. Only .8 miles from where they are made... Just noticed that they are on the same street my cul-de-sac is off of just 7 blocks West.
Mudflap