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.

I would have to hear it from GMG before I would accept it as gospel.

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.

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.   

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. 

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.

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.

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?

It is on the other side of the unit, that is the grease catching tray!

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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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.

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!

Thanks Bentley. I think I will put the baffles back in next time I clean the pit and see how it goes.