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[grilltreats]

I ordered what's supposed to be a very accurate oven thermometer today.  I purchased a different one already, but don't trust it or don't have another one to compare it to.  I should be able to come to a conclusion on the downdraft mod with having two oven thermometers for comparison along with some calibrated pit probes.

[Jakester]

So sounds like the DIY downdraft mod is helping keep more even temps, that is a plus.

[grilltreats]

So sounds like the DIY downdraft mod is helping keep more even temps, that is a plus.

Well I am not calling it good just yet, but logic tells me that the heat has to swoop down closer to the grates to get out of the smoke stack.  Now it could just be that the grates get hotter quicker with the mod and the grates would eventually reach the pit temp given enough time without the mod.  If this is the case then I still like it when cooking fast meals.

[Ross77]

Those of you with the newer RecTec models, when does the Xtreme Smoke feature show on the display?  Does it cycle the fan on and off?  Does the fan cycle at any other temps?  I've heard it cycles at all temps.  Just curious. 

[grilltreats]

Xtreme smoke displays when you set the dial down to "Low" which also displays.  Yes, the fan cycles on/off on low and on other low temp settings if needed to keep the fire going.

[grilltreats]

I am still using the DIY downdraft mod.  I am getting a good bit of smoke flavor on long slow cooks with that and the door seal mod.  I just picked up 520lbs of Lumberjack pellets today and am real curious if the smoke flavor will be enhanced any.  I did order plenty of 100% wood varieties to test with.  I have only been using the RT Ultimate blend to date so I should be able to tell a difference, if any.

The exception to that was a chuck roast I did on Wednesday where I used some B&B (I think) Mesquite blended pellets I picked up from Bass pro.  The chuck roast was extremely good and super tender, no knife needed.  The smoke flavor was definitely there, but not overly so.

[grilltreats]

I'm gonna call the DIY downdraft mod a dud.  After a couple months now of cooking with and without the mod, I find that the Rec Tec cooks much more evenly on both sides of the grates without the mod.  With the mod, the right side is considerably hotter than the left side.  More so than normal without the mod.

[Ross77]

Thanks for the update.  I'll pass on buying one of these.

[grilltreats]

I'll add that the Lumberjack 100% woods do add more of a noticeable smoke flavor than the Ultimate blend does.  Tested so far was the 100% pecan on a eye of round.  It was quite a strong flavor, but was a big hit with the wife.  Also, two chuck roast with those that were really tender and tasty. 

Another wood tested was the 100% hickory on an overnight butt.  Very nice pronounced hickory flavor and what my goal was from the get-go on the 700.  The Ultimate blend was good on the first butt I cooked, but not as pronounced of a hickory flavor as the Lumberjack was.

I ordered a Dalstrong shogun 12" slicer that should be in this week that I plan to use on a 18lb packer I will be cooking next using the 100% mesquite.  I am looking forward to the results of that cook.

[Ross77]

I use LJ 100% hickory for most all cooks.  I agree that 100% woods provide more flavor than blends.

[grilltreats]

I use LJ 100% hickory for most all cooks.  I agree that 100% woods provide more flavor than blends.

I don't know if I would want to cook with hickory nonstop, but maybe.  I have some unopened bags of LJ still to try like the 100% apple and 100% cherry along with some blends.  I'll have a better idea next time I place a bulk order of what to get.  I messed up and didn't get any char-hickory so I will be trying those on the next order.

[bten]

Try the Apple on some ribs.  I really like the way those turn out for me.

[grilltreats]

Try the Apple on some ribs.  I really like the way those turn out for me.

Thanks! Will do.  I always liked apple on chicken on the KJ.

[grilltreats]

I opened my first bag of 100% mesquite pellets from Lumberjack yesterday on a 18lb packer cook.  Wow is all I can say about the smoke output of these pellets.  Far more than any others I have tried.  I even got a little worried about too much smoke.  The Rec Tec was cleaned prior to the cook, so no grease smoke existed.  These pellets produce clouds of smoke at 225°.  They even produce quite a bit of smoke up to 275° which is as far as I went with temps to finish the cook towards the end.

The brisket turned out great and had the nice mesquite flavored tones I was hoping for, but were not overpowering and my wife and I really liked the flavor.  The smoke ring was deep.  The flat was slightly dryer than I was hoping, but still moist.  The point was extremely moist.  Overall I am pleased with my first whole packer cook and these pellets.  I know I can mix these pellets with others I have if I want more smoke.

[Ross77]

Yes the LJ Mesquite pellets are strong. I use the mesquite mix and even that is too much for me.