BBQ Guru thermostat

[Parksider]

Ok folks need some help here…I have a Weber Smokey Mountain that i use a BBQ Guru PartyQ to regulate the temp on and it does a great job. Here’s the dilemma, I have a Weber Summitt Charcoal and I’d like to use a Guru on it but I’m TERRIFIED to go drilling a hole in the side of the double walled kettle. Anyone out there using one on a weber summitt?

[Jonathon]

@Weber I tagged the weber group for you, good luck, that is a dilemma!

[craigrice]

the only webber i own is a gas grill but i think that you would need to sleeve the drill hole and then mount the thermostat in it

[processhead]

Parksider
I have done a lot of custom controls on a variety of smokers and coolers. One thing I do before drilling and cutting any steel is do trial runs with just temporary placement of sensors and heat sources.

After I know something will function correctly, then I start planning the permanent installation.

I never rush the planning phase, because I want to avoid making a big hole only to find out something I can’t see is in the way . Usually a do a lot of measurements on the inside and outside.

On a double walled box, once I know where I think I want an opening, I will drill a tiny pilot hole, maybe 3/32nd" and just through the first layer. Then I use a tiny wire to probe the hole and make sure there are no wires, structures or other obstacles between the inner and outer skin of the cabinet.

Once I have determined nothing is in the way, I drill all the way through with the pilot bit and then complete the hole to the final dimensions.