Using a Fan with Fire

Successfully using a fan to manage your fire depends primarily on two factors: proper smoker setup and an abundant supply of fuel.

Before using a fan, make sure you are familiar with how to maintain a reasonably steady fire by using the vents on your smoker.

Ideally, the fan’s job is to operate variably throughout your cook to keep the temperature at the set point as opposed to running at a high speed for long periods of time. For most smokers, closing off all lower vents and opening the exhaust vent slightly provides the most controllable environment for your fan.

Make sure your fire has an abundant fuel supply; you’ll get more consistent results if your fan has enough fuel to work with. You likely need more fuel if you notice your fan running at higher speeds for longer periods of time.

Overshooting

We recommend getting your pit to the desired temperature and then maintaining it with the blower. This will help ensure that the temperatures do not initially overshoot, making them easier to maintain.

If you find that you are consistently overshooting your temperature set point, try the following:

• Check that the correct Control Channel is selected for the set point.
• Make sure that the placement of your fan is not causing the probe temperature to decrease while the pit is getting hotter by blowing on the probe.
• Give your fire an abundant fuel supply. You’ll get more consistent results if your fan has enough fuel to work with. You likely need more fuel if you notice your fan running at higher speeds for longer periods of time.
• Adjust the max fan speed to a lower percent. Go to Settings > FireBoard Serial # > Drive Settings > Max Fan Speed %.
• Lower the damper on the fan to reduce the amount of air being blown in.