I just bought a used Big Joe 2. It's the cart model, but I would like to use it as a built-in/standalone.

Can the latches/hooks that holds the side tables be removed? If yes, can they be removed without removing the band? ChatGPT and Gemini gave me conflicting information.

Anything else I should be aware of or consider when migrating the cart model to a built-in? I assume everything else is the same? I have ordered ceramic feet for the BJ2 to sit on.

This is my first brisket for a backyard bbq, not a competition. I am thinking it is best to leave this piece on even if it overcooks and dries out. I assume I can cut it off after the cook if it is dry, but since this is my first brisket, I assume best to ask experts here.

Is it possible to run the Akorn Auto Kamado temperature sensor and fan unit with a USB batter pack? I initially tried with a batter pack and a voltage step up transformer, but was getting the "ErP" error. After consulting ChatGPT and checking my USB battery pack, it seems that I wasn't getting enough power to the unit (ie not enough amps, as the plug in adapter that comes with the Akorn is 12V @ 1.5 Amps.

So I bought a more powerful USB battery pack and a "USB Type C PD to DC Power Cable(55x21)-12V." I bought this one --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C58PXB4H

That cable is rated for up to 2 Amps. THe battery pack is rated to deliver up to 65W max with a single port. The one I bought was this --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXDXP8VR

I am still getting the "ErP" error with this new setup.

Anyone have success running their Akorn with a battery pack? I am close enough to an outlet that I can run from that, but it would be great if I could use a battery pack instead.

UPDATE: I *may* have solved this. It seems the "ErP" error is when there is no/poor connection to the temperature sensor. When I was using the voltage step up I would get this error, but not always immediately. However, when tried out my new battery pack and cable, I did not attach the temp sensor. I just attached everything, it was working. Not sure if it I'll continue to get the error as I did with the voltage step up, so I would still like to hear from others if they have had success running from a battery pack.

After creating my outdoor kitchen a couple of years ago which had a gas grill, I became interested in cooking with charcoal. I had standalone kamado grill (Akorn Auto Kamado), but wish I had built it in.

However, I didn't have the same budget to build this around, so I built it myself (mostly) and made some decisions to make it more affordable.

What I changed from the last time around
* Built it myself (mostly, hired someone to lay tile)
* Framed with lumber vs. steel studs
* Used large format tiles and PVC trim for countertops
* Used cheaper doors and drawers - scratch and dent trash pullout from BBQGuys and Amazon for the double drawer and door, Forjamint and Vevor brands respectively.

Total costs were $3461, with my biggest cost of $1250 for tile work. Cost breakdown:
* $1250 tile work (labor)
* $1244 materials (lumber, fasteners, Hadie panel for cladding, paint, cement board, plywood). This was probably about $200 higher than it could have been due to some mis-cut plywood and trim for the countertops
* $657 for trash pullout, drawer and door
* $310 for tile and tile supplies

I am quite happy with how it turned out. It's definitely "DIY" as the drawer is not centered between the trim boards, there are are a couple of areas that are slightly askew, etc., but all in all, looks great.

Doing large format porcelain tiles for countertops is a huge money saver. I do have a grout line in the back, as my countertops are about 38" deep and my tile was about 31.5". But it's way in the back, looks good, and was pretty affordable.

I was looking forward to trying to tile this myself, but after watching a pro cut the tiles, I am glad I hired him. I definitely would not have had the best tools for the job.