re: Buying my first smoker... need advice **UPDATED 1st smoke w/ pics

The BBQ Guru Eyelet is installed on my WSM and the grommet mod is installed on my Smoky Joe Mini Project. Had I known about the grommet mod before the eyelet mod, I would have opted for that one, instead. It offers more space for probes to fit through.
The pottery plate is a 14" or 12" terra cotta plate, wrapped in foil and set in the top of the water bowl. It creates a heat sink similar to what water would do, only it doesn't eat up your fuel like water will. It is the clay plate that would go under a clay pot (terra cotta color).
The door and lid seals can be fouond here WSM Gaskets. I have not opted for the staineless steel doors as mine just works fine with little temperature flucuations and smoke leak. I'll get to the seals soon, and will report back.