BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

New Members => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: babybacks on November 17, 2009, 02:42:45 PM

Title: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 17, 2009, 02:42:45 PM
I've been poking around on this forum for a while, and thought it might be time to be more involved and create an account here. Thanks to many here, I've enjoyed some good barbecue over the last few years. I've had my Bradley 4 rack stainless since Christmas of 2006, and try to smoke at least once every 2 weeks, rain, snow or shine.

Perhaps this is how it is out west, but most people in my state (Utah) think barbecue is throwing a burger on the grill. It's been an uphill battle to educate the masses, but those who come over for dinner when the Bradley is fired up tend to learn quickly about true barbecue.

Unfortunately after almost 3 years of using my smoker, the heating element (or switch) went out last weekend (had to make the pulled pork in the oven, definitely not the same). I plan to take it apart tonight to diagnose the problem. Where is the best place to buy replacement parts, should I need them?

I have been slated to smoke the Thanksgiving turkey this year. Hopefully I can get it fixed soon, I don't want to have to settle for baking or deep frying the bird.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: FLBentRider on November 17, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
W E L C O M E  to the Forum babybacks!

You can get replacement parts from Bradley, and yardandpool.com carries some.

yardandlpool.com has the faceplate and the control board - http://www.yardandpool.com/Bradley-Smoker-Lower-Face-Plate-and-Control-Switch-p/faceplcomp.htm

As cold as it gets in Utah at least when I was there, you should be able to cold smoke the pork or turkey with just the smoke generator.

Then transfer it to the house oven.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 17, 2009, 03:22:38 PM
Thanks FLBentRider, that is a good point about cold smoking. I wish I would of thought of that with my pork butt last weekend, it was plenty cold, in fact it was snowing outside. If I can't get the replacement parts in time, hopefully it will be cold enough next week for the turkey.

Thanks for the tip on yardandpool.com, I'll have to compare prices with them and Bradley.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: FLBentRider on November 17, 2009, 03:54:14 PM
Bradley may be shipping from Canada, although I think they have a warehouse operation stateside.

Yard and Pool is a great company to deal with.

I get 2 or three days of cold smoking weather a year....
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: JoeHifi on November 17, 2009, 06:05:30 PM
Welcome to the forum babybacks.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 18, 2009, 10:32:15 AM
I ordered the faceplate and switch through Bradley this morning (prices were a little better than yardandpool.com), they said it would be here in time for the Thanksgiving smoke. Nice.

I also ordered 2 extra back feet (to mount on the front) for the smoker to get the weight off the new face plate. Hopefully this will prevent the plastic from cracking in the future.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: ArnieM on November 18, 2009, 10:50:11 AM
I had a cracked faceplate.  Called Bradley on a Monday.  The new faceplate arrived Thursday.  Brian asked if I wanted the back feet to do the mod.  I said "sure" so they threw those in too.  Mine was still under warranty.  Great service.

Good luck with your TG dinner.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 18, 2009, 12:08:50 PM
That is good service. Hopefully they will improve the design in future models so the faceplate doesn't crack, as it seems to be an all too common problem.

I had to pay for the back feet, but they were only $1.00 each, so no big deal. I can't remember who I spoke with from Bradley, but he didn't know about the mod, must not have been Brian.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: classicrockgriller on November 18, 2009, 06:56:58 PM
bb, welcome to the forum and hope you come and visit and share some of you smokes with us.

Glad you are back on the road to smokin again.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: muzzletim on November 20, 2009, 08:28:41 AM
Welcome to the forum, great bunch of people and lots of good solid tips about making things!
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Hopefull Romantic on November 20, 2009, 08:34:07 AM
Welcome to the forum BB and glad to see that your troubles are behind you.

HR
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KevinG on November 20, 2009, 10:02:03 AM
Welcome BB, get that thing workin so we can see some pics!
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 25, 2009, 10:56:17 AM
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, this is one of the more helpful forums I've seen with some very nice people.

And now for some bad news. I haven't received the parts I order last week, so I called Bradley yesterday to obtain a shipment tracking number. They said the extra feet I ordered were on back order, so nothing had been shipped. I didn't receive any notification of the back order, nor did they send the face plate separately. Shipping had already closed for the day so they could not overnight the shipping of the faceplate. So...basically I'm stuck on Thanksgiving eve with a turkey in the brine and a broken smoker. I'm quite frustrated to say the least.  :'(

Bradley was very apologetic and offered to throw in a box of wood pucks. This was a nice gesture, but I'm still upset at the situation, seeing as I haven't figured out how I'm going to cook the bird. The faceplate should be here by Friday, but that doesn't do me much good for my current situation. Now I wish I would have ordered through Yard and Pool.

I'm quite frustrated with Bradley right now and needed a place to vent, hopefully you don't mind.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KevinG on November 25, 2009, 11:18:45 AM
Too bad to hear about your Bradley! Your bird isn't ruined yet, you can still cook it in the oven, on the grill or in a roaster. You just wont get the smoke. You might be able to pull off some smoke flavor by grilling and having some wood chips that were soaked in water placed  in a foil boat put on the coals.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 25, 2009, 01:26:25 PM
Thanks Kevin. You're right, the bird isn't ruined, it just won't be nearly as succulent as it could have been.

My smoke generator still works, so I might try cold smoking it, then transfer it to the oven. My only concern with this is keeping the smoker temperature low enough (I don't have a cold smoke adapter) to keep the bird out of the danger zone. I'm thinking about packing the smoker with ice (in non leaking bags), and leaving the vent wide open. If anyone else has any advice on how to keep the temperature down, please let me know.

The other option is to deep fry, but I'm not too motivated to spend $50 on oil this year.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KyNola on November 25, 2009, 01:35:43 PM
BB,
I think you may be on to something.  You need one rack to hold the bird.  That leaves all the other racks free to hold ice  I would cold smoke that dude, paying attention to the temp in the cabinet to keep it down.  If necessary, you can always open the door a crack to let heat out.  Yes you will lose some smoke but there will be plenty on the bird.  Before I got my cold smoke adapter that's what I did when I smoked cheese.  After the cold smoke period, take it to your house oven and roast as normal.

KyNola
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Habanero Smoker on November 25, 2009, 02:05:04 PM
You can easily rig up a cold smoke box with a cardboard box and some heater hose. I've used this type of setup for many years, prior to purchasing the Bradley cold smoke adapter; and I find I still occasionally use the cardboard box setup.

Cold Smoking with the Bradley Smoker (http://www.johnwatkins.co.uk/personalpages/coldsmoking.htm)
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 25, 2009, 02:30:01 PM
Thanks KyNola and Habanero for the replies.

HS, that cold smoke box looks easy enough to build, thanks for the link. Do you ever have problems with the cardboard box starting on fire? The burner plate gets pretty hot, just curious if this is a fire hazard or not.

The low temperature tonight is 25 degrees, so if I can build that box (and maybe pack some ice in as well), I should be good to go.

I've never actually cooked a turkey in the oven. Any advice on finishing in the oven? Should I go low and slow, similar to finishing in the Bradley? Should I wrap the bird in foil?

Thanks again for all the help, I'm starting to be hopeful this will turn out well.  :)
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Mr Walleye on November 25, 2009, 05:03:16 PM
Babybacks...

All may not be lost yet...

One other option is to bypass the temp slider switch while you are cooking the turkey. I have the DBS so I can't give you the exact instructions for this but I know I've seen it on the forum. I'll have a look and see if I can find it.

If you choose to do this, the heating element will be running full out. This will mean you will have to keep an eye on your temps and if it starts getting too high you will have to unplug the tower from the generator (this will keep the smoke generator running).

I'll have a look for the post.

Mike
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KyNola on November 25, 2009, 06:22:38 PM
BB,
If you choose to roast it in the oven after the smoke period, set your oven at 325-350 and roast until the IT is 165.  I wouldn't wrap it in foil prior to roasting.

As for Habs great idea about the cold smoke cardboard box adapter, if you do it right you won't have to worry about the box catching on fire.  With a 25 degree low tonight I'm assuming the high tomorrow won't be much.  If you don't want to risk the cardboard box adapter, which works great, put some ice in the tower and cold smoke away!

KyNola
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Mr Walleye on November 25, 2009, 06:23:50 PM
Babybacks

Ok... I robbed this description and photo from Habs post on his additional heater mod but you should get the idea from it. He describes how to remove the face plate below...

This photo shows the wiring that goes to the faceplate. This is an old photo that was taken when I had replaced my faceplate a few years back. To take the face plate off; first remove the three small screws on the top, and the three larger screws on the bottom. Note two of the bottom screws are located inside the feet that are a part of the faceplate.

(http://www.susanminor.org/users/Hab/Misc_Files/Additional_Element/_1OBS_TempCrtl_Wiring.jpg)

In Habs photo above you can see the 2 white wires entering the picture on the right side. What you can't see in the photo is the connectors on the wires. You need to unplug them and connect the 2 wires together (the 2 that are coming from the heat element and not the 2 that go into the temp slider.

I believe the 2 wires have a female spade connector on them. To make a temporary bypass just put 2 male spade lugs on a short piece of wire (at least 18 gauge, 16 would be better), one on each end. Next plug this wire you made into the female ends.

Patching in with a short piece of wire will make the whole process easily reversible.

Mike
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: ArnieM on November 25, 2009, 07:43:52 PM
BB, the box, if you choose to use it, won't catch on fire.  The SG heating element is only something like 125 watts.

If it's going to be 25, you shouldn't need it anyway.  At that temp I just crawl under the down comforter.  ;D

Do a cold smoke.  Calculate the oven cooking time at 325-350.  Subtract about 5 minutes per pound.  Do 2-4 hours of cold smoke and then get it into the oven.  Pull it at about 160-165 and let it rest.  Don't FTC it - skin doesn't stay crispy.  If it's browning too much in the oven, put an oiled foil tent on it for a while. 

There's more than one way to skin a cat  ;D
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: classicrockgriller on November 25, 2009, 08:12:15 PM
BB, I cold smoked some cheese and temp outside was 50.

Used no adaptor, no ice, nothing just smoke and cabinet temp never got over 90.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on November 25, 2009, 10:28:31 PM
So...I ended up making a cold smoke adapter from a cardboard box and some dryer vent tubing (as suggested by Habanero) and was testing it out when I read the thread from Mr Walleye. It sounded fun to re-wire the smoker, bypassing the switch, so I did just that and now the heater element is glowing red. Thanks for the great instructions. I took some pics of my wiring job, I'll post them when I get a chance.

Anyhow, it looks like I have a good temporary solution until my shipment comes in, and as a bonus, I now have a cold smoking rig for future use (unless my kids destroy it first).  ;D

Thanks everyone for the help, it feels great to be smoking again, hopefully the bird will turn out well.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: classicrockgriller on November 25, 2009, 11:20:11 PM
BB, Mr (Mike) Walleye is that kind of person. He is always ready to help and is always accurate with his answers.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Mr Walleye on November 26, 2009, 07:46:59 AM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on November 25, 2009, 11:20:11 PM
BB, Mr (Mike) Walleye is that kind of person. He is always ready to help and is always accurate with his answers.

Thanks CRG... I'm blushing.  :D

Seriously though, everyone on the forum has always been a great help to me over the years and I just try to "pay it forward" to repay the excellent information others have posted.

It truly is an awesome site.

Mike
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KyNola on November 26, 2009, 07:48:35 AM
CRG, You're assessment of Mike was dead on.

Mike, well said.

KyNola
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on December 01, 2009, 07:29:38 AM
When I talked to Bradley last week, they said the faceplate would ship via overnight shipping, and would be there by Friday. So I picked up 3 racks of loin back ribs on Friday (to cook on Saturday), and the part didn't show up. Nor did it come yesterday (Monday).

That is 2 broken promises by Bradley. Until now, I don't think I've seen a single post about Bradley's service that wasn't positive, unfortunately my first experience dealing directly with the company has been nothing but frustrating to say the least.  >:( I was even researching other non-Bradley smokers over the weekend.

Update on the turkey: The flavor was good, but it was a little dry. I'm not sure what happened, but my suspicion is that it was the inability to create a steady temperature in the smoker.

The ribs were edible, but weren't nearly as tender as they usually are. It seems you really need a constant, steady temperature to make good barbecue. Fluctuating the smoker temperature from full blast to off doesn't seems to work very well.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: OU812 on December 01, 2009, 07:58:35 AM
I'm a little late, been on vacation, but welcome to the fun.

Sorry to here of the service troubles you are having with the folks at Bradly but I'm sure they will make it right.

Hope you get your smoker up and running soon.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: classicrockgriller on December 01, 2009, 08:31:08 AM
Quote from: babybacks on December 01, 2009, 07:29:38 AM
When I talked to Bradley last week, they said the faceplate would ship via overnight shipping, and would be there by Friday. So I picked up 3 racks of loin back ribs on Friday (to cook on Saturday), and the part didn't show up. Nor did it come yesterday (Monday).

That is 2 broken promises by Bradley. Until now, I don't think I've seen a single post about Bradley's service that wasn't positive, unfortunately my first experience dealing directly with the company has been nothing but frustrating to say the least.  >:( I was even researching other non-Bradley smokers over the weekend.

Update on the turkey: The flavor was good, but it was a little dry. I'm not sure what happened, but my suspicion is that it was the inability to create a steady temperature in the smoker.

The ribs were edible, but weren't nearly as tender as they usually are. It seems you really need a constant, steady temperature to make good barbecue. Fluctuating the smoker temperature from full blast to off doesn't seems to work very well.


When Brian sees this post, He will found out where the problem of shipping was.

As far as your food not what you expected, there is a learning curve in all products.

Maybe you might want to think about a PID for tighter controls of your temp.
Re-read some of the post on successful smokes.

I don't think this many people made mistakes buying Bradley's.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on December 01, 2009, 09:02:49 AM
CRG, I agree, there is a learning curve. I've been using my Bradley for almost 3 years, hopefully I'm past the initial learning curve by now  :), although I admit, there is always more to learn. The problem was I re-wired the smoker (bypassing the switch) so it only turns on at the maximum heat output. Then I have to unplug it to cool it down, resulting in some fairly substantial temperature swings.

I have been considering purchasing a PID. Even when the temperature control slider was working, I still had to closely monitor the temperature of the smoker checking on it about every 1/2 hour or so. It seems a PID truly would let me set it and forget it, and hopefully provide more consistent results.

I was looking at the one made by Auber Instruments http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=72&zenid=38001d868de99343a9fb7e8cbb245ce5 (http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=72&zenid=38001d868de99343a9fb7e8cbb245ce5). Are there any others that are recommended?

I suppose if I bought a PID, I wouldn't even need the new switch I ordered.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on December 01, 2009, 09:13:07 AM
Quote from: babybacks on December 01, 2009, 09:02:49 AM
CRG, I agree, there is a learning curve. I've been using my Bradley for almost 3 years, hopefully I'm past the initial learning curve by now  :), although I admit, there is always more to learn. The problem was I re-wired the smoker (bypassing the switch) so it only turns on at the maximum heat output. Then I have to unplug it to cool it down, resulting in some fairly substantial temperature swings.

I have been considering purchasing a PID. Even when the temperature control slider was working, I still had to closely monitor the temperature of the smoker checking on it about every 1/2 hour or so. It seems a PID truly would let me set it and forget it, and hopefully provide more consistent results.

I was looking at the one made by Auber Instruments http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=72&zenid=38001d868de99343a9fb7e8cbb245ce5 (http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=72&zenid=38001d868de99343a9fb7e8cbb245ce5). Are there any others that are recommended?

I suppose if I bought a PID, I wouldn't even need the new switch I ordered.

Perfect timing babybacks. I just received my Auber PID yesterday and it's been on since 5 pm with a pork butt in the Bradley. I have it set at 225, right now it shows 226 and my Maverick is showing 228 (the Auber sensor is in the front and the Maverick is in the back). Only a couple of degrees in temperature fluctuation either way. By the way, I have the DBS6 and got tired of the poor temperature control and the PID looks like the way to go.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: classicrockgriller on December 01, 2009, 10:28:51 AM
BB, I should have re-read this post (I trusted my old failing memory)

I now understand what your problem was with keeping the temp constant.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: watchdog56 on December 01, 2009, 03:10:50 PM
babyback-that is the one to get. You will love it and if you do a pork butt or brisket at least you will be able to sleep at night not worrying about temp.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on December 01, 2009, 03:44:48 PM
That does sounds nice to sleep at night during a long smoke. Right now my method is to use a remote thermometer that sounds an alarm if the temp gets too hot or too cold, then I wake up and adjust the temperature accordingly. Sounds like it would be well worth the money.

It would be nice if Bradley could team up with someone like Auber for the next generation product so users can get the PID experience out of the box with a consistent temperature. I'm assuming this was their attempt with the digital smoker line, but from what I hear (please correct me if I'm wrong, I haven't used one), they still have temperature regulation problems, and people will add a PID onto those as well.

Parts still didn't come today. I just emailed Bradley, hopefully they can at least get me a tracking number soon.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on December 02, 2009, 07:50:59 PM
Alright, here is the picture of my wiring job to bypass the switch on the OBS:

(http://www.cs.utah.edu/~barney/smokerPics/smoker_switch_bypass_scaled.jpg)

I ended up using 14 gauge wire, as it was the only type I had handy at the time.

And here is the bird, after finishing in the oven:

(http://www.cs.utah.edu/~barney/smokerPics/thanksgivingTurkey_2009_scaled.jpg)

The flavor was good, but it was a little dry.

I finally received my new faceplate and switch today, so it looks like I'm back in business.

Thanks everyone for the help.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: babybacks on December 02, 2009, 07:57:46 PM
And here is a picture of my new cold smoke adapter.

(http://www.cs.utah.edu/~barney/smokerPics/coldSmokeRig_scaled.jpg)
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KevinG on December 02, 2009, 07:59:03 PM
Don't show that to Quarlows cat! ;)
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: ArnieM on December 02, 2009, 08:14:49 PM
Quote from: KevinG on December 02, 2009, 07:59:03 PM
Don't show that to Quarlows cat! ;)

Meow  ??? ???  The cats love to play in cardboard boxes.  With my wife, we always seem to have plenty of empty boxes.  I was thinking of taping one up and sending it to Ka Hanu for evaluation  ;D

OK, back on topic.  Nice looking setup BB.  I had done the same.  I was thinking of getting a heavy plastic storage box to use instead of the cardboard; a bit more permanent.  Of course, at this time of year around here, I really don't need an adapter.  >:(

We really a 'pioneering' type.  When I got my current electric range, there was no "Get some bricks.  Get some dryer vent hose and a cardboard box.  Cut a hole in the back and install a fan."  It would have been long outa here.  ;D
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: KevinG on December 02, 2009, 08:19:13 PM
Was that your cat in the picture ArnieM? I started the last comment with your name, but then I went back and saw the post by Quarlow and thought I screwed up and modified it to his.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on December 02, 2009, 08:47:25 PM
Quote from: ArnieM on December 02, 2009, 08:14:49 PM
Quote from: KevinG on December 02, 2009, 07:59:03 PM
Don't show that to Quarlows cat! ;)

Meow  ??? ???  The cats love to play in cardboard boxes.  With my wife, we always seem to have plenty of empty boxes.  I was thinking of taping one up and sending it to Ka Hanu for evaluation  ;D

OK, back on topic.  Nice looking setup BB.  I had done the same.  I was thinking of getting a heavy plastic storage box to use instead of the cardboard; a bit more permanent.  Of course, at this time of year around here, I really don't need an adapter.  >:(

We really a 'pioneering' type.  When I got my current electric range, there was no "Get some bricks.  Get some dryer vent hose and a cardboard box.  Cut a hole in the back and install a fan."  It would have been long outa here.  ;D

Did you get KaHanu for the Xmas exchange? Would be kinda like Xmas Vacation with the cat in the box.  ;D
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: Tenpoint5 on December 02, 2009, 10:49:06 PM
Ka Hanu didn't get in the exchange.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: ArnieM on December 02, 2009, 11:36:33 PM
Quote from: KevinG on December 02, 2009, 08:19:13 PM
Was that your cat in the picture ArnieM? I started the last comment with your name, but then I went back and saw the post by Quarlow and thought I screwed up and modified it to his.

Nope, that wasn't Allie but there is a certain similarity from the butt end  ;D  I'll get a few pics together and PM them to you.
Title: Re: Greetings from Utah
Post by: OU812 on December 03, 2009, 07:41:35 AM
Glad you got your parts, now get that baby back together and smoke something.

That turkey looks dam good to me, lots of juice in the pan, may be baste it a few times next time.