Hi all. Long time since I visited or posted here. It feels good to be back.
I am becoming famous in my circle of friends and aquaintances for my smoked "Holy trinity" (briskets, pulled porks and ribs) thanks to my original SS Bradley. I have a couple of buds that have also purchased them since trying some of my recipes but they haven't gotten into it like I have.
This forum has made the difference between the most succesful BBQ's ever and complete failures. The hints and recipes in here, a little common sense, and a flair for adventure has enabled me to introduce previously unknown southern type BBQ to my friends....and they LOVE it!!
Anyways...enuf BS...I was in picking up some flavor bisquettes and some jerky cure from the place I got my Bradley from and happened to see the new digital!!! I of course rushed home to see what you all thought about it. Alas...there is not a lot of actual user info available here yet. I think the fact it would keep the inside temp at a fairly constant level would make it my best friend for the overnight brisket and butt smokes!! I think I am going to add one to my arsenal tomorrow.
Just a heads up for any of you smokers in western Canada. Check out the prices in Wholesale Sports if you are near one.(Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Winipeg) I think they may have mis-priced the digitals and I am going to grab one before they figure it out!! http://www.wholesalesports.com/camping/bradley.htm
Careful, BS may be dumping the digitals ??? ???
WHAAAT????
where did you get the info???
Deman NEEDS to know ::)
Read the threads on posters experiences with the new digitals ;)
Unfortunately some of the most useful information was lost regarding the digital models when a member deleted some of their own posts making the topic non-sensical.
Before buying a digital model I would give Chez Bubba a ring and talk to him as there were some inherant problems with both models, you could not cook beyond 9+ hours for example although the 4 rack model attracted less negative and some positive comments compared to the 6 rack model.
I would add I have no experience of either, just second hand information which is why I would suggest talking to Kirk who can give you up to date information before you part with your hard earned cash!
Also see:
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=3304.msg30058#msg30058
I did not see anything negative about the 4 rack unit. That poster was a person who had originally purchased a 6 rack unit and was very upset about it, so they refunded her the purchase price and she got a 4 rack digital that she posted good things about.
Problems / complaints as I remember them were :
1.) Huge temp swings. (It looks like the controller was not a PID unit.)
2.) Unit turned itself off at 9 hours 40 minutes.
3.) Very poor documentation.
4.) No Tech support--unit was to new.
That person is no longer a member here--at least not under that name. Her complains became rants, and after awhile a few us call her down on it. Then her rants became more personal. Then her rants became threats. With myself being threatened that she would have me removed from the boards. :o Then she E-mail other long time members for support, and that did not work. In fact below is in part of an E-mail I received from one such member.
QuoteSomeone pointed that out to me yesterday. I noticed he was logged on during the morning hours of 5/22. The other day I learned that you could send and receive PMs. When I went into mine I had several from the rat. The last one was dated 5/21, in which he stated he had been treated unfairly, and that he was again going to e-mail Martin and Kirk to get you off the board. Maybe after ranting to Martin he got kicked off. Like you suspect I think he joined under another name or just lurks. I'm still trying to figure out what you said to him that made you the target. MW's and my posts where brutal compare to anything you stated to him.
His presence on the board use to give me headaches, but for some reason I felt sorry for the pathetic a*&hole.
There was one other member here name
OmegaMan who also had / has a 6 rack unit. He was not happy either. His posting were very sound and objective, but somehow (I not sure how) he got caught up into the noise and has since stopped posting. You might E-mail him and ask him for his option
Click Here To E-mail OmegaMan. (http://
[email protected])
So anyway welcome back and now that you are up to speed of events of just late I would call Kirk, (ChezBubba) he has the unit that our ex-member complained about. He has used it, and I believe he is working closely with Bradley concerning these issues. His phone number is listed at the bottom of his website:
;D Chez Bubba's House Of Smoke ;D (http://www.chezbubba.com/)
Until Bradley resolves these issue my take is to stay with your standard unit, put in a circulation fan, a controller (PID or Contact on/ off unit.) While you were gone I opened up a private thread concerning the
Circulation Fan Here. (http://susan.rminor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186) If your box is stock (no extra heating elements) then this fan will balance out your box temp top to bottom within 2 degrees.
Again welcome back.
Olds
QuoteThere was one other member here name OmegaMan who also had / has a 6 rack unit. He was not happy either. His posting were very sound and objective, but somehow (I not sure how) he got caught up into the noise and has since stopped posting. You might E-mail him and ask him for his option Click Here To E-mail OmegaMan.
I'm here, I just took a break to let the air clear... I'll answer questions people have in regards to my 6 rack digital...
Pat
QuoteI did not see anything negative about the 4 rack unit.
The "negative" I was referring to about the 4 rack dirital model was the fact it turned itself off after 9hrs 40 minutes, something inherant in both 6 rack and 4 rack digital models from my understanding. Other than that the comments seemed to err on the positive. ;)
QuoteI'm here, I just took a break to let the air clear...
I'm sure glad you are here. For a while there I was concerned that we had lost a level headed thinking member to a bottomless quagmire.
If I did anything to have insulted you or questioned your honesty it was not my intent. If so, I extend my hand and ask that you accept my apology.
QuoteThe "negative" I was referring to about the 4 rack digital model was the fact it turned itself off after 9hrs 40 minutes
Ummm I must have missed that. Between us chickens and the gate post that time limit would never have been an issue for me once I knew about it. I would have gotten ticked off the first time as I believe there was no documentation concern it. After that at the four hour water change out I would have just re-set the unit.
What I have not understood is the lack of a circulation fan. Come-on... for 40 bucks in parts! Plus the parts I used will out last 5 bradley units. No one can tell me that for another 10 bucks in parts and labor Bradley could not have added a fan to the unit given it is made in China.
The heck with that controller, put a fan in it.
Olds
QuoteThe heck with that controller, put a fan in it.
A lot of people will agree with you on that score Olds.
And Omegaman, nice to see you back posting. :D
Although I am not a long time forum writer, I have had a regular BS for several years. When The new digitals hit the market I was very excited and purchased a 4 rack. The temp. swings I read about in the forum were when the smoker was empty...Radiant heat needs objects....When I fired up my new digital I seasoned it while checking the temp. with a Maverick and I saw the swings, smoker empty, referred to in other postings. When I loaded the smoker up with meat it kept the temp. right on the money with the Maverick, plus or minus 2 degrees. There has been one problem and that is the power plug in the back of the smoke generator, and after a brief call to Bradley they are shipping a replacement. My experience with the digital is very positive. The temp sensor is no longer a thermometer on the door, but in the back in a very good location and can effectively monitor the oven temp without the Maverick. Don't open the door. My take is that the digital cost is the right value. One cannot expect Guru Raptor $500 control for the limited increase in the Bradley Digital price. I think you get what you pay for...If you buy a smoker and add a fan, add a more sophisticated controller then you probably have something that is superior to the Bradley Digital, but you paid for it. In my book, smoking doesn't need to be a science project, but a time to relax, drink some refreshments, and be with friends...and eat great smoked food. No offense to anyone....
QuoteIn my book, smoking doesn't need to be a science project, but a time to relax, drink some refreshments, and be with friends...and eat great smoked food. No offense to anyone....
Agree with you 100% rhodhse, making smoking into a science rather than an art spoils a lot of the enjoyment IMHO.
Nice to see a positive post regarding the (4 rack) digital model. :)
Quote from: manxman on May 30, 2006, 11:50:14 AM
QuoteIn my book, smoking doesn't need to be a science project, but a time to relax, drink some refreshments, and be with friends...and eat great smoked food. No offense to anyone....
Agree with you 100% rhodhse, making smoking into a science rather than an art spoils a lot of the enjoyment IMHO.
Nice to see a positive post regarding the (4 rack) digital model. :)
I think I saw somewhere in one of the smoking bible cook books that rule number one was "HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR COMPANY". Also in the trouble shooting section it kept refering back to "RULE NUMBER ONE".
Sounds like easy enough advise to follow. I know I sure try. ;D ;D ;D :D Heck, get as complicated as you want as long as you follow "RULE NUMBER ONE".
I enjoy the combination of both science and fun. To me food science is fun. Just ask Bill Nye, or Alton Brown ;)
Quote from: Habanero Smoker on May 30, 2006, 01:37:20 PM
I enjoy the combination of both science and fun. To me food science is fun. Just ask Bill Nye, or Alton Brown ;)
Didn't your momma ever tell you to quit playing with your food Hab? :D ;D Just kidding buddy. I remember sitting out at the grill once with 20 pounds of rib eyes and cooking each one a different way just to test every ones theories out. Ann just about killed me but the neighbors sure liked it. ::)
QuoteNice to see a positive post regarding the (4 rack) digital model. ;D
(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)That makes this the second positive report on the 4 rank unit.(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif) It will be nice when more folks post about the new units.
Olds
I recieved my 4 rack digital a couple of days ago and smoked my first salmon today. Now, I will say that I am no expert, but compared to my old True North smoker this BDS (Bradley Digital Smoker) is a dream. The temperature fluctuated initially but after the first 30 minutes of operation I got between 152-168 with the oven set at 150F. I had three full size fillets in and the timer ran precisely 4 hours. Soon, I will be doing a 10 hour brisket, so I'll see if the timer stops on me.
Like I said, I am not expert. I smoke food more as a means of enjoyment and the satifaction in seeing and tasting my creation, but I really like my BDS4.
Cheers,
Suds :)
(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)
Well that makes 3 positive reports on the 4 rank unit.
Olds
What is the difference between the 4 and 6 rack models that makes for a problem? Is the problem only temp fluctuation or something more?
Greetings, My 4 rack digital arrived May 15. Since that time I have been able to complete a half dozen smokes. My experience follows: If your new to smoking - this is the way to go, price for what you get is excellent and the learning curve is near zero. If your an experienced smoker and being a purest is not the fun it used to be ... this is the way to go - the blinking lights are much easier on the eyes and fingers than fire box ashes and hot metal, If your past included the origional BS unit ... this is the way to go - tired of the sun coming up and the wind direction changing adding significant heat to your smoke... nothing frustrates your early morning california yoga sets more than those pesky ambiant changes and having to stop and adjust the silly slide control.
If your trying to decide what to buy and reading the forum for tips on performance - remember the source and what you are doing. A few degrees of temperature swing above and below the set point is meaningless over the period of a typical smoke. Probably better for the perfusion of jucies through the meat anyway. It takes time to get the juice to form and move and you dont want to have it all go at once. A smoke time limited to 9 hours plus is not an issue for most, at least not important to me ... I can't even remember the last time I got to sleep more than 5 hours with out having to get up and pee. Maybe a 20 hour smoke is real to some but think about the size of meats and rest of the load that would justify it. . . and your not going to check on a load that cost that kind of money once every 9 hours? I just wanna see the lights more often than that! A lot of the comments are nothing more than feeling out the technology in the smoker...not real problems.
If your making buying decisions based on what you read in the forum, the first decision you need to make is which of the writers are smarter and which are dummer than the puck you load in the feed tube. There are some of each posting here by my read.
Customer service is excellent! Silly questions and troubleshooting are included, comments regarding a desire to stand behind the product were immediate from both ChezBubba and Bradley Smoker even before they knew if I had a problem. I didnt even get to explain my situation to a live person before I was supported!
Ask me about the Smoked Oysters I enjoyed earlier. There is no way to make them turn out the way they did with out a Bradley. The clean smoke they talk about really shows up on some of the foods. Cant baffle the smoke on ANY chunk wood smoker, charcoal or gas powered and get a result like I got on this unit.
Welcome to the forum West Coast Kansan, good to see a well written and objective post in favour of the 4 rack digital model. :)
QuoteWelcome to the forum West Coast Kansan, good to see a well written and objective post in favour of the 4 rack digital model.
(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)(http://www.susanminor.org/Rayeimages/gif/Launch150.gif)<--need I say more?
Olds
Welcome WCK!
So how about those oysters? How did you make them?
WCK, Welcome to the forum. Very glad to hear your positive experiances with the new smoker. I have to agree with the support part 100 percent. Do tell about the smoked oysters when you get a chance, they sound good.
WCK, welcome to the forum, and I must agree with you on the oysters! Did a batch for my Father's 80th Birthday a couple weeks back, and there is simply no way to get them that good without the Bradley. I use an original unit, but I am pleased to hear that the new digital is getting good reviews. Makes me think about the next one down the line.
Regards,
Greg
Glad to see another positive experience with the 4 rack. On an earlier post I said smoking should not be a science project, and quickly I was reminded that all cooking is a science....just ask Alton Brown....and there are so many different ways to find your smoking path....it is about what you like, what you feel passion about....the guru raptor is worth every penny if that is what makes the persons (smoker) heart beat a little faster, and feel the enjoyment of sharing the food and the experience.....for my money the digital is worth every penney...I now have an original, and a digital....I purchased the digital from the right place...Chez Bubba...and I had the "appropriate" expectations of a brand new product and willing to participate in the experience to help Bradley get better, someone has to buy one....if Bradley had made a $1000 digital then I would have expected $1000 of value...however the New dBS are are just maybe $100 bucks more...with Chez and Bradley it will never be a bad purchase unless you expect more than what you pay for....
Those Oysters were something else ... just when I thought I had them reeled in along side the boat and was bending over with my dip net there was a splash behind me. I turned - na sorry thats a different story.
Oysters, I abuse in a couple of ways but my favorite is cooking on the half shell so there are no worries about falling through the rack. They can also be smoked a little longer because they wont get too hot and dry out as fast as trying to cook on a finer mesh or cheese cloth approach. They are also exposed just fine to pick up a nice smoke petina appearance.
The shells also make nice little bowls allowing you to pour on a little sauce while they are smoking (shells are reusable and dishwasher safe - na sorry that's a different story). My sauce is easy ... a little melted butter, smashed garlic and onion, and just a touch of horse radish for bite. you can use a little lemon or lime juice as a degreaser if that suits your taste.
Again, you dont want too much glaze sauce (just a little around the edge for moisture) cause the smoke has to get to them and you need to leave them alone while they smoke. I haven't played with my Bradley Digital that much yet but it just makes sense looking at it - the best place is the top rack as far from the heat as you can get. I like to smoke everything too long if there is a such a thing and I put the oysters in during a pork loin and pork sholder smoke.
They give me something to look forward to while I was waiting on the rest of the load to finish. Kind of like a reward for myself, you know for giving the little lady a couple of days off from cooking cuz I spent all those hours working to produce those smoked meats (na very very sorry, that really is a different story).
Bottom line is they smoked LONG, never got all dried out, and tasted amazingly like I always thought a smoked oyster was supposed to taste like ... not the eating a wet log taste experience you get from chunk wood smokers. The icon on the post is a picture of the three out of ten that survived long enough to have a picture taken. Have a nice day WCK
I bet that your smoked oysters would make a good mix with T2 recipe for Oysters On The Grill. (http://susan.rminor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69)
Here is a image of T2 finished product:
Click To Enlarge Image
(http://www.dow-mgc.org/Rayeimages/bradley/oys-0.jpg) (http://www.dow-mgc.org/Rayeimages/bradley/oys.jpg)
EDITED to fix the link...
Anything is possible but I am not sure I am smart enough to do them on a grill. You must have cooked them with an indirect heat approach or was do you cook them fast? They sure look good arranged on the platter!
West Coast Kansan
I fixed the link above your last posting. Click on it and look at T2's recipe. My thought was a little more on the line of his toppings on your smoked oysters.
Olds
I would have never thought of cilantro ... thanks for the link Oldman. I see what you mean and will give those toppings a try. Thanks for the notice and take care!