BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The New Bradley Smart Smoker (BS916) => Topic started by: rib-a-lation on December 02, 2016, 02:41:50 PM

Title: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 02, 2016, 02:41:50 PM
So I bought a new Smart Smoker on a Black Friday deal (thank GOD I didn't pay anywhere near the $700 asking price)

Upon starting it for the first time, I noticed the meat probes were reading 000.  I decided to test them out in some hot water, still no reading.  In the app, they won't turn on.  And every time I close the app, I have to reinstall it in order to make it work. 
Figuring there was maybe something I was going wrong, I called Bradley.  Their solution was to send new probes....really?  So you are telling me that the cause of all of this, is that both probes are bad?  Highly doubt it.  They want me to wait for the probes, try them and let them know if that fixed it.  Then once that doesn't work, I can wait for a new smoke generator.  All in all, I won't be using this before 2017....
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: RedJada on December 02, 2016, 03:17:56 PM
No commit on this one...
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 02, 2016, 03:22:01 PM
No comment?
Is that an insinuation that I'm making it up?  I can post pics right now that it' sitting in my back yard, and exactly what it's doing.  I'm also fairly seasoned in smoking and using all types of smoker, I've owned the original Bradley, WSM with PID, Traeger Big Tex, etc....
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: BigTex71 on December 02, 2016, 03:52:22 PM
That is unfortunate that your probes are not functioning properly. Mine worked fine with my first use, so I guess you may have received a lemon. This is the first report I have heard of with someone's probes not working in the unit. Hopefully it is not a common issue.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 02, 2016, 04:40:52 PM
I just really hope it's the probes....  I tried the probes from my maverick and from my BBQ Guru, but neither are the right size.  Really don't want to wait for them to replace the generator.  As for the app, it's semi worthless.  Every time my phone goes to sleep, it crashes and has to be reinstalled, and re-paired with the smoker, defeating the purpose of it, as I have to go outside to pair it with the smoker.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: jesse_sanders on December 02, 2016, 05:51:01 PM
I'm not surprised.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Habanero Smoker on December 03, 2016, 02:34:08 AM
I understand your frustration. I'm not familiar with the Smart Smoker, though with two probes malfunctioning, it would seem the problem is caused by something other than the probes.

Bradley is very quick in getting parts out to their customers. If they have the parts in stock, the worse scenario; if the new probes don't work, you are looking at about two weeks to get a new generator to your door. That's not much of a consolation, but it is a much shorter time span than you are estimating.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: TMB on December 05, 2016, 07:26:35 AM
Just my two cents worth so please take it that way.    Your issue with the probes sound more bad connection in the unit not bad probes

Your app issue may be due  to your phone.     Has your phone been update?  Had any issues similar to this happened in the past with your phone?

Reason for the phone issue question is I have had dealings with bad phones and bluetooth updates.  I work with customers a lot who's phones are the issue yet they think it's something else causing the issue.  i know the phone drops the app, but keep in mind software sucks and issues come in many forms.  Have you installed the app on another phone to try??

Again just asking, 
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: karey42 on December 05, 2016, 09:56:44 AM
The probe issue sounds unfortunate, I hope its a simple fix or just lemon.

As for the app part this worries me terribly. It's the whole reason why I refuse to bye this product as of now. I mean half the appeal of this unit is the smart smoker feature is it not? And I can't seem to find a lot of reviews period anywhere on the product and/or app. I want to really bad pull the trigger and buy one but I'm not spending $500+ on something that only half works.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 05, 2016, 11:53:35 AM
As of right now, I'd say that the "smart" aspect is 90% nonfunctional.  I cooked some tri tips Friday night and they came out amazing as usual, but I was forced to treat the smoker like the old "original".  I used my Maverick thermometer and had to monitor cooker temp by going outside and looking at the screen.  Though, half way through the cook, I re-paired the bluetooth and it actually stayed connected the rest of the cook, so I was able to monitor the temp from my living room.
Hopefully the new app gets released soon....
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 09, 2016, 06:58:34 PM
New probes arrived, and surprise, they didn't fix the issue....
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 12, 2016, 07:53:10 PM
Update:
Contacted Bradley and they are sending out an all new smoker.  Will post update when it arrives, along with video.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 12, 2016, 08:24:07 PM
Cool! The first one who receive his smoker win  ;D Mine is expected Thursday.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 12, 2016, 10:25:16 PM
I think your gonna beat me lol.  It took them a week to get the probes here, so I'm thinking that next Monday will be the earliest I could possibly expect.
Hopefully yours is 100% functional when you get it.  I'm hoping my experience is an aberration.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 12, 2016, 10:51:09 PM
Hope that my probes will be fine for sure but my cell phone is not on the list so it is a risque that I'M taking  ;)
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 13, 2016, 01:38:11 AM
Yeah, that's gonna be annoying for you until they release the updated app.  I have a Samsung s6 edge, the s6 edge+ is supported but not the regular edge.  And I have to delete and reinstall the app everytime I open it.  I almost thought about getting a new phone, but figured the updated app should only be a month or 2 away.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 14, 2016, 12:55:34 PM
Received it bro  :D
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 14, 2016, 01:54:01 PM
Damn you lol
How's it working?
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 14, 2016, 02:30:52 PM
Not tried yet sorry but all so far I can tell you that my puck burner protector looks different than your. No screws to drill only 2 holes to aim the protector to.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 15, 2016, 02:27:21 PM
wow, what a garbage company. 

So I got the replacement smoker showed up, and I was to put the old smoker in the replacements box and they would have fedex pick it up.  Problem is, they never gave me an estimated delivery time, tracking numbers, nothing.  Fedex delivers the package while I'm at work, doesn't call me, or anything, and leaves the smoker in driving rain.  We are talking the most rain my area has seen in a decade. 

6 hours later, I get home, to see a disintegrated box, and my "new" smoker filled with about 10 gallons of water.  It's so water logged I had to actually use a hand truck to move it, this from a former competetive powerlifter.

I called Bradley.  the woman was immediately rude.  Very rude.  Literally wouldn't talk to me after I explained the situation.  I finally said, "are you there?"  She replied with, "look, I don't know what you want me to do.  it's not like we have boxes laying around.  Just go buy a box!".  I told her that for a $700 smoker, I shouldn't have to go buy a $20 box, to ship your defective smoker back to you.  And I have no idea if this "new" smoker will even work".

She then told me they'll call back.  After taking my name and number, hung up on me.  Not even a sorry for your inconvenience, or hell, a goodbye.

I had actually bought my dad and my father in law Bradley Original's for Christmas this year, but am debating on returning everything.

Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 15, 2016, 03:04:05 PM
Sorry for your bad experience but the fixed mine greatly today Only good things to say about them!  ;D
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 15, 2016, 03:08:49 PM
I'm hoping they fix this.  It's been a real headache so far.  Shame too, because my old 4 rack Bradley was great.  I've owned a lot of smokers, and this is by far the worst experience.  I'm holding off on a social media and BBQ forum rant until tomorrow, hopefully they do right.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Habanero Smoker on December 16, 2016, 01:38:13 AM
Did you make a complaint to FedEx? They shouldn't have left the merchandise uncovered, especially electronics.

Even if there is a hint of rain, the FedEx driver will place my items in a plastic bag. If the item is oversized, they will use more than one bag. The bags that they use are large, and I'm sure would have covered the box.

This time of year FedEx uses a lot of temporary workers, it may have been a temp worker who's only goal was to get his route completed. I have to say again, you should make a complaint to FedEx.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Roget on December 16, 2016, 09:22:56 AM
I'm with Habs.

The smoker should not have been left without being wrapped.
FedEx is usually very good about that.

I'm just as surprised that you had a problem with Bradley customer service.
The few times I have had contact with them were very satisfactory. (parts replaced just on my word, & CS personnel being very pleasant)

The first smoker should have worked, but the second one is on FedEx.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: rib-a-lation on December 16, 2016, 01:33:11 PM
I'm with you guys on it being fedex's fault. I originally called Bradley to tell them about the rain situation because I couldn't even read the tracking numbers on the shipment, so that I could complain to fedex, and I figured they would have the tracking numbers somewhere in their invoice.  But when their CSR was exceptionally rude, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth, for Bradley. However....

UPDATE
I was called by Bradley today, and I assume it was a manager.  They told me that they apologized for my experience thus far, and that the simplest solution was for me to simply keep the second smoker, and use the original smoker for parts if needed.  Now I haven't tested the new smoker for functionality yet, but assuming that the rain didn't kill it (the manager said that the rain shouldn't have hurt anything), I will be retracting my reviews for Bradley.  It's a shame how one low end CSR can hurt a companies image so easily, but I suppose these companies should be more selective in who they pay to be the first line of contact.  Nonetheless, they certainly made up for her failure.  I'm a happy Bradley owner again, and feel a bit more confident that getting my dad, and my father in law Bradley smokers for Christmas, was the right choice.
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Toker on December 16, 2016, 03:55:32 PM
You see, not so bad after all?  ;) :D
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Jim O on December 17, 2016, 07:25:30 AM
Glad to see all worked out .
Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: gricardsimplycol on April 14, 2017, 12:27:08 PM
All this talk about smart smokers leaves me feeling very happy u chose the old style smoker that isn't smart or digital.  Very happy learning the art of smoking with old yet trustworthy technology

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Big Disappointment
Post by: Buddy605 on May 13, 2017, 10:44:16 AM
I am having a problem with my smoker . It is sendin me a message saying my wires are not connected correctly. I have removed all the wires and reinstalled them again . I wonder if there is someone out there that can help me with my situation.
Just an update there was a broken wire in the cabinet. Had it replaced thank you to Bradley customer service for answers to my problems , you set the standard for costumer service. Olev was amazing and knowledgeable. I missed a few weekends without my new smoker but did not mind because I knew someone cared and was not getting the run around. You should offer a costumer service course to air Canada or better than that bell.