6 Rack Digital Smoker, Temp way off

[BIGdreamer26]

I am new to Bradley and new to this forum.  I just got done seasoning my 6 Rack Digital and noticed the temp running about 40* over.  I read alot of info before I purchased this, so I bought a Maverick ET-733 Digital Thermometer to run with the smoker.  I originally had both probes in the smoker and then just put one down thru the vent.  My display on the smoker was reading at one point 153* and my Maverick was at 193*.  It seemed like it was always 40* off(warmer than what smoker display was showing).  Any suggestions help etc??? I am planning on cooking turkey in it for Thanksgiving.

[Gafala]

A couple of my probes read higher for my mavericks as much as 50deg that's why I rely on my PID Temp.

[BIGdreamer26]

Help me with the PID please.

[DaWiz]

I have 2 PID.s:
The Auber •Model: WSD-1503CPH (single probe)
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=381

and the •Model: WSD-1503CPH  (dual probe)
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=381

Either one works fine the dual probe is currently $15.00 more that the single probe.  Either will control the temp to within 1-2 degrees of the target temp.

[KyNola]

Before you jump to a PID and what it is, let's check your Maverick probes.  Put a pan of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.  Water boils at 212F.  Stick just the tips of your probes into the boiling water and see what your Maverick reads.  If it reads 212 or a couple of degrees either way, your probes are fine.  The constant 40 degrees difference is odd in my opinion.  The BDS is known to be inaccurate in registering temps from the tower but a constant 40 degree difference is something I have never seen.  Not saying it doesn't exist, just saying I have never seen a constant difference like that.  As the meat comes up to temp the heat swings should lessen.

[BIGdreamer26]

I have the water boiling.  Once I check the probes I will get back to you.  Also, I had no meat in the smoker, I was just seasoning it and running the oven to check the temp and thermometer.  This shouldn't make a difference should it?

[KyNola]

No, shouldn't make a difference.  If you were running empty the temp difference could remain constant.

[BIGdreamer26]

KyNola,
Just ran boiling water, probes both read 210*.  I let sit for a good 5 minutes.

[KyNola]

Trust your Maverick and more importantly don't panic when smoking meats unless you are smoking sausages where you do need temp controls to be tight.  Your Maverick will guide you.  Ribs, pork butts, briskets, poultry will all tolerate temp swings very well.  It's all about the low and slow.

Hope this helps.

[BIGdreamer26]

Thank you. 
I may try a small test run tomorrow to see how things go.  I will let you know.  One more thing while I'm on here.  Does it matter much that the smoker is outside.  I am in PA, just north of Pittsburgh, and we just got hit with a snow storm.  I don't have directly in snow but its pretty cold out with alot of snow.

[devo]

Its a good idea to bring in the smoke generator. If you have a small tarp or some kind of outside cover I would cover the smoker from the snow. If you have a garage it would be even better to store it in there till needed.

The smoke generator is the weakest link so bring that in for sure.

[Saber 4]

Welcome from Texas, looks like everyone has you going in the right direction, have fun smoking.

[Habanero Smoker]

Hi BIGdreamer26;

Welcome to the forum.

Other outdoor conditions will have an effect on how your smoker handles, such as ambient temperature and wind. If it is windy, set up some barriers to protect the wind from going down the top vent and also prevent the wind from entering from the side vents on the generator. When protecting it form the wind on the side vent, leave about a 4 - 6" space between the barrier and the generator.

[renoman]

Thank you. 
I may try a small test run tomorrow to see how things go.  I will let you know.  One more thing while I'm on here.  Does it matter much that the smoker is outside.  I am in PA, just north of Pittsburgh, and we just got hit with a snow storm.  I don't have directly in snow but its pretty cold out with alot of snow.

Smokin' in the snow? No problem. I have done most of mine in the snow. Here is a pic of mine smoking' while the snow is falling and it's -15C. outside. I put a piece of plywood on top with a 4" hole at the vent to keep most of the snow off the smoke generator. It was fairly windy that day too.

[BIGdreamer26]

I would like to thank everyone for all of the ideas and knowledge.  It gives me confidence that the things I am thinking are on the right track.  I will try to get some pictures posted once I'm done.  Should be no problem keeping the Yuenglings cold in the snow.