BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Black Bradley Smoker (BTIS1) => Topic started by: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 06:56:02 AM

Title: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 06:56:02 AM
I have used by BT1S1 about 12 times since purchasing.  Does matter what I smoke the temp never gets beyond 205, even when smoker is in full sun?  Anyone have suggestions?  :(
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Tenpoint5 on July 20, 2012, 07:08:49 AM
Sounds like you may have the vent closed down to far. Thus trapping in all of the moisture and holding you temps down
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 07:59:45 AM
I have the vent on the top wide open.
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Tenpoint5 on July 20, 2012, 08:08:06 AM
You using an extension cord?
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Kahunas on July 20, 2012, 08:17:30 AM
Are you reading the door thermometer or do you have a remote in the smoker below the meat?
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 08:31:30 AM
yes I am using an extension cord and also using a Maverick external temp gage.
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: TedEbear on July 20, 2012, 08:54:37 AM
Quote from: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 08:31:30 AM
yes I am using an extension cord

Aha!  An extension cord chokes the power to the heating element.  I believe it says in the owner's manual to not use them.
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: lepps50 on July 20, 2012, 09:59:00 AM
ok - will try without cord this weekend.  What should I see/exspect for high temp?  with food and without?  thanks
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Kahunas on July 20, 2012, 11:10:40 AM
One more thing, I almost hate to ask but is the temperature slider all the way to the right?
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Habanero Smoker on July 20, 2012, 01:28:35 PM
What is the highest temperature you get when you run the smoker empty? Where are you placing the probe in relation to the food? Compared to others on this board, are you cook times longer, or just about the same as others for the same types of food?

Also play around with the vent setting. Try a setting 1/2 - 3/4 opened, and see it that doesn't improve your cabinet temperatures.
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: lepps50 on July 23, 2012, 06:12:46 AM
Plugged my smoker directly into out let and turned on, heated up to 250+ with vent wide open.  Must have been the extension cord draining power?  Does anyone know of an alternative on pwer cords?
Title: Re: BT1S1 temp not getting above 205
Post by: Kahunas on July 23, 2012, 08:44:51 AM
Quote from: lepps50 on July 23, 2012, 06:12:46 AM
Plugged my smoker directly into out let and turned on, heated up to 250+ with vent wide open.  Must have been the extension cord draining power?  Does anyone know of an alternative on pwer cords?
Shortest heavy gauge extension cord you can find. Either 10/3 or 12/3 and as short as possible.