I received this question in a PM. Thought I would put it out to the masses.
I have a question,,Have owned my smoker for 4 years (the Original) Now the pucks continue to advance at a faster rate than they burn. Leaving many pucks only partly burned. What do I need to do to fix this problem
zxactly
I would check the timing of the puck advance by monitoring it for an hour.
This may require the assistance of an adult beverage, and should be done with distractions of wives and/or children. ;D
After checking the true advance timing (which should be 20 minutes) as accurate, I would wire brush the heating element. A residue buildup will occur over time which insulates the puck from the element. This results in incomplete burning.
As FLB correctly states, adult beverages can be of assistance in this process.
The next solution would be an element not achieving proper temperature. Check with your tongue an infrared thermometer. Call Bradley on this one for correct temperature and other solutions such as loose wiring, etc.
Pachanga
The brisquettes also burn at different rates.
The softer woods will burn up but ones like JIm Bean will not.
Not all brisquettes are created equal.
You can trouble shoot a lot of problems by clicking on the following link:
Bradley FAQ's (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?481-Bradley-Smoker-FAQ-s)
All of the above.
First check the advance rate.
I clean the hot plate with a small bronze brush every couple of smokes.
If the cabinet temp is low, cold smoking for example, the pucks won't burn completely.
Make sure you have adult beverages on hand.
Quote from: classicrockgriller on September 27, 2010, 12:13:38 PM
The brisquettes also burn at different rates.
The softer woods will burn up but ones like JIm Bean will not.
Not all brisquettes are created equal.
I wuz drnkin Bim Jeam thu otter daaaayyy wif me nehber
Quote from: NePaSmoKer on September 27, 2010, 03:11:05 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on September 27, 2010, 12:13:38 PM
The brisquettes also burn at different rates.
The softer woods will burn up but ones like JIm Bean will not.
Not all brisquettes are created equal.
I wuz drnkin Bim Jeam thu otter daaaayyy wif me nehber
ROTFLMAO.....I fank dis tread iz bout pucks an not bout fat outs. ;D
All of the above PLUS...
you may want to recheck all connections again, and are you using an extension cord?
if so try directly to the outlet.
That's all i got
ArnieM
Thanks for your input. I am cold smoking fish. I will check this! Could be the problem! Thanks to All........
keep those Drinks flowing....Smoke ON!!
ZXACTLY
I wish there was a control to adjust for 20 minutes for a hot smoke and 30 minutes for a cold smoke. There's always the old fashioned way. Place a puck on the hot plate, time it for 30 minutes. Knock it off. Repeat as necessary. Multiply adult bevs by about 1.5 ;D
Another thing to check is to make sure the spent pucks in the water bowl havent piled up and are leaning against the hot plate. The damp ones will keep the temp of the hot plate down and the rest will not burn completely. I wasn't drinking when I figured that one out cold smoking cheese.
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on September 28, 2010, 06:33:54 AM
I wasn't drinking when I figured that one out cold smoking cheese.
Well, you wasn't drinking water is what you meant to say.
Pachanga
Yes I had that problem over a year ago. The pucks piled up and prevented the new pucks from moving foward. I use a lower profile pan now. Its not as high and never stops stops the progress! Again Thanks to All for ALL your Help!!
zxactly