I have been having some of the same problems as others with the temp increasing before I ever put meat in the smoker. How long should it take for the smoker to heat up to 250 degrees? I have oven set on 275 and it always takes at least 1.5-2 hours just to get it there if it even does get to the temp, is that normal? I have checked all cord connections and they seem to be tight. Just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions.
Thanks,
From Southern IL
Make sure your vent is open. Also try using boiling water or as hot as you can get tap water. A larger 9x13 aluminum pan to replace the drip pan will also help with temp recovery
Thanks for the post. I will do that. In the mean time I got my maverick IT out and checked it with boiling water and it is right on the money, however my thermometer on my digital 4 rack smoker is probably 70 degrees off. I had the oven temp set at 300 and it took the smoker temp 2 hours to get to 215 degrees, but the maverick was right the whole time. I thought the maverick was off but it is the smoker itself. Any suggestions on what to do as far as fixing the smoker thermometer???
Thanks for the help!!
Ignore it and go with your maverick et-732
You're not using an extension cord with your Bradley, are you?
Yes I am actually. I read in an earlier post not to use a extension corn longer than 10 feet and at least 12 gauge. I wont make the mistake next time, could be part of the problem I reckon? I am just using the Maverick IT now and things seem to be going better using it and not really relying on the Bradley thermometer.