BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Bradley Smokers => The Digital Smokers (BTDS76P & BTDS108P) => Topic started by: Orion on December 25, 2014, 08:04:24 AM

Title: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: Orion on December 25, 2014, 08:04:24 AM
Something's not right.  I'm seeing a DROP of cabinet internal temperature of 22'F from pre-set value. Set to 140'F and it reaches that and then rapidly drops to 118'F. Then takes it's time reheating again and runs UP to 158'. Cycles back and forth. That's a 40`temp swing!

Unit was preheated to 200'F with two foil wrapped bricks within. Then reset to 140`. Bricks really don't effect the fact that it drops 22' though.

I can only think that the thermostat or temp sensor is faulty. If it's designed to fluctuate that much I'm not happy with it at all. Really messing up my Jerky Project.

Help!
Title: Re: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: TedEbear on December 25, 2014, 09:31:51 AM
Supposedly, a regular house oven has wide temps swings, too.  We just don't monitor it that closely.  A PID controller will regulate the temp to within a few degrees if you feel you need that precise of a temp control.

Title: Re: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: Orion on December 25, 2014, 09:40:33 AM
Appreciate your input TB. Didn`t expect temp to swing this far.  Have a great Christmas day with your family and friends. :)
Title: Re: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: Orion on December 25, 2014, 09:58:23 AM
I thought I had puck issues too however seem to have sorted that out. Merry Christmas to all. :)
Title: Re: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: dave01 on December 25, 2014, 02:29:57 PM
Like TedEbear said, a PID will give you tighter temps. As your meat temps improve the smokers temp swings should get better or at least that was my experience
Title: Re: Temperature Swings ???
Post by: trevorandlori on February 01, 2015, 02:10:27 PM
Try something like this, it evens things out as it acts as a temperature buffer. You can now open the door as you please, and only lose 10F in -20 weather.

http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/trevorandlori/media/CastIrongrillasheatbuffer_zps9d49a2f6.jpg.html

Extra heavy cast iron grill from a Centro BBQ (The only heavy duty piece on that POS)