I have read a lot of comments about the Bradley Smoker, and it sounds great. I understand that the customer service is also great. I have to admit that I am concerned. I have heard of Bradley replacing the digital units under warranty.
What if I get past the inital 12 months and have to bear the cost myself ? Does anyone know what to expect dollar wise ??
Also I have heard that the unit is sensitive to moisture. It is not uncommon for me to be useing my current charcoal smoker, and encounter sprinkling/light rain.
Does anyone ever use theirs in the garage with the door open, maybe a fan on to get smoke to exit in a rainy situation ??
Is there a way to protect the digital unit from moisture/rain ??
Obviously I know the dangers of electricity and water. Just looking for input and ideas.
Thank you for your time,
Todd
Todd,
Welcome Aboard!!
I have a BDS4. Mine is on top of a rolling tool box bottom in the garage. I have the Plastic cover that Bradley offers for the smoker. When I use mine I wheel it over closer to the door or in the driveway. It has gotten light rain blown onto it without any ill effects. Generally I do use mine in the garage with the main garage open.
Just don't get the pucks wet....gets nasty
I have smoked in the rain once....won't do that again. It was with an OBS, BDS would be different, but I was getting a shock every time I adjusted the temp slider. Dried it, cleaned the wood goup out of the puck advance, and fired it back up with no problems or ill effects.
I own a 4 rack BDS and have for 2 years now. I love it and never had a problem. The only thing that I do is take the smoke generator apart 2x a year to clean all the wood and soot out of it.
My smoker is always outside and on my deck. If it rains, I have an awning. I live in Ontario where we have 3 months of summer and the rest not!
Lumpy
Todd,
I haven't had my BDS6 but about 6 months and have really enjoyed it especially with all the great recipes these guys have. As of yet I haven't really loaded it up, generally only use two racks, but do enjoy the ability to expand! ;D
My BDS is setup in the garage with a small window fan for the exhaust. The only precaution I took was to install a surge protector (same as computer protector) since it is digital. My guess is that the digital stuff may be a little more sensitive to power surges. The BDS is sitting on a 4ft folding table.
(http://usera.imagecave.com/DrtiBird/DBS6/DBS6.JPG)
I have a digital and have had it start to rain or a little drizzle with no problem. Don't recommend it mind you. I also have a cover but it has been a permanent fixture outside for almost 3 years. No repairs have been needed, just standard cleaning as mentioned before.