consistent temps with smoker

[bkcsmoker]

hello everyone---first run with the smoker today.  i have a 6 rack digital.  my question---- is it standard to have to adjust the cooking temp during the process?  i put in ribs today, just two racks and had to adjust the cooking temp up and down to maintain the internal temp at  225.  i couldn't just leave the smoker and comeback to find the same internal temp.  my smoker is outside, but protected----no wind or big fluctuation in the oustide temp today.

[GusRobin]

Its like your oven, if you set the oven for 350 you could see temps ranging from 325-375 as it tries to maintain 350. A lot of folks buy a PID or some other controller. The auber PID can control it within a range of about +- 2 degrees. However, for butts, brisket, ribs and the like, the fluctuation won't really hurt anything. You may want better control if doing sausage and maybe fish (don't know that for sure since I have never done fish. --hmm maybe I found what I will smoke next weekend?)
Hope this helps.

[rcger]

I'm sure that others with much more knowledge than me will weigh in, but the DBS is prone to the temperature swings.  I personally bought a PID to use with mine.  It know holds the temp to +/- 1 degree.

[bkcsmoker]

thanks for the replies!  i can see how this gets addicting....

[squirtthecat]

When the smoker is fully loaded, the swings will calm down a bit.     Put some firebricks (or any kind of brick - wrap in foil) in the bottom and that will increase the thermal mass.    I have a old cast iron pan in the bottom of mine.

It will still swing without something like a PID that 'learns' over time, and applies the power to the cabinet heater in small pulses..