Heating Element Question

[Michael]

I've had my BS for about 5 years and I average about 7-10 smokes a year, mostly pork butts and ribs.  How long do the heating elements tend to last.  I'm thinking that perhaps I should get a backup element just in case my element decides to die while I'm cooking for a large party.... -Mike

[Keymaster]

I think its the luck of the draw on how long a element is going to last. Most last years but there was a problem with a batch recently which Bradley quickly resolved by contracting another supplier for their elements from what I have read. Most the people that smoke a lot have a spare in hand ;) Yard and pool sells them at a very reasonable price and excellent customer service!!!

[ghost9mm]

Yep!!! what Keymaster said, I have 2 spares, I feel it is the difference of having a bad weekend or having a good one, and I choose the latter...Y&P is the only way to go...

[smoke em if you got em]

Ditto. They are so inexpensive I can't think of a reason not to have a spare.

[Habanero Smoker]

Hi Michael;

The heating element is inexpensive so having a spare is good to have.

I'm not sure when Bradley switched to the all metal element, but if you still have the glass element I would definitely get a spare.. 

[beefmann]

aways good to have a spare heater, i do

[Michael]

I'm not sure when Bradley switched to the all metal element, but if you still have the glass element I would definitely get a spare..

I guess I have been out of touch.  I didn't know Bradley switched to an all metal element

[Habanero Smoker]

I'm not sure when Bradley switched to the all metal element, but if you still have the glass element I would definitely get a spare..

I guess I have been out of touch.  I didn't know Bradley switched to an all metal element

I didn't know either until I order two when I went to add a second element to my smoker; just incase one broke. Good thing I ordered two, so I replaced the glass one while I was at it. I still have the glass element and as far as I know, it still works.