First Time User

brendanstl · May 27, 2012, 10:02:43 AM

Threw some ribs on the BDS smoker about a half an hour ago, decided to do the 3-2-1 method and studied up on it all week. I have a small problem with my thermometers. The bradley was set at 225 and reading 210, I have a maverick et-732 and it was reading 249. I now have the bradley turned down to 200 and the maverick is reading 225. Is this a typical problem with the bradleys?

KyNola · May 27, 2012, 10:08:11 AM

Bradleys have wild temp swings when the meat is first put into the smoker. The heating element is either on or off. When on, it will run above the setpoint and then shut the heating element off, allowing the temp to fall below the setpoint. It repeats that cycle over and over. As the meat comes up to temp the temps swings will lessen. Bradleys are a little notorious for inaccurate temp readings as well. That's why so many of us, you included, run a ET-732 for more accurate readings.

Relax, have a refreshing beverage of choice and enjoy the smell of ribs smoking. You've got this. ;)

mikecorn.1 · May 27, 2012, 10:24:27 AM

Welcome aboard. Ditto on what Larry said. Don't sweat it. Ive smoked lots of stuff with my Bradley and his temper tantrums. Sit back, relax and then let everyone know how hard you worked to make them ribs. ;D

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muebe · May 27, 2012, 10:31:45 AM

Welcome to the forum!

As Larry stated don't sweat the temp swings. You are gonna love the finished product from your Bradley. Have fun and post the pictures of the ribs when done ;)

brendanstl · May 27, 2012, 10:50:54 AM

This is confusing. Ribs have been in for an hour. Had the bradley set at 230 running steady for an hour at 225, now all of the sudden the temp has dropped down to 192 on my maverick. Thought maybe my element went out like others have had happen after an hour so I turned the bradley up to 240 and the temp is rising back up. What does everyone suggest....... leave it at 230 and let it spike back and forth from 192-225 or turn it up to 240 and let it run between 210 and 235?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on what else I can throw in the smoker to go along with our dinner for the last hour of smoking after I take them out of the foil?

muebe · May 27, 2012, 10:53:13 AM

If any juiced drips onto the maverick probe this is gonna give you a false temp reading. Make sure the maverick probe is located below the lowest rack of ribs and not in a spot where drippings from the meat will hit the probe.

brendanstl · May 27, 2012, 10:55:26 AM

I have the probe on the lowest rack with the clip on it and its in the middle of the rack where the ribs on that rack and the upper rack are spread apart.

Habanero Smoker · May 28, 2012, 02:20:57 AM

Hi brendanstl;
Welcome to the forum.

Another reason for the temperature differences between the Bradley and the Maverick it the difference in placement of the two temperature probes.

TedEbear · May 28, 2012, 07:37:29 AM

Quote from: brendanstl on May 27, 2012, 10:55:26 AM
I have the probe on the lowest rack with the clip on it and its in the middle of the rack where the ribs on that rack and the upper rack are spread apart.

So, how'd it all turn out? Did you take any pics?

mikecorn.1 · May 28, 2012, 08:44:38 AM

Quote from: TedEbear on May 28, 2012, 07:37:29 AM
Quote from: brendanstl on May 27, 2012, 10:55:26 AM
I have the probe on the lowest rack with the clip on it and its in the middle of the rack where the ribs on that rack and the upper rack are spread apart.

So, how'd it all turn out? Did you take any pics?

What he said. :)

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