Wet biscuits from smoke

[mbartole]

The last time I used the smoker, about the 5th time since I got it in September 2007, the biscuits started getting wet from the smoke that flows out from where the biscuit feeder slides into the main unit. This caused the biscuits to disintegrate and jam up. Do others experience this, or is the smoke coming out that area not supposed to happen? No problems prior. Was not a rainy day. It was cooler weather, about mid 40's.

Thank you,

Milan

[manxman]

smoke that flows out from where the biscuit feeder slides into the main unit

Shouldn't get much smoke coming out of here at all, ?how far open did you have the vent on top of the main unit?

Not opening that enough can cause backflow in the way you described.

[Wildcat]

Welcome to the forum.  In addition to what Manxman said, if you were doing some type of bird with the skin on, then your top vent should be at least 2/3 open since they produce the most moisture during the smoke/cook period.  Otherwise, I recommend that you open the vent just enough to stop the smoke from backing up.  Smoke, and especially when combined with moisture, backing up into the smoke generator is not a good thing.  It will gum up the generator and cause it to fail.

[mbartole]

I've usually had the vent almost closed because of temp. Seems that temp doesn't really go above 250F, but that means I have to have the vent almost closed just to get to 225. Perhaps, the door thermometer is not super accurate. thoughts?

[Wildcat]

The door thermometer is (kind of) accurate, but you have to remember where it is - a place that will get the least amount of heat.  You will probably find that if you keep the smoker protected from the wind and the vent opened correctly, that you will actually get more cabinet temperature.  Moisture that is not allowed to escape will actually lower the heat in the box.

[mbartole]

Thanks everyone. Ordered the maverick dual thermometer based on other post replies.