Can't get over 218F

elimsprint · August 01, 2009, 08:27:08 AM

Hi All,
I'm just getting into this style of smoking, I have a large texas styles smoker/bbq that I always used till now but I wanted to do jerky and sausage and the big boy isn't any good for that :P. My problem is that the Bradley, digital 6 rack, won't heat up over 218F. The heat element is coming on but even with the oven temp set to 280F it won't go above 218F. I was trying some ribs. They turned out fine but they took forever. I checked the power cords etc and can't find anything wrong. Is anyone else having this problem? It was a 90F day when I had this problem so I feel it should have heated up more for sure.
Kim
my big boy doing the christmas bird

summertime pulled pork

Wildcat · August 01, 2009, 08:29:52 AM

Make sure the vent is open. If it is closed it may reduce the cabinet temp when meat is in.

elimsprint · August 01, 2009, 09:01:43 AM

So even if you want use it as an oven you always keep the top vent wide open?
Kim

HawkeyeSmokes · August 01, 2009, 09:11:40 AM

I always keep mine open at least 1/4 way even when preheating. While smoking closer to 3/4 watching to make sure no smoke backs up by the generator. Keeping the vent open lets excess moisture out which help the smoker reach higher temperatures.

pensrock · August 01, 2009, 09:31:04 AM

my vent is never past 1/2 way closed, normally wide open the whole time.

elimsprint · August 01, 2009, 09:36:49 AM

I will try that next time then, I probably only had it a 1/3 of the way open.
Kim

mikecorn.1 · August 01, 2009, 10:20:24 AM

either 1/2 or full open here. :)

squirtthecat · August 01, 2009, 10:59:09 AM

Geez, that's a helluva view you have there!
No hills & pine trees around here. Just flat expanses of corn/soybeans.

elimsprint · August 01, 2009, 11:25:40 PM

Quote from: squirtthecat on August 01, 2009, 10:59:09 AM

Geez, that's a helluva view you have there!
No hills & pine trees around here. Just flat expanses of corn/soybeans.

Thanks, we really like it. A little scary right now, we have a HUGE forest fire across the big lake right now. Terrace Mtn. It was almost contained and then the winds came up this afternoon, unbelievable! I'll post some pics tomorrow.
Kim

elimsprint · August 01, 2009, 11:38:36 PM

10 pm, looking NW about 15 miles away
Kim