temperature control

Dennis Graves · August 19, 2005, 07:53:50 PM

As will become apparent, I am a neophyte re smokers. I am considering buying a Bradley Smoker.
My question arises from the posts I have seen on the forum that indicate many members desire a thermostatically controlled Bradley Smoker that could keep the temperature in a steady range (+/- 5 degrees or so).
My question: If you set the BS at a given heat (eg, 250 degrees) what is a typical variation in temperature as you go through a 3 or 4 hour smoke/cook?
Using my weber kettle and charcoal, I typically have swings of 25 to 30 degrees above and below my target temperature. To do much better, I would have to constantly be adding new charcoal, which just is not very practical.
If I get a BS, am I going to have the same kind of temperature swings? (If so, why bother.)

car54 · August 19, 2005, 10:41:25 PM

Welcome,

The temperature control on the Bradley is like a rheostat that has to be monitored. As the temperature goes above the desired smoke temperature you have to turn down the control.

An add on electronic control will automatically keep the desired control. I'm just guessing that it would keep it within 5 to 10 degrees. I use one of these controls and it is very convenient.

The Bradley is a good unit. The more I use it, the more I am convinced of it!

Brad

Oldman · August 20, 2005, 12:54:08 AM

I have no problem maintaining the temp I target. What I do is pr-heat the unit for a good 45 minutes. Once I add the item (I don't smoke a lot of stuff at one time) I generally don't have to adjust the settings--within an hour or less the box is back where I want it.

Now as the ambient temp changes that will reflect on the box temp. It is funny but it seem that the last two times I use it I've been on 207 F through out the smoke. Generally when I smoke something once the box is set, I only check on it once or so every 4 hours.

There are controllers out there that will hold it within +/- 1 degree. But like everything those cost. If the Bradley even gave me a swing of 10 F I would trash it or get a controller.

If you are looking for auto pilot then get a Bradley and one of those Raptor deals.

Chez is going to be gone until mid-to-late next week. When he gets back he will start putting together the production for the box fan I put together. You might want to want until next week and call him. I think he is going to offer it with a unit and as an addon. In my box the fan is keeping the temp a + 2 degrees from the bottom to the top. Now that is something no one else has.... When you can keep the box from top to bottom within 2 degrees that is the cat's meow of smokin'~~!

Olds

Habanero Smoker · August 20, 2005, 12:27:43 PM

With the BS the temperature swings are usually gradual. When I did not have a temperature control device, depending on the load, ambient temperature and wind conditions; after I reached my ideal temperature I would have to adjust the setting every hour or so to keep the temperature within -10/+10 degrees. There are many on this board who have less difficulty then me in keeping the set temperature.

If I get a BS, am I going to have the same kind of temperature swings? (If so, why bother.)
With the BS you have a steady fuel source, and it only took me 5 seconds to adjust the settings in the BS. I had a Meco water smoker it would take a minimum of 5 minutes each time I would have to add more fuel, adjust the damper, and or replenish the water.

Oldman · August 20, 2005, 02:23:39 PM

Hey HS,

One of the reason I feel I don't get larger swings is I don't load up the unit like most folks do.

The maximum number of Chickens I do is two, and I don't care for "hens" AKA bakers. I never do a chicken that is over 3 pounds. It is the same with butts...2 is the maximum I will do.

As far as the double smoked ham goes I stay with a picnic ham--8 pounds or so as it is only my wife, myself and sometimes Mother.

Also, I seldom allow the sun to shine on my unit. Generally it is in the garage with the door open. The radient engery from the sun here is a killer. However, being so close to the gulf on one side and the bay all but at my back door it is not uncommon to have "soft" clouds floating through all day. Those clouds are almost like an on/ off switch to the sun. If I left my unit out in the sun the swings would be huge.

Olds

Dennis Graves · August 21, 2005, 02:16:10 AM

Where would I find the Raptor or a similar auto temperature controller? Thanks!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oldman
 I have no problem maintaining the temp I target. What I do is pr-heat the unit for a good 45 minutes. Once I add the item (I don't smoke a lot of stuff at one time) I generally don't have to adjust the settings--within an hour or less the box is back where I want it.

Now as the ambient temp changes that will reflect on the box temp. It is funny but it seem that the last two times I use it I've been on 207 F through out the smoke. Generally when I smoke something once the box is set, I only check on it once or so every 4 hours.

There are controllers out there that will hold it within +/- 1 degree. But like everything those cost. If the Bradley even gave me a swing of 10 F I would trash it or get a controller.

If you are looking for auto pilot then get a Bradley and one of those Raptor deals.

Chez is going to be gone until mid-to-late next week. When he gets back he will start putting together the production for the box fan I put together. You might want to want until next week and call him. I think he is going to offer it with a unit and as an addon. In my box the fan is keeping the temp a + 2 degrees from the bottom to the top. Now that is something no one else has.... When you can keep the box from top to bottom within 2 degrees that is the cat's meow of smokin'~~!

Olds

Dennis Graves · August 21, 2005, 02:17:29 AM

Where would I get one of the controllers you mention??
Thanks!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by car54
 Welcome,

The temperature control on the Bradley is like a rheostat that has to be monitored. As the temperature goes above the desired smoke temperature you have to turn down the control.

An add on electronic control will automatically keep the desired control. I'm just guessing that it would keep it within 5 to 10 degrees. I use one of these controls and it is very convenient.

The Bradley is a good unit. The more I use it, the more I am convinced of it!

Brad

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

nsxbill · August 21, 2005, 02:21:20 AM

Dennis

The unit is available here: //www.thebbqguru.com. I have used the Procom4/Raptor for over a year, and it makes smoking hassle free. I wrote a review here: http://susan.rminor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29

Bill

There is room on earth for all God's creatures....on my plate next to the mashed potatoes.

JJC · August 21, 2005, 03:37:10 PM

Welcome to the Forum, Dennis. My BS is under a covered porch, so I experience the slow changes in temp that occur over hours rather than minutes. I use a Maverick ET-73 (under $40) to monitor the cabinet and meat temp remotely, but of course it doesn't adjust the temp for me. I do lust after the Procomm/Raptor gizmo since others here absolutely love it--just need to get the dough together for it. It's definitely the way to go if you have to leave home for a while (like to go to work) while you're smoking. Olds' fan will be a great addition for even temp control throughout the cabinet--another real plus for the BS.

John
Newton MA