Having oven temperatur trouble!!

[cardsfan626]

I have been having some of the same problems as others with the temp increasing before I ever put meat in the smoker.  How long should it take for the smoker to heat up to 250 degrees? I have oven set on 275 and it always takes at least 1.5-2 hours just to get it there if it even does get to the temp, is that normal? I have checked all cord connections and they seem to be tight. Just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions.

Thanks, 
From Southern IL

[Tenpoint5]

Make sure your vent is open. Also try using boiling water or as hot as you can get tap water. A larger 9x13 aluminum pan to replace the drip pan will also help with temp recovery

[cardsfan626]

Thanks for the post. I will do that. In the mean time I got my maverick IT out and checked it with boiling water and it is right on the money, however my thermometer on my digital 4 rack smoker is probably 70 degrees off. I had the oven temp set at 300 and it took the smoker temp 2 hours to get to 215 degrees, but the maverick was right the whole time. I thought the maverick was off but it is the smoker itself. Any suggestions on what to do as far as fixing the smoker thermometer???

Thanks for the help!!

[Tenpoint5]

Ignore it and go with your maverick et-732

[TedEbear]

You're not using an extension cord with your Bradley, are you?

[cardsfan626]

Yes I am actually. I read in an earlier post not to use a extension corn longer than 10 feet and at least 12 gauge. I wont make the mistake next time, could be part of the problem I reckon? I am just using the Maverick IT now and things seem to be going better using it and not really relying on the Bradley thermometer.