Butt temp problem

[watchdog56]

Well it is about 25 out and I have my 4 rack DBS in the garage out of the wind. I preheated to 260 then put in 3 butts,2 were 8 lbs and the other around 6. Temp dropped down but after 2 1/2 hours it is only back up to 185. I had to reset my PID to 235 for 20 hours but it does not look like I will be getting temp up that high.
I have a brick in the unit for recovery already. IS this going to be ok and I am sure it will cook longer or am I going to need to put in oven? I think I am going to have to find out how to add an extra heating element for next season.

[classicrockgriller]

185* might be too low.

I know several will smoke/cook theirs at 205*

That is the lowest I hears of.

[MPTubbs]

This will be a long smoke/cook.

22#'s of meat is a big load.

I would say plan on at least 16 to 20 hours for an IT of 195*.

Your temp will creep up but it takes a while.

I'm doing 23#'s of brisket as we speak and I'm in my 20th hour and just about ready to pull.

A dual element is the way to go for cold weather.

I

[watchdog56]

It is up to 189 now. Smoke should be done in about 2 hours. I will close the vent a little but leave it at least half open and hopefully that will raise the temp a little.

[watchdog56]

Last time it took me 15 hours for 15 lbs with outside temp at 45 so I figured this one would be at least 20 hours, If it goes 22 that will be ok I will still have at least 1 hour of FTC.

[MPTubbs]

It is up to 189 now. Smoke should be done in about 2 hours. I will close the vent a little but leave it at least half open and hopefully that will raise the temp a little.

Also you might try to keep the smoke generator on at all times.

The generator is another 250 watts of heat!

Trust me it helps.

[watchdog56]

good idea

[Pachanga]

MpTubbs is right on.

It takes a while to bring the meat up to temperature.  You just want to watch for a continual gain.  As the gain gets higher the  movement will be exponential.  If gain becomes a loss, there is a problem.

If you open the door for any reason, put a pan of boiling water (pour the water in when the pan is in the oven for safety) onto a shelf to help heat things up or put some foil wrapped preheated bricks in on a shelf or two.  This is a Tubb's technique.

Hang in there and you will whip it.

Good luck and slow, slow, slow smoking,

Pachanga

[Pachanga]

Also, close or open the vent to about 5/8 open or until smoke comes out of the generator.  Too much closure can actually retard temperature as much as too much open.

Pachaga

[classicrockgriller]

We are behind you watchdog.

We know you will whip them Butts. ;D

[Pachanga]

CRG,

I thought you spanked them.  I have been following your lead.  Am i doing this wrong?  I have been meaning to ask, do you spank gentle or are you rough?

Pachanga

[classicrockgriller]

CRG,

I thought you spanked them.  I have been following your lead.  Am i doing this wrong?  I have been meaning to ask, do you spank gentle or are you rough?

Pachanga

Depends on the size. ;D

[Pachanga]

Nice one CRG.

Have you ever been known to use handcuffs during your butt spanking barbeque?

Pachanga

[MPTubbs]

 :D :D :D

Here we go.....time to put the kids to bed!

[Pachanga]

Well, I know he talks about tying some up.

Pachanga