Newbie in Miami

[shoresdiver]

I am happy to report that I saw the light and am now the happy owner of an OBS (after having previously been convinced that I needed to shell out $$$$$ for a cookshack).  Thank God for honest sales people who want to sell something that works, rather than selling the most expensive thing available.

I have successfully done my first racks of ribs over hickory, which were very tasty, but took about 5 1/2 hours to cook due to my fear of overshooting the cabinet temp, and were therefore somewhat drier than what people with more experience can turn out.  I also did chicken over mesquite, which turned out great.

Stupid questions:
1.  I have read about bubba pucks.  Where can you buy them, (or do you have to manufacture your own)?
2.  I have seen information about after-market thermostatic controls for the OBS.  At present I am getting a lot of aerobic exercise running out to check temp and move the power slider every 20 minutes.  Any merit to the thermostats?  Or will I get better at setting the temp with experience?
3.  The in-door thermometer on my OBS seems to read about 25 degrees low when compared with other bi-metal thermometers I have (which check out to 212 in boiling water), which I stuck through the top vent.  Any advice on a good, reliable thermometer to purchase, as well as a good way to place it in the OBS cabinet?  If a thermostat is the way to go, this may be redundant.

Thanks for any advice and all the great recipes on the site!

[KevinG]

Welcome to the forum shoresdiver! Yard and Pool carries the Bubba pucks, you can also get them on ebay. BigJohnT also makes his own variety which are pretty cool looking.
I like the Maverick ET-7 and ET-73, both are good thermometers and let you walk away from the smoker while cooking, but some have issues with the distance.

[FLBentRider]

W E L C O M E  to the Forum shoresdiver!

[OU812]

Welcome to the fun shoresdiver.

You can get the bubba here too.

As far as the after market thermostatic controls most folks go here

The in door thermometer is off so much mainly due to its location. Get your self a Maverick ET-73 that will monitor you smoker temp and your product temp.

[shoresdiver]

Thanks for the great advice.  I will get the thermo ordered right away!

[squirtthecat]

Here is an alternate temperature controller.   It isn't programmable, nor is it as precise as the Auber.

I have one and it works well for what I use it for.  But I'll eventually upgrade to the Auber.

[classicrockgriller]

Welcome to the Forum shoresdiver. Glad to have you with us.

[NePaSmoKer]

Welcome to the forum.

You do have the best cabinet smoker. I had a cookshack many years ago and it sucked. I worked at Cabelas and my area was smokers, grills and processing items. I sold more Bradleys than any other. The cookshacks still suck.

[NewfieSmoker]

Welcome to forum!

I 2nd the thoughts on the Auber Instruments.  I have the Programable PID, and it has worked flawlessly.  It makes your smoking habit much more refined.  With some longer smokes, you really can set it and forget it. That's fine, unless you feel the need to stand in front of the smoker and drink beer all day..... On second thoughts, Anyone wanna buy a PID? ;D ;D ;D

Newfie

[shoresdiver]

Thanks to everyone for all the excellent advice!

However, a follow up stupid question....

I was looking at the threads regarding the auber controllers, and there were references to a two probe bradley controller, however, when I go to the auber site, it shows pictures of a two probe controller, but says 'product not found' when you click on the link. 

Does anyone know if they discontinued the 2 probe model?  I plan to smoke fish, and having the ramp work based on meat temp seems like something I would want to have available. (plus, being a guy, any additional gadget or control is a good thing, right?)  :D

THanks again for the help!  I have a boston butt marinating right now...

[ArnieM]

Welcome to the forum shoresdiver.  The two probe model for the Bradley is the newest.  They may still be out of stock.

[JF7FSU]

Hi Shoresdiver,

I am just up the road from you in Aventura.  You will get a lot of great information from the great group here.   I recommend the Auber products as well.  I also second the bubba pucks.

Keep it low and slow.

Jeff

[ArnieM]

Not again -