Nice forum going on here. I finally broke down and bought me an orig. Bradley smoker from Cabelas this past week. Cabelas had them Reg. $399.00 on sale for $239.00 so I bit. Anyhow, I cured the smoker lastnight per instructions. Everything went well. Played around with the temp slider and got a "good feel" for what temps were where according to the adjustments. Long story short. Rack of Ribs prepared lastnight, small pork tendorloin wrapped in bacon as well. Preheat the smoker while I'm letting the meat rest this morning......Jumps up to 250* in a matter of 20 mins or so. Open door place all meat inside, slam door like the boogie man was going to jump out. Temps dropped to 140*......I do not have a thermometer inside....only working off the door temp gauge. It's been nearly an hour and I've only gained 15 degrees. Is this normal or am I possibly overcooking the meat due to not having the meat thermometer? At this rate, it'll be dinner time before I hit the desired 220-225 I was hoping to get. Not to mention, I really wanted to rotate the racks but not if it's not going to heat back up.
