Hello from Wisconsin!

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 09:32:07 AM

I have been researching smokers for a couple weeks now and I really like the idea of the bradleys. However I have some concerns. I hear about the bisquettes not feeding. I hear the unit doesn't get hot enough. I hear they take a long time to get hot. I hear the heating elements stop working. I hear the cost of the bisquettes makes it expensive to smoke. I have used a brinkman charcoal smoker for several years now mainly to smoke salmon. I enjoy using that, however, I want to broaden my horizons so-to-speak and start smoking larger cuts of meat. Hams, birds, briskets, pork etc.....and I want something with temp control and with more room. The bradleys seem to offer this, but I just don't want to deal with warranty issues and broken parts replacements. BUT I REALLY WANT THE DIGITAL 4-RACK! Ugh, I need suggestions!

Tenpoint5 · December 28, 2010, 09:42:40 AM

I have had the DBS4 for quite a few years and am nothing but impressed with it. Yes there has been a rash of element problems her as of late but there was a bad batch of elements used at the factory. It is nothing but a phone call and 2-3 day wait and all is better. Things like this happen, what sets Bradley apart from others is they are Johnny on the Spot at getting you up and running again. The cost of the biscuits is only about .42 so $1.26 an hour. You waste more than that going to a bar and having 3 drinks. As for the long time heating up question. How long do you wait for the kitchen oven to heat up, or the charcoal grill, or most any cooking device 20-30 minutes, right? The Bradley isn't any different. You just use a little time management and it isn't a factor. You have already found the best thing about a Bradley. This Forum. There isn't just too many things you can ask that hasn't been tried or done before. I don't think you will find a better bunch of people gathered together any where else on the internet. Buy the Bradley and Join in on the fun!!

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 09:56:45 AM

Well that makes me feel pretty good about it I guess. I guess with the long heat time question, I had heard it can take an hour to heat up and then when you open the door to put food in, you lose a bunch of heat and then it takes a long time to heat back up. If this isn't the case, the awesome. Also, it seems as though a meat probe is a must when using these smokers. Any suggestions as to a good one that a lot of you guys are using? Should I get a remote one? Are they pricey?

GusRobin · December 28, 2010, 10:06:54 AM

Yes you hear a lot about the problems. But put it in perspective. Not all owners come to the forum. I think there are more non-posters than posters that visit this forum. Of the posters not all, in fact a small number have problems. Of those that have problems, mostly all are satisfied with the resolution by Bradley. The point I am making, while most with problems post here for help, you don't have the many without problems posting "I don't have any problems". So the perspective is that a lot of folks have problems when it really is a small percentage.
With that said, if you are getting the 4 rack DBS, I would recommend the 4 rack OBS with the dual PID by auber. I think overall you get most, if not all, of the benefits of the DBS for less or equal $$, You can get the OBS for $259 plus an additional $20 off. Not sure what shipping is. The dual PID will cost you an additional $190ish. So for about $449 you get better temp control than the digital. The digital I believe, goes for about $450. If you want tight temp control you may end up spending another $190 for the PID.
Just my 2 cents. Others that own the digital may have a different opinion.

Many folks don't feel that there is a overly extended time for temp recovery but it will depend how long you open and close, temp of meat going in etc. You can always mod it and add the second element for about $25. I have the second element because Ilike to peek a lot. Temps recover within 10-20 min max, usually sooner.
As far as a remote temp probe, a lot have had good luck with the Maverick. The et-73 is good bt has some shortcomings in range, etc. athe newer ET 732 appears to have solved those issues according to those that havve bought it.

hope this helps.

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 10:09:59 AM

Yes this does help. Thank you. However, forgive my ignorance.....what is the PID?

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 10:27:17 AM

Nevermind. I figured it out.

FLBentRider · December 28, 2010, 10:42:14 AM

W E L C O M E to the Forum Smoker50!

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 10:43:38 AM

Thanks!

I keep reading about "seasoning your smoker" before the first use....how is this done?

GusRobin · December 28, 2010, 10:49:45 AM

your Bradley should have come with instructions on how to do this. But basically it is running it at 200* or so and and hour of smoke.

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 10:51:31 AM

Awesome thanks! I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this thing. Now I just have to decide on the dbs4 or the obs with pid. The obs/pid sounds complicated though. Any thoughts?

jimmyb · December 28, 2010, 10:52:18 AM

Seasoning the smoker is basically running a short smoke with no meat in the smoker to get that "new smoker smell" out of it. All detailed in the doc when you get it but if I remember correctly it is just running the smoker with some bisquettes for about one hour.

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 11:02:49 AM

How complicated is the PID to intall/use if I go with the OBS?

GusRobin · December 28, 2010, 11:06:05 AM

If you buy the one from Auber it is basically plug and play. In my case the power is plugged from the outlet to the PID, From the pid to the smoke cabinet, and from the pid to the smoke generator. Thas it, Then you just program it which is just like setting your cofee maker.

Smoker50 · December 28, 2010, 11:12:41 AM

Thanks Gus!

UGH! I'm reading about all the modifications, installing fans, 2nd heating elements.....Is all that necessary? I don't want to get in over my head. I'm not much of a handyman when it comes to modifying things like this. And won't if void the warranty when you start cutting holes to install other accessories?

KevinG · December 28, 2010, 11:24:55 AM

No modifications are necessary, I've ran my Digital 6 Rack Bradley for well over a year stock and haven't had any problems and still haven't done any modifications. I think one of the best descriptions of modifications went like this - It's like when you buy a car, some people put mag wheels on it, or a roll bar on a truck or KC lights - they aren't necessary but depending on what you want to do with it, it can make it better.