heating elements

[keeper U.K.]

HI, 
     Tried hot smoking some pheasant breasts (on the bone), preheated oven to 220f (bradley digital) put in 2 1/2 racks of breasts :). Struggled to get the temp above 140f/150f even with smoking element on  ???(ambient temp approx 41f),decided to smoke for 2 hrs and cook until I.T. reached 165f approx 4 1/2hrs(I.Thermometer2nd rack down) way, way to dry  :'( :'( >:(. What do you all think?, is there something wrong with the element or can this be normal given the ambient temp. I've  heard of fitting a 2nd element is this o.k.,will this bring up the temp faster in these conditions, can it be done by yourself and where will I get a kit. I hope one or two of you members will be able to help.       Thanks, KEEPER U.K.

[Habanero Smoker]

Hi Keeper U.K.;

Welcome to the forum.

If your poultry had skin you should set your vent opening to 3/4 to fully open. If not the moisture can build up inside the cabinet and this will keep your temperature down.

Did you rotate the racks? Rotating the racks help insure that all trays cook more evenly.

Adding a second element will improve the heat recovery, but it is not recommended unless you have some type of temperature controlling devised like a PID. Operating the Bradley with two elements without an secondary temperature controller can be unsafe.