heating element took a dump

jack and coke · February 17, 2011, 05:05:38 AM

After about 6 smokes my heating element took a dump. What a disappointment.

I called bradley they are sending me two of them. The lady on the phone said it was probably a surge that made it go. Well, if the happens ever 6 or so times, this could turn into a real pain.

Is there a way to prevent this? Could you use a surge protector that you hook up a computer or TV to?

On the other hand, Are these easy to disassemble and install?

It was one thing that the element broke, its another thing when food gets wasted.

TedEbear · February 17, 2011, 08:54:23 AM

Defective heating elements seem to be a problem lately. They are fairly easy to replace.

Habanero Smoker · February 17, 2011, 01:05:30 PM

It couldn't hurt to use a surge protector. Just make sure it can handle the wattage. I don't believe that will prevent the element from failing, but if you have the digital it is a good idea.

GusRobin · February 17, 2011, 02:15:39 PM

Hate to be a skeptic but an awful lot of people seem to be having surges lately and it seems to be those that bought their unit in the last 4-5 months. While Bradley has great customer service, I wish they would be a little more agressive in investigating the problem and announcing a solution. I have a number of folks that ask for recommendations on a smoker. Whereas 6-12 months ago I would have quickly said Bradley, I am a little more hesitant lately.

Just my opinion.

thirtydaZe · February 17, 2011, 03:04:51 PM

i'm counting my uses on this one. mine went out on thanksgiving.

first use was last weekend since the replacement.

it will be interesting to see how long it goes.

wyoduke · February 17, 2011, 04:59:30 PM

Quote from: thirtydaZe on February 17, 2011, 03:04:51 PM
i'm counting my uses on this one. mine went out on thanksgiving.

first use was last weekend since the replacement.

it will be interesting to see how long it goes.

I should do the same when mine gets here, might just note down the hours of use on it and keep track

smoker pete · February 17, 2011, 06:46:42 PM

Since Bradley has such great customer service then I think they should send out a technicians to replace dead elements! Maybe then they'll have a better understanding of the issues many are facing!

It's easy to send a part that they charge $15 retail which costs them x$$?? I personally happen to have fat fingers :'( which precludes me from saying that it's fairly easy to replace the element ;D ;D

devo · February 17, 2011, 06:53:47 PM

Well guess WHAT.....I was doing some jerky tonight and was down to the last hour, I been out there switching trays around all night and everything was fine till now. My element is dead dead dead...........this is turning into a bad bradley day.
Tried all the suggestions and no go so I'm calling bradley tomorrow to give them the bad news. >:( >:( >:(

Oh and by the way mine is the 4 rack digital and just bought it three weeks ago >:( >:( >:(

GusRobin · February 17, 2011, 07:06:50 PM

Must have been a power surge ::)

heating element took a dump

devo