900 watt element installed in OBS

[beefmann]

never had an element go bad in over  5 years of owning a bradley, however i did do a 900 watt finned heater mod with in the first  year a till this day never had any trouble, just have to do typical cleaning

[viper125]

Ive heard a lot about Bradleys blowing them. But after reading as much as I can I've only heard of some of the 500 watts. Im figuring a  bad batch too.

[ghost9mm]

Was there a lot number or manufacturing number determined to be the one on the bad elements? My old element was still working good but I am curious if it is one of the "bad" elements...

This would be some good information to have, I still have the original element, but I bought several spares and it would be good to know if the spares fall into the marginal or possibiley bad elements...

[devo]

I bought my DBS back in Jan. and I had the original and the replacement burn out. I got two more after that and did the duel mod. The last two I got must have been from the good batch that they got in as I have more time on these ones than the first two. Its nice when things work the way they are suppose to.

[viper125]

Believe when I get mine I'll do the 900 watt route. Just get away from 5oo altogether.

[muebe]

First smoke today with the new element. Just put a tri-tip in the OBS. It is really windy today but the temp is very steady right a 225F and the recovery time is quick! It is really nice only having a 10 minute pre-heat time with the 60 degree temps outside 8) I have done over 10 hours of testing time on the element with no problems so far....

[devo]

60 degree temps outside

You should try our weather.....its close to 35* F today. You have it made, almost sun tanning weather.

[muebe]

So the first smoke with the new element is complete. One tri-tip rubbed with white pepper,black pepper, and salt. Smoked with Jim Beam pucks for 2 hours at 225F. It took 3 1/2 hours for it to reach a IT of 140F. Element worked perfectly...so far so good ;D


The element is taking on color



Holding good temp with the PID ;D

[MidKnightRider]

muebe,
any chance of getting pictures or a write up on how you mounted the element?

[muebe]

muebe,
any chance of getting pictures or a write up on how you mounted the element?

First I removed the old element. Then I extended the existing wiring using electrical connectors with small screws and nuts, wiring, and then using water tight shrinkwrap. Then re-installed everything back except for the old element and metal element guard. I found a couple of leftover metal brackets I had lying around in my tool box that are actually used for hanging mini-blinds :D I then used two self tapping sheet metal screws to secure the brackets to the element heat deflector. The new element was then secured to the brackets using small bolts, lock washers, and nuts.

[MidKnightRider]

thanks muebe. I thought I saw mini blind mounts but was not sure.

[viper125]

Definately seems like a upgrade Bradley out to do! With all the mods done successfully on here you'd think they would put them together and sell a new model. The Ultimate Bradley Smoker could be a big seller. LOL

[beefmann]

great job muebe

[MidKnightRider]

muebe
I like this over the dual element mod.
I'm thinking build a PID and this 900 watt mode for me.

[muebe]

muebe
I like this over the dual element mod.
I'm thinking build a PID and this 900 watt mode for me.

Yeah so far I really like this mod. It was very easy and the element his high quality stainless steel. The element appears to be very well made. I was going to do the dual element mod but the questionable reliability of the latest elements turned me off to doing it. I can understand if people want to wait before trying this element out and see if mine burns out...I would :D