Smoking Generator

stredoug · October 09, 2011, 01:12:10 PM

I just purchased a Bradley Digital 4 rack smoker. I completed the break in procedure as stated in the manual. Today I tried smoking a slab of ribs, it seems like I'm not getting any smoke. I turned on the generator and advanced a puck to the end of the plate/line. It appears that the puck gets smaller in size and it does advance the pucks but I'm not sure if its generating smoke. I have watched videos on the Bradley site and on youtube and in all cases you usually see smoke pouring out of the top or even when you open the door.

Any suggestions? I have checked the plugs etc.

doug

classicrockgriller · October 09, 2011, 01:30:34 PM

First it takes 3 pucks to get one to advance to the end of the plate burner.

The burner needs a warm up period like 20 minutes to get hot.

mikecorn.1 · October 09, 2011, 01:30:42 PM

Are the pucks burned up? What do you mean that they get smaller?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rward325 · October 26, 2011, 06:38:25 PM

I just unboxed my Bradley Digital and am having this same problem. The pucks are not burning up and no smoke is being generated. It appears that the burner on the end of the smoke generator is not getting hot enough for any type of ignition to make the pucks smolder and smoke. I let it go through the break in process and no smoke was generated. 3 unused pucks were pushed in to the water bowl though! Anyone have any ideas?

PS: It is the only device plugged in to this circuit that is operating. I am using a 12g extension cord as it is the only option I have to power the unit. I live in a small duplex with no outside power outlet.

ArnieM · October 26, 2011, 08:27:55 PM

It doesn't sound like either of you are doing anything wrong. The hot plate for the puck is (I forget) only 125 or 150 watts; not much current required.

Assuming pucks advance, as stated, the SG is working. I suppose the hot plate could be defective. Take its temp with a spot IR thermometer if you can to see how hot it's getting.

You're probably best off calling Bradley and relating the problem.

Habanero Smoker · October 27, 2011, 01:47:38 AM

Usually if the bisquette burner doesn't work you would get an E error. I believe that is one of the safety devices built into the Bradley.

Was there any signs on the bisquettes that indicated any burning?

Did you check the burner to see if it did get hot at all?

Did you give the bisquette burner enough time to heat up, before you sent any bisquettes to the burner?

Are you sure the bisquettes cycled every 20 minutes? The bisquettes could have been pushed through one right after the other. That could indicate a problem with your micro switch.

Here is a link to some trouble shooting tips:
Bradley FAQ's

mikecorn.1 · October 27, 2011, 05:58:17 AM

If your bisquettes are being pushed in one after another unburied, you have a bad micro switch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rward325 · October 27, 2011, 06:03:27 AM

Quote from: Habanero Smoker on October 27, 2011, 01:47:38 AM

Was there any signs on the bisquettes that indicated any burning?
No, they did not change color
Did you check the burner to see if it did get hot at all?
It appears to be warm but not hot
Did you give the bisquette burner enough time to heat up, before you sent any bisquettes to the burner?
After reading through here I tested again and did this, still no burn.
Are you sure the bisquettes cycled every 20 minutes? The bisquettes could have been pushed through one right after the other. That could indicate a problem with your micro switch.
Yes, I timed them

rward325 · October 27, 2011, 09:34:46 AM

OK, spoke with Frank at Bradley's and he had me disassemble the power unit and reseat the connections. After doing this the bisquette unit is now heating properly.

I guess I am a little put off by having to do this as part of using a brand new $500 piece of equipment but for now it time to smoke some meat!

mikecorn.1 · October 27, 2011, 10:13:12 AM

Quote from: rward325 on October 27, 2011, 09:34:46 AM
OK, spoke with Frank at Bradley's and he had me disassemble the power unit and reseat the connections. After doing this the bisquette unit is now heating properly.

I guess I am a little put off by having to do this as part of using a brand new $500 piece of equipment but for now it time to smoke some meat!

It happens. I once bought a $900 computer and it was bad right out of the box. Glad ya got it fixed. Go smoke something post some pics. :)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ArnieM · October 27, 2011, 01:55:03 PM

Glad you got it going. Must be a rough ride from China. :(

Certainly hope you have no other problems. But remember, if you do, you have us and a great support team at Bradley.