Heating Problem

[ClarkstonMark]

My Bradley 4 rack digital smoker has now been used 4 times.
It consistently has problems getting to the set temperature.
Latest example is this morning, Set it for 250C, and hour later it is at 220C, and I put 3 racks of baby back ribs in.
I set the temp to 280C.  2 hours later, the temp is only up to 201C (dropped as low as 145C immediately after putting in the ribs).  I think with this load (3 racks of ribs), there is no way the Smoker should take this long and not be anywhere close to the set temp.
All the cables are plugged in as tight as can be, the damper is 3/4 open, the door has not been opened since putting in the ribs.  Ok I just snuck a look and the heating element is orange.
This is so frustrating!
Do I need to call Bradley and get them to fix this?
I need to call anyway because the bottom panel of the door is broken.

[Keymaster]

Are you sure your using Celsius? 280° C. = 538° F. The Bradley wont get that hot, you must be using Fahrenheit. It is normal for the cabinet temperature to drop when you open the door and put cold meat in it. Be patient, if your element is orange the temp will rise back up in time.

[ClarkstonMark]

Are you sure your using Celsius? 280° C. = 538° F. The Bradley wont get that hot, you must be using Fahrenheit. It is normal for the cabinet temperature to drop when you open the door and put cold meat in it. Be patient, if your element is orange the temp will rise back up in time.

Sorry, should be 280F, I'm used to using C in my job.  Yes it is gradually creeping up, just don't think it should take 3 hours to get to 220F.

[Keymaster]

Are You using a extension cord or is a major appliance plugged into the same circuit. These two thing can keep the Bradley from getting to temp. It is best to plug directly into a outlet with nothing else on the same circuit. If you must use a extension cord make sure it is 12 gauge.

[beefmann]

it may be a  weak  heater..  i have had similar issues  with  slow heat recovery befor i  did a  heater mod..  might  want to consider  adding  another  500 watt element  or the  900 watt  finned heater,,,  along  with  a fan

[mikecorn.1]

I've had mine for two years. Sometimes its does that. Will take hours to get to temp. Sometimes it will get there and stay there. No extension cords, dedicated outlet, goof connections. I've just learned to live with it. Got a
2nd element to hopefully dual out.


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[Jim O]

I always bring my "stuff" to room temp before putting it into the smoker.This way it's not such a "shock" to the pre-heated oven.

I also always keep my vent wide open(personal preference).

Jim O

[Habanero Smoker]

With that small of a load, I can't s see where you will have a moisture issue. Next time try adjusting your vent to 1/2 open. You may see some heat improvement.

[watchdog56]

Was it on a windy day? You might want to make sure and block the wind if it was.

[viper125]

Well mine does the same thing. But Using room temps meat, keeping doors closed and vent closed does help. I will soon be doing the 500 watt mod on mine.
But as they say. It will be done...when it's done.   Didn't buy it for a grill!

[TonyL222]

You might also add a foil covered brick (or two) to the cabin. Won't help the initial heat time but will help recovery times after you open the door.  Brick becomes a heat sink. Also consider the 900w or dual element mods (with a PID or other temp controller). Heat up and recovery times become just a few minutes.

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[garbageman]

I have had my Bradley for under a year. Have smoked loads of salmon and ribs. My problem is that I have had 2 heating elements burn out on me. Bradley sends me a new one each time but my year warranty is just around the corner. Has anyone else had this problem. I have the smoker on it's own circuit no cords. This last time, the fish was nearing the end, so I bumped the heat up to 175F for the last hour, and all of a sudden the temp. started to drop. I knew right away the element was gone.

[Quarlow]

Is your bradley an OBS? Some of the older units(which could still be in storerooms here and there) had a dead spot at the end of the temp slider. If you just backed it off a bit it would go again. Give it a try if you have a OBS and see what happens.