Insulation??

[Pic-N-Stick]

I've got another question.  Has anyone made a slip-over insulation wrap for their smoker?  I've seen some high-temp double-sided stuff on Amazon.  I was thinking of shaping it like the box using foil HVAC tape and/or velcro.  Any ideas??

[NorthShoreMN]

I made one last year out of double aluminum foil faced bubble wrap, duct tape and Velcro straps.
Just don't cover vent or smoke generator. It worked well. Not most durable but ok for my needs. My smoker sits inside a cabinet which cuts wind.

[TedEbear]

I've heard of some people cutting  a water heater insulation blanket to the same size as the exterior walls on the Bradley and then attaching it to the sides with double-sided tape.  One person who did this said it could maintain 250*F in the chamber with an ambient temp below freezing.

When/if it gets cold out...

[Smokesmore]

This is a highly insulated unit. There's no reason why you should have to insulate it. Its not going to keep you much better temps. Elders, please defrock my statement.

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[TedEbear]

This is a highly insulated unit. There's no reason why you should have to insulate it. Its not going to keep you much better temps. Elders, please defrock my statement.

If you will click on the link I posted right above your message it talks about where people have added insulation and are able to maintain 250*F temps in sub freezing weather.  With mine, I added a second element and a PID controller in the SG.  No problem with reaching the higher temps and keeping them steady with this setup.

If you have a new Bradley doing mods like mine will void the warranty.  Adding insulation to the outer walls is probably safe.

[Smokesmore]

Bradley needs to adjust their unit. I can guarantee you (being a insurance underwriter) that Bradley does not want you to do that (add insulation).  Any additions to the unit opens a possible liability for Bradley.  Any disclaimer or warning can be broken down by a lawyer.  The unit can be improved the way it is. It is a great unit, just needs tweaks.

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[Smokesmore]

Just to give you an idea... I insure rodeos. I would never insure a building that has a Bradley indoors (without a proper fire protection system/ANSUL). Now you are confined to outdoors and it needs to be competent in weather below 40° fahrenheit. My experience, not possible.

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[TedEbear]

In that case, it appears that you should only smoke foods in the summer months.  Many of the rest of us use ours Bradleys year-round.

[Smokesmore]

In a garage TedEbear?

Edit: heated garage?

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[tailfeathers]

My feeling is this. At the hottest I have ever had my Bradley I could still place my hand anywhere on the tower without any discomfort. This tells me that there is little if any heat being lost through the top or sides. That being the case I fail to see how added insulation would help. Slow to reach temp? Yup. Slow to recover? Yup. Subject to temp swings? Yup. Due to being poorly insulated? NOPE!


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[NorthShoreMN]

I understand Bradley's concerns. Mine is no longer on warranty and to use it in the winter sitting outside
The light insulation I wrap it in keeps the wind away. I have not added second or high watt element.  Works fine.

[TedEbear]

In a garage TedEbear?

Edit: heated garage?

Back yard, just outside my walkout basement door.  This 10*F weather is great for cold smoking cheese.

[tailfeathers]

Here's where I have mine set up. I'm in SoDak and I smoke year round.I have an opening between the awning and wall to allow smoke to escapeThe roof overhang prevents precip from being able to reach the smoker, grill, etc.Works good for me, stays out all winter. I do, however keep my pid inside unless being used. The wall with the door in it faces east and the other south, so I'm pretty sheltered from prevailing winter wind as a rule. If it's nasty the wind is generally west, north or some combination thereof so I'm good.


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[tailfeathers]

Oops. Meant to say doggie door faces east. Another note, the black stand my smoker is on is a nightstand from goodwill that cost me a whopping $6. The drawers are the perfect size for jerky racks, frog mats, and other smoker related items. There is an outlet right behind the other little stand so it works perfect.


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[Saber 4]

Looks like a good setup and close to the door for checking on things.