Hotter at the top or closer to the element?

[JohnD]

Got a two-pack of pork shoulders and even though I tried to get a pair of similar size, the packaging fooled me.  Now I've got one big one and one small size.  I'm using a 4 rack digital.  Is the temp hotter on the top (heat rises) and so I'll put the big one up and the smaller one in the middle, or is it hotter closer to the element and the big one goes in the middle?  Just trying to tweak it so they get done at a similar time.  Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks.


JD
Bumpass, VA

[Habanero Smoker]

From my experience, when you are smoking meats in the Bradley is hotter near the element. I find when it is empty, it is still hotter by the element, but the difference in heat from bottom to top is less.

[JohnD]

Thank you sir!  I'll let you know how it works out.

[JohnD]

Temp of the big one on the middle rack (8 lbs or so) was 205 when I pulled it shortly after 7:00 this morning.  Smaller one (about 6 lbs) on the top rack only 196.  Cooking time approx 11 hrs at 240.  Another hour or so for the smaller one.

Thanks again for the info.

JD