'Bout ready to trash the thing!!! Need suggestions

[dcsam]

We purchased the Bradley smoker last summer.  It's the black type.  We used it last summer and this summer.  The mechanism that pushes the bisquettes does not work properly.  I called Bradley - they said it would cost ~ $80 to replace the side box.  OUCH!! We spent a lot of money for this thing - paying out another $80 seems unreasonable.  Suggestions?
I'm also VERY disappointed with the quality of the smoked salmon.  There's no 'pretty' color to the outside of the fish when it's done 'just right'.  It gets too dry if there IS nice color.  What am I doing wrong?  
Caroline
WA state

[nsxbill]

Hello Caroline,

I am new to my Bradley, but have found the suggestions by our mates here on the fourm to be of immense assistance with keeping me from making rookie mistakes.  My first smoke of Salmon was excellent, despite not following the brining direction I was given.   Just too impatient to try it out.  The second attemp at Salmon, which involved brining for about 26 hrs, then washing brine off and a bit of seasoning came out a lot better with a nice red smoky color.  The second time I did a much slower smoke.  Next time, I will only smoke for 4 hours and just finish up slowly in the smoker.

If you don't decide to keep it, drop me a line and make me an offer I can't refuse.  I will fix it and give it to one of my kids.

Bill

[Chez Bubba]

Caroline,

Define "doesn't work properly", what's it doing? Or not doing? There are several suggestions that come to mind depending on your answer.

As to the quality of your salmon, I suggest referring to Kummok's thread under Fish, which I've stickyed to the top. I've seen it, I've tasted it. I'm not James Beard, but if that isn't the best there is, I don't know what to tell ya.

Don't throw in the towel, just lean on the forum members to share their experiences & you'll be cookin' up fine tasty chow in no time.

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

[dcsam]

I'm having to hand-feed the bisquettes since the 'pusher' doesn't work any more.  If this continues, I may put a hot plate in the bottom of the smoker and use the Lil Chief chips.   For a gadget that cost nearly $300, it doesn't seem worth it (with only 2 summers worth of use).  

I took some salmon out tonight.  Although it doesn't have the smoky, shiny color (it's dull with lots of 'white boogers'), it's very moist and VERY tasty. I read a posting about the 'white boogers' - if they're on the fish, then it states that I must be smoking at too high a temp.  My smoked salmon has lots of the white stuff and I smoke at ~ 120-150 for approx.  6-8 hours.  LAST summer, I had much better success with our salmon, and I'm not really sure why.  Perhaps it's because we have high humidity this summer?  I've always used the 1/2 brown sugar, 1/2 cup salt, garlic powder and 1 quart of water with good success.  I brine  for about 12 or more hours - in the fridge.  I let the salmon air dry.  Sometimes I get a 'tackiness' by airdrying and sometimes I don't.  Do you all keep the vent, at the top of the smoker, open or closed?  I keep it closed all the time.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm trying a new recipe tonight.  It's a recipe posted by a fellow from Alaska. I cut the salmon in thin strips.  The marinade tastes good already, so I'm hoping I get a good quality 'Indian candy' sort of product.  Will let you know.
Caroline
WA state

[Chez Bubba]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by dcsam</i>
<br />I'm having to hand-feed the bisquettes since the 'pusher' doesn't work any more.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Again, please define "doesn't work". I'm betting I can give you a prescription for what ails you, you just need to give the good doctor an accurate description of your symptoms.[:)]

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

[dcsam]

The bisquette pusher only pushes half-way.  I have to push the bisquettes through.  It seems to get stuck half-way too, and there's a constant clicking sound - as if it's trying to move but can't.  I cleaned out all the loose chips, but the problem persists.  I'd like to take the thing apart and put some type of lubrication somewhere - that's seems to be what's needed.  I'm just not sure how to do this.  Is there a possibility that Bradley will replace the unit or will they charge me?  We really haven't used it all that much - part of last summer and all of this one.  It's kept under cover when we use it. It was kept in the garage last winter.  Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  
Thanks a bunch!!!
Caroline
WA state

[Chez Bubba]

Caroline,

Sounds to me like there is bisquette-flake & smoke juice build-up inside the feeder. Smoke juice is a very effective glue which is why you need to clean the face of the smoker & the rubber seal after each use.

Bradley offers a 1-year, no questions asked, warranty. Taking apart your generator for cleaning does not void that warranty unless you're a complete idiot & trash the thing. You are out of warranty anyway, here's what I suggest.

There are 6 screws around the bottom perimeter of the generator that will allow the clamshell design to break open. After spreading it, disconnect the 3 wires and it will come apart into 2 pieces. You are probably going to see a whole lot of bisquette residue already.

There are 4 additional screws that enclose the puck pusher. remove them & wiggle the housing out of the frame. Clean everything, a toothbrush works great. I'd advise against using chemical products. I also would advise against using even a food-grade lubricant as it will only attract more bisquette residue.

After everything is clean & dry, re-assemble, being careful not to over-tighten the screws & stripping them.

If you do this & still have issues, please contact me or post because I've got another couple solutions in reserve.

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

[dcsam]

WoW!!!  Thank you, Thank You!!!  I'm going to print out your suggestion and clean it tomorrow.  Thank you again!!!
Caroline :-)

[Chez Bubba]

Smoke on, no thanks needed. We smokers stick together. Let me know how it turns out.[8D]

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

[dcsam]

Kirk,
Perhaps you can offer some cooking suggestions too?
*What causes some smoked salmon to be 'gooshy' in texture?  It's fresh fish (caught within a day or two at max)
*Why am I not able to get a nice, shiny outer coat to the fish?
*I just don't remember having this much difficulty getting a top quality product when I smoked fish last summer.  Could it be due to the fact that we're having a very humid summer?  That's the only thing I can think of.
*Why is it easy to get a nice 'tackiness' to some batches of fish (while airdrying) and sometimes others feel wet to the touch? I use a fan.
Husband is bringing more salmon home tonight.  This may be the last batch for some time as I'm getting very frustrated with the quality.  
I haven't cleaned out the bisquette pusher yet, but I'll let you know how it went when I do.
Thank you in advance for any ideas and suggestions.
Caroline :-)

[Chez Bubba]

Caroline,

I could give you a lot of suggestions, but frankly they would only be WAGs. The best way to get REAL answers is to email Kummok. He doesn't come here much during the summer because he has "outside work" to do. (Translated from Alaskan to English: fishin'.) He will, however, respond to emails.

Also, try posting your questions on the Fish board. There are a lot of knowledgable people there too. I just don't like to throw in my advice when I know there are a bunch of others out there way more qualified than me to answer them.

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

[jaeger]

dcsam,
I was just looking at this thread again and was wondering if you got your cooking issues resolved. How about the generator?

Doug

[ratflinger]

Hello all, I've had my SS smoker for not more than 2 years & it has always had pusher problems.  I don't think the pusher motor is large enough. I just took mine completely apart & cleaned everything. There was no goo inside, only wood flakes. It worked fine on the bench, but as soon as I load the pucks it won't work. I can hear the motor thunking & the pusher oly moves about 1/2 inch. There are no obstructions. I'm going to try & get a new motor, but I feel the present one is way under rated & the the whole pusher assembly needs to be non-stick coated. I have never used lubricants due to the residue build up.

[didde]

I have had the same type of problem, If I push the button it advances the puck, but will not push another one out unless I push the button again. I emailed Bradley and they don't sell any parts, Pay $80.00 plus shipping and they will send me another one. I have only used it 3 times and now nothing works, Will never buy another one.

[BigSmoker]

didde,
Sorry to hear about your puck problem.  If you need parts you can go to //www.chezbubba.com.  They have great customer service and can most times(was going to say every time but I didn't want to put that kind of pressure on Kirk[:D]) advise you on how to fix problems.  If you have only used it three times I would think the unit is under warranty.  I've been posting here for a while and it seems 9 times out of 10 Bradley comes through with service and satisfaction.  I know they must have a 800# that you can call and get these issues resolved.  Don't give up so quickly as I'm sure Bradley will stand behind their product.

Jeff
www.bbqshopping.com
Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.