Author Topic: Big Temperature Swings  (Read 2020 times)

TimC

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Big Temperature Swings
« on: May 26, 2020, 04:46:15 PM »
Hi, it’s been a while since I’ve smoked a butt.  I did so yesterday and noticed that my temperature would swing 50 degrees or more.  Does this seem normal?  It seemed to work its way back up to 250 degrees.  In the graph you can see that I started turning down the temperature to lower it but it still kept working it’s way up to 250 degrees.  Thoughts?

« Last Edit: May 26, 2020, 04:50:44 PM by TimC »

Pork Belly

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2020, 07:12:51 PM »
Perfectly normal and fine. Your kitchen oven operates the same way. Stop watching it, so it doesn't make you anxious.
Brian - Michigan-NRA Life Member
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swthorpe

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2020, 08:03:30 PM »
I agree with Brian, and I see these kinds of temp swings on my #2.   In the end, the temp seems to average out at the set temp.
Steve from Delaware
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old sarge

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2020, 09:13:24 PM »
Relax and enjoy.
David from Arizona
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LarryD

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2020, 01:10:15 AM »
Do yourself a favor and never ever probe the box temp ever again unless you have a very, very solid reason to believe it is failed in some manner.  :)  (Failed would look like the smoker running max temp regardless of setting or running no or very low temp regardless of setting.)  The temp swings simply don't matter in the slightest.  (I actually have pondered whether they are preferable, even.)
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TimC

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2020, 07:59:29 AM »
Okay, thanks for the feedback.  For what it is worth the butt tasted great.  No need to probe the box anymore!   :)

barelfly

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2020, 09:54:51 AM »
Okay, thanks for the feedback.  For what it is worth the butt tasted great.  No need to probe the box anymore!   :)

You are on your way to Lazy Q at it’s best with this statement!!!! :)


glad the butt turned out great!
Jeremy in NM
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Newsmoke

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2020, 06:30:52 PM »
Can I insert a chip screen in wood box before I add wood chunks to prevent large smoke burps. I also have been told about a foil boat.

LarryD

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Re: Big Temperature Swings
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2020, 01:56:43 AM »
I put down the foil first and then sit the chip screen on top of it.  I never remove either even though I almost always use chunks.  The chip screen keeps the foil from getting messed up and otherwise really serves no purpose for me.  The foil would be just as effective at keeping actual chips from falling onto the element.
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