Alternative to ET-733?

[SuperDave]

Here's another option to chew on.  Harbor Freight has marine shrink tube for cheap.  It has a sealing adhesive on the inside that makes it water tight. 

[Grampy]

Here's another option to chew on.  Harbor Freight has marine shrink tube for cheap.  It has a sealing adhesive on the inside that makes it water tight.

Thanks for the tip SuperDave. I see where it shrinks to fit at 250 degrees but do you know what temperature it is rated for?

[va_rider]

Here's with the new probes. This thing is garbage.

The box is set at 225° by the way.

[va_rider]

Also, like I've been saying since I bought the SI#2, I think the in box thermostat is also garbage.  I've said several times that I suspected this, and it's always just answered in differences of meats.

It ticks me off that I'm going to have to buy more stuff to make the smoker function properly. I don't trust it.

[old sarge]

Have you tried smoking without using a remote and just trusting the SI?  4 /12 to 5 hours with no peeking for ribs should be fine. The analog controls do fluctuate throughout a smoke and checking the box temperature with a digital probe can be quite maddening.

[va_rider]

This is the first time I've ever put a probe in the box. Normally probes just go in the meat.

[gregbooras]

Aaron,

Yes the control is not accurate and you have temp swings, but the smokers work just fine and results are amazing. I have done enough smokes, that I have a pretty good idea how long it will take, but I also use a maverick on bigger pieces of meat. For ribs, corn, mushrooms, I cook by time.

One of the things I did when I received my smoker was to run a base test. It did not really change the way I smoke, but I wanted to be able to tell if the element was going out in the future.....




Greg

[old sarge]

Aaron - My brother was going through what you were experiencing using the remote and worrying like a mother hen. I told him to use the remote for large cuts, like a butt, and put it away for small items like ribs. Life got better and smoking became a no stress enjoyment.

[va_rider]

The probes still aren't accurate for big cuts. Way off in fact.

[old sarge]

You have probably already done this but check them against boiling water - 212 degrees.  Then just compensate for the difference.  As for something different, these are reportedly very accurate:  http://thermoworks.com/products/handheld/therma_q.html
This company makes many different types, and all are pricey.  We use the standard thermapen in our home during conventional cooking and it is fast and accurate.

[va_rider]

Well, I'm done messing with the Maverick garbage. Ordered this puppy tonight: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/logger/bluetherm_duo.html

I already have the Thermoworks ChefAlarm,and I've been extremely happy with it. It's pricey stuff, but the accuracy/quality can't be beat.

[old sarge]

Quite impressive!

[DivotMaker]

Well, I'm done messing with the Maverick garbage. Ordered this puppy tonight:http://www.thermoworks.com/products/logger/bluetherm_duo.html

I already have the Thermoworks ChefAlarm,and I've been extremely happy with it. It's pricey stuff, but the accuracy/quality can't be beat.

Pricey, but very nice!  I bet that's a great unit - looking forward to your review!  Be sure to give it a full review in the "Gadgets & Gizmos" section!

[va_rider]

Will do. It's definitely a pricier option, at $200 for the unit, which includes no probes. The armored "smokehouse" pro es are $50 each. So, out the door it was a little over $300.

In several other hobbies, motorcycling and photography, I've learned "buy once, cry once". Basically, buy the best you can afford the first time, instead of waiting money on multiple cheap options. I should have bought the Thermoworks unit in the first place, instead of the Maverick.

[drains]

Wow that's nice! Can't wait for a review.