heating issues

[old sarge]

You are still limited to the max temp of the stock controller (250 deg).  This limit is present on all 4 models of smokers, regardless of the element wattage. And it will fluctuate (see the FAQ section).  Check some of the posts regarding the Auber units.  Some of the folks using the Auber and bypassing the stock controller may have been able to reached a sustained higher temperature.  But smoking is generally a lower temperature with a long, slow cook time.

[DivotMaker]

Dave is definitely right.  Something else to remember about the heating elements is size.  The wattage is driven by the surface area of the element; a small element (like in the #1) needs much less wattage to heat the space in a model 1.  The 700 watt element in a 2 is due to the length of the element (about 3" longer).  The 3 is even bigger yet.  Putting a larger element in a unit that doesn't need one could be overkill, at best, or disastrous at worst.  If the element heats way too fast for the enclosure, it will likely be hard to control.

[Three Sons BBQ]

You guys said it perfectly ... But if a (stock or Auber) controller were to fail and the stock element were stuck on ... That would be disastrous because components would start to fail.

[DivotMaker]

I bet the 700 and 1200 watt elements would get pretty darn hot if stuck on at full power!

[old sarge]

 I do think you would experienced some sort of issue if the unit was stuck on full blast:

ACHTUNG!!!

Das machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben.  Ist easy
schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und corkenpoppen mit
spitzensparken.  Ist nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen.  Das
rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets.  Relaxen und
vatch das blinkenlights!!!

[DivotMaker]

Nice, Dave!

[old sarge]

Just something different. Thanks.

[es1025]

I made the temperature adjustment in the mod section and I was able to get another 10 degrees out of the smoker.  the smoker was in my garage but I maxed the temp and on my maverick it hit 261.  thats all that I was looking for to compensate for the colder weather.

[DivotMaker]

Good feedback, Ed!  I think you're the first to post how it worked.