Low mojo

[matooz]

Hello fellow smokers, smoked for first time this weekend. Ribs were great. I also used a digital thermometer to monitor cabinet temps. I notice that the highest temperature I could achieve was 240°f over a 5-6 hour period set at max on rheostat. I do need to mention that the outside of cabinet was a sustained 40°f. Reading the forum info and Lazy Q lead me to believe I may need to adjust rheostat? I found that on forum as well but it didn't seam to be the same switch as on forum.  I also did not see any cold spots on element at break-in. Can u please advise?

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[lcdearman]

Welcome from central TX. There are others with more info on the low temperature , but before I converted my #2 to an Auber, my setpoint of 225 would yield +/- 30* swings, so I would see upwards of 255*.

[old sarge]

Welcome from SE Arizona.  So from your post you have done your research (looking for cold spots).  Here are two links that if you have not checked them out, please do so.   Did you get the smoker new or used?  Also make sure nothing is interfering with the built in box probe.  Early on, when the probe was located to the upper part of the cabinet, at least one person skewered the meat on it when placing the meat on a high rack.
https://www.smokin-it.com/v/vspfiles/files/heattroubleshooting.pdf
https://www.smokin-it.com/v/vspfiles/files/Heatcontrol.pdf

[Emma Jake]

The temperature of your smoker depends on its condition. If you have a new smoker it may help you achieve higher temperatures but there's no need to buy one if your old smoker is still providing you with good food.