Expected Temperature Swing in Setting T stat

[donr827]

I am finally ready  to smoke for the first time.  Wanted to test the T stat before actually cooking something. Set for 225degrees and according to Maverick probe it went up 280 degrees before I turned it off. Set the t stat for around 215 degrees and watch the readings. They went from 198 degrees to 249 degrees.  Is this normal or is there a problem with T stat. Thanks
Don

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[DivotMaker]

Don, did you do your test on an empty smoker?  If so, the readings will be all over the place.  The analog dial will have +/- 20° swings...perfectly normal.  Just put your meat in, set the dial to where you want, and trust it.  No need to test, just cook!

[donr827]

I did my first smoke yesterday with a nice slab of ribs.  The temp varied from 204-248 with the setting of 220 degrees. They came out tender and they came out the way I wanted them. Tender but not following off the bone. I used the 3-2-1 method. I think that I used too much wood because the ribs had a little burnt taste. I used chips not pieces of wood.
Don

[SuperDave]

Don, either too much or they caught fire.  A digital scale is a must. 

[DivotMaker]

Don't sweat the swings, Don.  My best advice is to stop monitoring box temps...it'll drive you nuts.  Just trust that the cooker will average out to the set point.  I second the need for a scale!

[NDKoze]

+3 on the scale. You'll only want to use 2-3 ounces for smokes under 6-7 hours and 5-6 ounces for your longer smokes like butts and briskets.

Also do yourself a big favor and get some good quality smoking wood chunks from a place like www.Smokinlicious.com and save the chips for low temp smokes. You'll get a longer lasting better quality smoke from the chunks.

[donr827]

Thank you for everyone's advice. Much needed.
Don

[DivotMaker]

You're welcome, Don!  That's how we roll, 'round here!