Temp Control Problem -- Solved

[JSRothstein]

I was having serious temperature problems with my #1.  I received it as a gift a few weeks ago, and after seasoning it I smoked a cut-up chicken.  Set the dial to 225 and it was done, and to some extent overdone, in 90 minutes.  Trying again today first with smoked baked beans and now with salmon, and the temp seemed to be running as much as 40 degrees over the thermostat.  Then my wife asked "do you think it's because the smoker is sitting in direct sunlight?"  I looked at her like she was nuts, but we rolled the smoker a few feet into the shade.  She's not nuts--the temp settled down and is now running pretty true to the thermostat.  So, two lessons: 

1.  Do not use your #1 in direct summer sun, and
2.  Listen to your wife.

 

[DivotMaker]

Great advice - on both points!   I always use mine under a covered porch, so I've never had the "direct sun" effect.  Makes sense, though!  That stainless steel will absorb a lot of heat!

 

[WeekendWarrior]

I am having just the opposite issue,my #2 is about 18 degrees on average below set point.  This is in the sun, with the outside temp around 77 degrees.

 

[es1025]

I usually have under an umbella to avoid direct sun.

 

[al_sfbay]

you guys need a PID like an Auber or BBQ Guru to hold perfect temps.

 

[old sarge]

Bulb and capillary units use an expanding liquid to open and close contacts in the controller to control the temp. This is the type used in the SI units and other analog smokers.  They are also used in other heating and refrigeration applications.  The bulb is the 'probe' or sensor in the cabinet that contains the liquid, and the capillary is the thin tube or 'wire' leading to the controller.  Simple and reliable.