025 controller

I haven't seen anyone really posting about multiple problems.

Have you called CS and talked with them. Sounds like more than the controller is an issue.

Give them a call.

CS replaced the original controller when it failed after about 15 months. That unit just failed two weeks ago and Tony at CS offered to test the unit after suggesting that most failures were related to power surges mad moisture getting into the unit.
The unit is only plugged in when in use and is on my covered deck with CS cover on when not in use.
I ordered a new controller, due for delivery next week.
Smoker is used maybe twice a month and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Just this vexing controller failure issue. And replacement controllers aren't cheap.

Silence from CS owners and CS itself is deafening

You said CS offered to test your controller and was shipping you a new controller. Did that not happen? Doesn't sound like "silence" from CS to me. You do know CS does not follow or respond to posts on this forum?

I think most CS users were waiting to see how the new controller that is getting shipped to you worked out.

Jerry, you received suggestions and advice from Smokin and Tony. Hardly "deafening".

I'd agree that 3 failed controllers in 3 years is not the norm but most of us aren't able to diagnose your problem. The most common issue of an electric smoker stored outdoor is excessive moisture in the heat elements...causing a GFI reset.

Best advice I can think of is to send the failed unit back to Tony and see what he comes up with.

Good luck.

My 25 is on covered patio with CS cover (most of the time). Not heard of this problem reoccurring before. I'm no electrical expert, but wonder if controller is OK but something else is causing it to go bad!?! Good luck, I'd hate for my unit to be down long!

iSmoke, as you are the the only 025 owner to respond, I thank you for your input.
I installed the new controller I purchased and it seems to be doing fine. Doing a chuck roast now and no temp fluctuations at all.
Hope this one lasts more than a year.

Lots of very experienced and helpful cooks here who don't necessarily use a 025 (but might, you can't really tell). In any case I hope your problem is solved permanently.

Seems the idea of excessive moisture is possible, but where you live, I think it is a drier environment than most living areas around the state. That is, in the winter, snow season sucks the mositure out of the air and the in the summer things are not much better.

If anything, static electricity is an issue all year round. How you can minimize this is a good question. Is your power source properly grounded all the way up to the power delivery to the house? Just trying to give you ideas...

Thanks for the suggestion on electrical issues but I had that addressed when the first controller failed.
Have only done short smokes like salmon and brats since latest controller installed.
Worked fine but I guess I don't trust the unit for pork butts and ribs anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry U:
... CS itself is deafening

CS doesn't monitor the forum. Their preferred method is for you to approach them direct which I suggest you do.

They want to know all the issues and problems and they've replaced whole smokers before.

I don't see any mention of talking to them but I would give them a call and talk about the reoccurring problem.

My guess if it's a controller multiple times it's not the unit itself but something causing it either in the unit itself or something external (power?).