Actual 009 temps!

Don't make yourself crazy checking temp as long as it averages what it is set on, it is doing it's thang! Sounds very normal.

that range is only +/- 20 degrees.

Are you opening the door any? Outside temp won't matter unless you open the door.

Like GLH said, don't stress over it. It's the nature of the heat element (the home oven with a similar element does the same thing). If you need more details, do a search on "temp swings" and you'll see some similar questions.

The meat won't care, it's really the average temp that matters most.

And are you happy with the end result, that in fact is the best teller of success?

When I got my 055 (after having an 008 for two years) I measured the internal temp pretty early on.

The temp (set at 225) ranged from 180 up to 265. Yep, 45 deg plus and minus from the setting exactly. I figured that's about normal for a new CS and I haven't checked it since.

Thanks for the info. The final product has been great so far. I am no longer concerned, you're the best!