Higher temps

Which style of FE? Straight Through, Ramp. Controller (dial or IQ)?

You're lucky. I've had my FEC 100 (w/IQ Comtroller) since last November, and although I love it, the one complaint I have is that my temp max's out at 325. I was puzzled since I knew that the website description when I ordered it in May '06(which I still had a copy of!)indicated max temps in excess of 400. However, I noticed that the description was changed by the time mine arrived to delete this claim. I assumed it had something to do with the new controller. Not what I had expected, since you're right, crispy chicken becomes a more difficult undertaking.

What kind (not brand) of pellets are you using?
I have found that using a fruit wood ie: cherry, apple, my max temps were lower than if I was using pecan or hickory.
Candy Sue at Bbqrs delight has some interesting data on the heat output of different pellets.

Very Interesting. I never considered the pellets. However, it doesn'tt seem to matter. Initially, I used the Traegers that came with the pit. Now I'm using hickory or a mix of hickory and apple all of which I got from Candy Sue.

Apple has the lowest BTUs of any of our pellet grill fuel. The other flavors are pretty much the same. If you're mixing apple with any other flavor you're lowering your heat. Typically, cooking with apple pellets the temp at 240 setting is 230. I have never gotten my ramp FEC to get to high temps like my straight auger. I'd be willing to bet, however, that it's the new cooker that's the problem though. I've heard from other folks that the IQ4 just doesn't cook as hot. I'll know for sure soon, I hope, I just ordered a new FEC100!

Thanks Candy Sue.

Enjoy the new cooker!

I was burning Ms. Candy Sue's apple pellets. Combine the lower BTU'S of those pellets with the apparent difficulty in achieving higher temps in my IQ4 FEC and my problem is explained.

Thanks to everyone for your help!