May have a thermostat issue????

Former Member

Smoker Test

Thermostat set to 250 degrees, no extension cord

TIME Temperature

11:30am stabilized at 242 degrees maximum 242
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11:35am added 12 AWG 7 foot extension cord 239

11:40am 237

11:42am 233

11:45am 226
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11:46am removed extension cord 226

11:47am 222

11:48am 221

11:50am 215

11:55am 208

12:00pm 221

No wonder it took so long to smoke that 3.5lb brisket last weekend. I don't know if I should clean the sensor inside the smoker or not? I'll contact Smokin-Tex.....Just an FYI for everyone else.

dan

3/4/0610:14 AM

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Original Post

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Former Member

B'more, why did you add the extension cord in the first place?

How many times have you used your ST?

I think there is an acceptable temperature range which any of these smokers may vary isn't there? I had saw posts that stated a 15 degree swing is acceptable. And it appears that you were not too far off of that.

See my post from a few days ago regarding the extension cord. Based on what posts I saw, an extension cord using 12 guage wire is not significant.

3/4/0612:45 PM

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Former Member

I need to use an extension cord so I can plug it in outside of my garage. Regardless, it looks like the extension cord made no difference since the temps kept falling. I had it plugged in for some time and it only got as high as 242 degrees. When I first got the smoker a few years back, I remember it swinging as high as 271 degrees. I figure if the thermo-stat is bad, then it wouldn't even heat? That's why I'm thinkin it might be the sensor in the smoker itself.

I'll contact Smokin-Tex today........thanks
dan

3/6/066:38 AM

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Former Member

Well I was mostly curious because, I too own a ST. Thanks. Post what you find out.

How bout them Ravens....

I am originally from B'more myself. As a kid in the summer we crabbed for lunch near everyday using a dollars worth of chicken necks for bait. Life used to be so simple.

3/6/067:40 AM

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Former Member

I used to live near Baltimore, near BWI, but moved to the slooooow life on the Eastern Shore. Best move I even made.

I called Smokin Tex this morning and they are already responding to my E-Mail I sent yesterday and my fax I sent this morning. They will call me back after consulting with their techs.....
I feel much better now.

Sunday I spen the day making a smoker cart to hold my smoker. It's 24 inches deep and 36 inches wide. I'll cover the surface with diamond plate and the sides with stained T1-11.

sweeeet!!!!!
dan

3/6/069:55 AM

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Former Member

UPDATE:

Smokin Tex called me back and said I don't have an issue with my element or thermostat. However, if I wanted, she could ship me a new thermostat for $20,plus shipping and instructions. She was very adamant and reassured me my smoker was working perfectly. Must have been the cut of brisket I had weekend before last. Oh well....false alarm!!!!

3/6/0610:19 AM

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Former Member

Another update: Cleaned off my sensor in my smoker with my fingernails and a paper towel. Smoked a Tri-tip Saturday and the temps were Much...much better. Removed the tri-tip at 135 degrees and let-er rest. Turned out great!!! Sunday I sliced it deli thin with my meat slicer for lunches for the week!!! Hmmm? I have it all sliced in a zip-lock bag sitting in my Blasamic Reduction sauce!!!!

dan

3/13/067:20 AM

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Former Member

Another former Baltimoron here. Just wondering where is the sensor located and what does it look like?

3/13/067:33 AM

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Former Member

It looks like a probe stuck on the side of the smoker wall.

3/13/067:55 AM

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