Big Temperature Swings

[TimC]

Hi, it’s been a while since I’ve smoked a butt.  I did so yesterday and noticed that my temperature would swing 50 degrees or more.  Does this seem normal?  It seemed to work its way back up to 250 degrees.  In the graph you can see that I started turning down the temperature to lower it but it still kept working it’s way up to 250 degrees.  Thoughts?

 

[Pork Belly]

Perfectly normal and fine. Your kitchen oven operates the same way. Stop watching it, so it doesn't make you anxious.

 

[swthorpe]

I agree with Brian, and I see these kinds of temp swings on my #2.  In the end, the temp seems to average out at the set temp.

 

[old sarge]

Relax and enjoy.

 

[LarryD]

Do yourself a favor and never ever probe the box temp ever again unless you have a very, very solid reason to believe it is failed in some manner.    (Failed would look like the smoker running max temp regardless of setting or running no or very low temp regardless of setting.)  The temp swings simply don't matter in the slightest.  (I actually have pondered whether they are preferable, even.)

 

[TimC]

Okay, thanks for the feedback.  For what it is worth the butt tasted great.  No need to probe the box anymore! 

 

[barelfly]

Okay, thanks for the feedback.  For what it is worth the butt tasted great.  No need to probe the box anymore! 

You are on your way to Lazy Q at it’s best with this statement!!!!


glad the butt turned out great!

 

[Newsmoke]

Can I insert a chip screen in wood box before I add wood chunks to prevent large smoke burps. I also have been told about a foil boat.

 

[LarryD]

I put down the foil first and then sit the chip screen on top of it.  I never remove either even though I almost always use chunks.  The chip screen keeps the foil from getting messed up and otherwise really serves no purpose for me.  The foil would be just as effective at keeping actual chips from falling onto the element.