Model 2 - Seasoning smoke temp

[GTOCT]

Just got my new Model 2 for x-mas (very happy) and did the seasoning smoke yesterday.  I read about the temp swings but was wondering if a temp swing on the seasoning smoke up to 350 degrees from a setting of 250 was normal.  The temp did settle down but did not get below 300 even after 3 hrs?  Will now do my first real smoke to see if it settles down. 

Also was very disappointed that the stainless steel cart I got did not fit the smoker.  the top of the cart was too small for the feet on the Model 2.  Called and got Steve who said there should have been adapters included. Some type of transition issue. They are sending them out.  Strange that they need an adapter for a cart (which is made in China) that is made to fit the smoker. 

 

[tomd8]

Hi GTOCT - I have a #3 that I purchased some months ago and it did the same thing.  I tracked the temp at various intervals and set at 250 it ran up to 340 deg.  No worries.  Enjoy!  Tom

 

[GTOCT]

Thanks Tom,

Sorry forgot to add my name:  Mark from Connecticut

 

[LarryD]

Just got my new Model 2 for x-mas (very happy) and did the seasoning smoke yesterday.  I read about the temp swings but was wondering if a temp swing on the seasoning smoke up to 350 degrees from a setting of 250 was normal.  The temp did settle down but did not get below 300 even after 3 hrs?  Will now do my first real smoke to see if it settles down.

Heh...  look up one of my first posts here from a couple years ago when I got my #2.    There are temp swings.  When the smoker is empty they are worse due to no thermal mass or something like that.  There's a decent chance the wood caught on fire (not a problem for seasoning) which would have made it hotter than 'normal'.

I recommend lining the bottom of the wood/smoke box with double think aluminum foil and poking smaller holes in it to restrict some of the air flow.  This will help prevent your wood catching on fire when doing an actual smoke.

I don't know anything about the cart, but I'm glad to hear you're getting proper support.

Welcome to the family, by the way!

 

[GTOCT]

Thanks Larry.  Super helpful.

Mark

 

[old sarge]

Welcome to the forum Mark.  Tom nailed it.  An empty smoker will run hotter; nothing inside to absorb the heat. Enjoy!

 

[sweetride95]

The cart I got fit right up to the #2. Not sure whats happening........

 

[GTOCT]

They changed the model.  Its all set up now and works fine with the adapters. Had to get on my hands and knees to get the ribs in/out of the smoker.  Now I can stand up and wheel the smoker around - nice

 

[LarryD]

They changed the model.  Its all set up now and works fine with the adapters. Had to get on my hands and knees to get the ribs in/out of the smoker.  Now I can stand up and wheel the smoker around - nice

I wonder what else they changed on it...  while I love that it raises the smoker up to a nice working level, I don't otherwise really like the cart that much.  It's largely useless as storage since mine sits outside.  The shelves are largely worthless.  I'd much rather have a shelf that pops up in front of the door.

 

[GTOCT]

The design could definitely be improved.