My SI-3 is off by 50 degrees.

[SmokeyRobinson]

My smoker is only 2 weeks old. Got my Maverick 733 digital thermometer yesterday. I am smoking 6 baby back slabs today. Put the temperature probe on the middle rack using clips (probe is in mid air not touching anything).

Loaded wood, meat and water tray. Turned it on to 225. 2 hours later I'm only getting 190 degrees. Cranked it to the max 250 degrees. At most I'm getting 209 degrees.

Is yours off by this much too?

I tested the thermometer before using in ice water. It read 41 so I think the unit is working fine.

 

[old sarge]

I've always gone with 32 degrees for ice water (half ice and half water); 212 degrees for boiling water, depending upon elevation above sea level.

 

[KAG]

My unit is also new and I am noting temps being off quite a bit also but not overly concerned presently as I am learning to use it. I do however suspect this may be one of the reasons so many go with the expensive Auber upgrade.

 

[old sarge]

The analog controller will have swings high and low of the set temperature as explained in the FAQ section of the SI site. But the temp averages out.  The Auber will give you more stable temperatures.  Many here will tell you that they get great tasting food with the stock controller and have accepted the temperature swings as normal.  Others just want tighter control.

 

[SuperDave]

Smokey, what you describe is starting to appear on the board with a little more frequency.  There are instructions on the board here and probably in your manual for popping the cap off the temperature dial and turning a screw to adjust the temperature.  Sounds like your dial just needs some calibration to bring it up to the 250. 

 

[elkins20]

Hey Smoky here is the post on how to adjust your smoker knob.
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1219.msg5198#msg5198
Good luck also remember the smoker will have temp. swings but will average out in the end. Hope your ribs turn out as good as mine have.