Smoker running too hot

[Mom to Two Dogs]

Hi. We just today received our Model 2 smoker and are seasoning it, according to the instructions that were included. We foiled and put 2 pieces of wood and set it for 250 degrees. I have a probe inside to monitor the interior temp and a remote to see what the probe is reading. The temperature raised to 378 degrees right away. It lowers a bit, to 280 then increases again! Should we set the temperature dial for 200 to get 250? It just seems incredibly hot, too hot for a smoker!

 

[disciple]

That is way too hot. I would double check the temp with another device, put the probe in a different position and use the same heat setting. If it is still hot, I would call Smokin It. They have great service and are located in the USA. You have a great smoker...doc

 

[barelfly]

I would cook something at the known set temp, like a pork butt, something fairly easy. Or even better, baby back ribs, because they are easy and don’t take as long as a pork butt. Set it at 225* and let them go, no peeking until about 4-5 hours and then check them. If they are just about done, your temp inside the box should be spot on. If they are overcooked, then you know there’s something to be correct, perhaps the dial is off a bit. But It’s hard to monitor a box that has nothing inside to sync the heat. Most on here will tell others not to monitor the internal temp because of this and it will drive you crazy as you chase the temp.

Those are just thoughts for you to consider, based on what many have said on here. My dad has a Model 2, has never had an issue with it. He loves it in fact because he spins the dial and knows he’s going to have good food when done.

Hope that help a bit.

 

[disciple]

I have the model 2 (older one from some 7 or eight years ago) and have never had any problems with it. I never checked the internal temp either so Barefly may be right about cooking something. I would cook something cheap like a 3 lb chicken at 250 for an hour and one half. If its perfect so is your smoker. If its super dry, then call Smokin It, they have excellent service. I called them once and the owner answered...doc

 

[disciple]

So i put a remote temp into the smoker held against the side of the cabinet at the middle. I turned the smoker on , set to 250 and no wood inside. At 30 minutes the temp was 225 and at one hour it was 235 degrees. You might redo your burn without wood and see what the temps are. The wood when it ignites may increase the temp to the set value and the temp control takes over turning the element off and on. The wood may also have caused your smoker to get too hot if you put two large pieces in if thats possible. That old smoker sure smelt good...doc