Smokin in the Rain?

[petecofishing1]

Ok or no to use smoker in a rainstorm?  Thanks for the input. 

 

[old sarge]

This is from the FAQ section:

Q: Is it safe to operate the smoker in any type of weather?
A: Your smoker can be used safely in the rain or snow. We recommend a sheltered well ventilated location while in use. Please keep the cover on for protection while not in use.

Personally, I would do my best to shelter the smoker from the brunt of the rainstorm.

 

[petecofishing1]

Thanks for the input old sarge.  Very helpful.

 

[old sarge]

You are welcome.  Protecting the controller, although relatively impervious to the elements, is the important factor.

 

[petecofishing1]

As obvious as that is hadn't thought of that.  Gonna have to figure out a way to create a shelter on my deck to still be able to smoke in inclament weather

 

[40 caliber]

i have run it in the tain and snow many times. I put plastic over the outside outlet to plug to protect the connection but that was it. wiped the unit down afterwards but that was it.

a sincere question; It's stainless steel so what is the concern?

 

[old sarge]

Likely water and electricity not going well together. OR a real frog drowned pouring into the smoke bent.

 

[DivotMaker]

a sincere question; It's stainless steel so what is the concern?

1.  Water getting in around the controller knob, or back panel joints (not sealed), which could lead to a short, or at least wet insulation.

2.  Excess water in the blow hole, but that's probably not really much of a concern.

I use mine on a covered porch, but if I did set it outside in the rain, I would at least cover the controller and the back.  Not worried about rust, am worried about 110v getting wet!  I'd hate to grab a door handle and get smoked, like the meat inside!

 

[40 caliber]

Thanks Tony
makes sense. I was aware of the plug but never thought about the nob or insulation. good point

 

[petecofishing1]

After reading all this may move it to front entrance if weather not too severe.  Appreciate all the insights

 

[Pork Belly]

Water may get in around the control knob but if it does it hasn't hurt anything.

Rain, snow and ice uncovered on the deck, Pure Michigan.

 

[petecofishing1]

pork belly.  Purchased the 3D.  You own a digital model? Wondering if concerns with the digital are different?

 

[petecofishing1]

Missed the control knob part at first in your post but still concerned for digital panel and moisture. 

 

[es1025]

I have smoked in the rain. Beach umbrella works fine. Cover any electronic items. You should be good. I have smoked in my open garage with a fan blowing the smoke out as well.

 

[petecofishing1]

Thanks.  I'll figure out a setup that will work.  Does using an extension cord adversely affect smoker at all?

 

[old sarge]

There is a very slight loss or voltage drop due to resistance. I ran my other smoker for a year or two on an extension with no ill effects then installed a dedicated outlet for convenience.  Use the shortest run you can manage and of the same gauge wire as the smoker cord.  I will update with a link when I get home.

 

[petecofishing1]

Thanks.  Might be my ticket to front entrance during wet weather. 

 

[old sarge]

Here is the link on extension cords and voltage drop.  Hope it helps.

http://bethepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/extension-cords.pdf

 

[petecofishing1]

It does help Old Sarge.  Gonna have to find out what the 3D cord is.  Thanks for the link. 

 

[DivotMaker]

It does help Old Sarge.  Gonna have to find out what the 3D cord is.  Thanks for the link.

It's 14 gauge.  But, I wouldn't use a 14g extension cord.  Our house wiring is usually 12g.  So, a moderate-length (25-50') 12/3 cord should be fine.