Temp problem

ironhorse07 · Mar 17, 2013

I pulled the trigger on a #3 because i needed a new smoker and did not like the reviews on the new MES 40. However after numerous smokes (2 to 3 a week) I can not get the temp to get above 210 deg. At first i wrote it off to low ambient temps, but lately with temps into the 60's same problem. 2 1/2 hour per pound smokes are a little ridiculous. 1 email and 2 phone calls on this problem on monday and tuesday this week still remain unanswered. i am getting a little @#$%off. My guess is to go with a PID to just make the thing work since it seems I am just left to my own devices.

smoke happens · Mar 19, 2013

I have not had a problem getting it up to temp, although I do get the typical electric smoker swings of 20* - 30* (more occasionally) as the unit cycles. All electrics will do this, so it's not really a SI problem specifically. I was hoping due to the better insulated box it may be mitigated, but not so. I would not think any weather condition would effect the temps, the thing is so well insulated and you have a big element in that # 3.

I too have not had the best experience with getting replies from Steve, in fact he has never even acknowledged emails I have sent regarding this site and smoker registration emails I sent. He did answer emails during the selection and purchasing process though (average 2 day reply time), and I would assume based on all the activity on SMF lately that he is pretty busy. I know he just recently moved to a new location so maybe it's that. I would buy that as a reason not to reply to my non-essential emails, but to not reply to emails and phone calls about a unit that is not working correctly is a different story and not acceptable IMO.

I will be getting a PID once I have the spare $$, simply so I can control the swings better (not unique to SI, all electrics have them) at lower temps while making sausage.

Please let us know how Steve from Smokin-It Smokers handles your case, it will be important for everyone to see how they handle themselves after the sale when someone has a problem. Good luck!

streaml1ne · Mar 19, 2013

I measured the temp in my #2 while seasoning it, and it held 250 bang on when set to 250 and it was pretty cold and very windy out that day.. I'm going to do a real smoke this weekend so I'll see what happens with that. I had emailed Steve about the order I placed and it took him about 2 days to respond. Have you gotten a response back yet from him Ironhorse?

ironhorse07 · Mar 19, 2013

Just an update: Steve did contact me this morning and we have been corresponding by email. I will let you know what I find out.

smoke happens · Mar 23, 2013

Any news on this?

ironhorse07 · Mar 24, 2013

Saddly no. After a week of unproductive email exchange it came down to Steve continually telling me I don't know how to measure temp and me going yeah, but ... until both of us got frustrated. As of Friday he offered me a refund if I returned my smoker. In my response I told him I was not interested in tying up 2/3 of the cost of the smoker shipping it back and forth. I also offered to purchase a new temp controller and probe and ship back whatever part is defective for a refund. I still have not received a response but is the weekend.
I guess one thing that frustrated me was the week wasted with the email back and forth, I gave my number, call me and lets get it taken care of.
So that is where it stands, anyone wants further details let me know.

Doug

smoke happens · Mar 25, 2013

I'll be interested in seeing how this plays out, unfortunate that you have to endure the BS while it gets sorted though.

suya · Mar 25, 2013

Oh boy. Getting a bit nervous about this.I just sent an email this morning...I hope I hear something soon!

ironhorse07 · Apr 2, 2013

Sorry for the delay. Final update; Steve emailed me Monday march 25 and said he would send me a new temp controller. It arrived in the mail yesterday. In the meantime I have gone a different direction

2013-03-31_17-44-25_126.jpg

ironhorse07
Apr 2, 2013

I have tried to remain subjective about this and just lay the details of my experience out for others information but I would have felt better if the focus would have been on getting me up smoking again as soon as possible.

Doug

smoke happens · Apr 3, 2013

Which PID did you go with? You liking it?

old sarge · Apr 3, 2013

Looks like an Auber; not sure which model.

ironhorse07 · Apr 3, 2013

It is the Auber WSD-1503CPH. Yeah, I like it holds temp real tight. Normally I do not care too much about temp swings when smoking muscle cuts but I have been looking at this one for the ramp and hold functions, those are handy for what I do. I figure this will also give me a backup for my MES when that controller takes a crap. The 1503 is good for up to 1800 watts, if a guy has a smaller heating element you can save 45 bucks with the 1203.

Doug

smoke happens · Apr 4, 2013

Thanks for the info, one of those is on my near-term buy list. How tight have you been able to hold the temps with that PID?

suya · Apr 4, 2013

Fascinating! Not sure I need one yet, but interesting. Still waiting for Amazon to deliver my Maverick 732 so I can test the new temp control I installed last week. No pending smokes, so no rush on my part. Will let you all know.

ironhorse07 · Apr 4, 2013

Suya said:
Fascinating! Not sure I need one yet, but interesting. Still waiting for Amazon to deliver my Maverick 732 so I can test the new temp control I installed last week. No pending smokes, so no rush on my part. Will let you all know.

Interesting, he made it sound like I was the only one having trouble with temps and that was because I don't know how to measure temp.

ironhorse07 · Apr 4, 2013

Smoke Happens said:
Thanks for the info, one of those is on my near-term buy list. How tight have you been able to hold the temps with that PID?

Haven't trended a cook yet, but every time I look it's within a degree.

smoke happens · Apr 4, 2013

Thanks. So do you plug the smoker into the PID and set the smoker temp all the way on high, then the PID controls the heating element? Wondering how it overrides the thermostat on the smoker.

ironhorse07 · Apr 4, 2013

My temp controller was not working right so I built a jumper around it. At some point I will install the new temp controller and see what happens when I turn it all the way up. If that does not work I might put in a three position switch for the versatillity. But it works great now.

suya · Apr 5, 2013

Smoke, I actually went and looked up the PID. Almost wish I hadn't. It looks like a really cool device. I think it works like you are speculating. It works by turning the power on and off on the smoker but I'm guessing you would have to turn the temp all the way up on the smoker to avoid it inadvertently shutting down. Now, I don't think I need a PID, but I am addicted to gadgets and over time I can probably convince myself I need one :-)

smoke happens · Apr 5, 2013

Wait until you try and make sausage, you'll need one sooner then you think at that point!

Temp problem

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