Adjusting temps

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smokin pop-pop

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Dec 30, 2014
214
69
Allentown Pa.
Hey all,

I have been using my Masterbuilt  40 propane smoker for about 2 years now.

It does great for ribs, pulled pork and chicken. I have tried jerky once but it was more like

cooked meat than dried. I could not get smoke at the lower temps it takes to dry the meat.

I have been reading several posts about the Amaze-n-products and I think I am going to

purchase the TRAY. I also read that a lot of people start at about 120 and increase the temp

by 10 every half hour or so. All that being said I finally get to my question, is there some

kinda trick to adjusting temps by 10 ? Its hard enough finding the right spot to hold a certain

temp with the dial let alone trying to increase by such a small degree. I also noticed most

use a digital thermometer and not the dial therm in the door.
 
First the tube smokers work better in the propane smoker so get the tube smoker. I use the 12" & 18" tubes. For temps you need to install a needle valve. You can make your own or buy one commercially made.

I currently am smoking jerky in my propane smoker temps are currently at 120 for pit temp. I'll be posting more photos as I go today. I'm just about to light the tube smoker.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/238654/theyre-going-to-send-me-to-the-looney-bin#post_1493792
 
Last edited:
Here's the needle valve on mine. Cajun bandit brand, can be found on Amazon and other websites.


I leave my smoker set on high and control the flame with the needle valve. Depending on the weather I can maintain 120-130 for low temps and then all the way up to 500+ on the high end.



18" tube doing its thing.
 
Thanks D/S I will look into the tube smoker. As for the needle valve I have read some posts about these but am still confused

about the process
 
How easy is it to adjust the temp with the valve. My reason for asking is because it seems like all I did when I tried jerky was fiddle with the stupid

control knob , turn a bit -too high turn back - too low ! it was very frustrating so I pretty much caved in and just went to like 180. So trying to increase by

10 every 1/2 hr. seems impossible IMHO.
 
The needle valve works great. I've been at 130ish (plus or minus 1-2 degrees for the last hour). It only takes small adjustments. It takes a few minutes for things to settle in. If I'm with a few degrees that's where it stays.
 
Hey dirtsailor2003 I took your advice on the needle valve mod. MAN what a difference. Got 4 rings of deer bologna in since 3 pm . so much easier keeping temp. regulated.

THANKS FOR THE INFO !!
 
Waitin on that new 18 " adjustable one that CrankyBuzzard was showin off the other day. Haven't seen it available on the website yet
 
Hey dirtsailor2003 I took your advice on the needle valve mod. MAN what a difference. Got 4 rings of deer bologna in since 3 pm . so much easier keeping temp. regulated.
THANKS FOR THE INFO !!

Very good! I just finished a 30 hour Tri tip jerky smoke. Couldn't have done it with out the needle valve!
 
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