piggyribs
Newbie
Hey Larry,
I have the same type smoker. My folks bought theirs first as a demo model (pre-assembled) at Home Depot. It would not get above 150 degrees. I wiggled the controller at the dial and saw the light flickering. It would only stay ON long enough if I pulled up at the end where the wire enters the controller. I wedged a screwdriver under it (in the rectangular socket spot) and it worked fine. This summer at their place, I used a screwdriver to put upward force on it, wedging it upright between the controller and the ground. I just don't want to fix theirs like I did mine.
On my own, the first solution was to wedge a brick chisel under the controller (going into the socket). Secondly I took apart the controller and tightened the rings on the connection prongs as best as I could. That helped a little.
Lastly and hopefully for good, a few weeks ago, I clamped on the rectangular socket where the controller fits in with a pair of Robo Grips, then rechecked the angle of the element to make sure I still had about 3/4 inch clearance at the bottom. I got LOTS of heat now.
You may also want to try using sterile playground sand (from Home Depot or wherever) in place of the water, because it increases the efficiency so well, I can get a steady 225 degrees with the controller on the lower side of medium. I also use a rub on my meats, to seal in moisture/ juices.
Will someone help this guy find some straight-line wind and tornado repellant to spray around his smoker? :shock:
I have the same type smoker. My folks bought theirs first as a demo model (pre-assembled) at Home Depot. It would not get above 150 degrees. I wiggled the controller at the dial and saw the light flickering. It would only stay ON long enough if I pulled up at the end where the wire enters the controller. I wedged a screwdriver under it (in the rectangular socket spot) and it worked fine. This summer at their place, I used a screwdriver to put upward force on it, wedging it upright between the controller and the ground. I just don't want to fix theirs like I did mine.
On my own, the first solution was to wedge a brick chisel under the controller (going into the socket). Secondly I took apart the controller and tightened the rings on the connection prongs as best as I could. That helped a little.
Lastly and hopefully for good, a few weeks ago, I clamped on the rectangular socket where the controller fits in with a pair of Robo Grips, then rechecked the angle of the element to make sure I still had about 3/4 inch clearance at the bottom. I got LOTS of heat now.
You may also want to try using sterile playground sand (from Home Depot or wherever) in place of the water, because it increases the efficiency so well, I can get a steady 225 degrees with the controller on the lower side of medium. I also use a rub on my meats, to seal in moisture/ juices.
Will someone help this guy find some straight-line wind and tornado repellant to spray around his smoker? :shock: