Getting up and keeping temp

[bar4]

Because of health reasons I have sold all 3 custom trailer smokers. Also 3 of the 4 eggs.
I am next door today using a Bighorn pellet grill. It is in the 70s today with very high winds. I have had to put 2 shipping blankets on it to get it to hold 250 degrees.
is this common?
What brand would hold temperature better?
I all use to 1/4 steel holding temp on my stick burners. Was going to buy a pellet grill but I am not sure after today. Any ideas what is wrong with this grill?

 

[sandyut]

seems odd, never had an issue maintaining temps when its 70 out. have you verified the temp on the setting is accurate?

I have a rec teq RT700 and used in in wind, rain and snow. never has a problem holding temps.

 

[TNJAKE]

What brand of grill is it. Mine was running way high of set temp for about the last year. Replaced this today and it's running exactly how it's supposed to

This is the internal temp probe that tells the controller what the temp is. Could possibly be the issue

 

[bar4]

seems odd, never had an issue maintaining temps when its 70 out. have you verified the temp on the setting is accurate?

I have a rec teq RT700 and used in in wind, rain and snow. never has a problem holding temps.

this is just the second time using it. Didn’t have a problem the first time using it. I cooked ribs and a butt. Temp on auger box is 250 but when I uncover it the gauge on the cook chamber is 190 to 200

 

[bar4]

What brand of grill is it. Mine was running way high of set temp for about the last year. Replaced this today and it's running exactly how it's supposed toView attachment 516622View attachment 516623

This is the internal temp probe that tells the controller what the temp is. Could possibly be the issue

Thanks I will look at that after we are through today.

 

[1MoreFord]

I have a Camp Chef and have never had a problem holding temp at 70°F. I'm kinda temp intolerant and don't cook in cold temps but what you are seeing is not normal.

Camp Chef, Green Mtn, Recteq, and others don't have that problem.

 

[mike243]

The Gauge on the lids are always suspect, best to have another method to ck grate temp vs the lid. it's probably closer than you think.

 

[schlotz]

Definitely an issue with that equipment. No grill/smoker regardless of type or brand should struggle to maintain 250º with an ambient of 70º. What was being used to indicate the internal temp? Dissecting the issue is another matter. Agree with mike243 I'd first start with a calibrated therm to report grate temps so you actually know what the true grate temp is. Hood/lid gauges are notorious for being inaccurate. After that, get into fuel flow, ash buildup, ignition source ... Going to bet there is a culprit & solution.

While I suppose this could happen to any pellet smoker I can't remember ever coming across a similar situation especially with the higher end brands ie Rec-Teq, MAK, and a few others. If your in the market for a pellet version I'd suggest narrowing the search to one of the top brands. Regardless of what you pick, always use a calibrated thermometer for measuring both meat and grate temps.

 

[JLeonard]

Could the high winds have had an effect on the temps? I'm not a pellet user just wondering.
Jim

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I have been having temp problems with RecTec lately. Temp off and big difference from one side to the other. Cleaned up and new foil before last cook and it was perfect this time? Not sure what I did different this time? Cleaned the same way I always did I thought. I did move water pan from right side to middle back this time maybe that did it.

 

[JWFokker]

I have been having temp problems with RecTec lately. Temp off and big difference from one side to the other. Cleaned up and new foil before last cook and it was perfect this time? Not sure what I did different this time? Cleaned the same way I always did I thought. I did move water pan from right side to middle back this time maybe that did it.

I think you're right on the water pan affecting the temp probe reading. The water vapor coming off the pan may throw off readings. Potential issue for a PID controller.