It's (NOT) gettin hot in here!!!

[smokeusum]

I have a Masterbuilt XL Gas Smokehouse that just doesn't want to get hot! I completely emptied it, no racks, no woodchip holder thingy, cleaned it, made sure my gas thingy holes where clear, turned the propane tank wide open, turn the dial to high, air vent partially opened and can't get it over 275 after twenty minutes (it's about 60 degrees here with no wind) -- what gives? Any suggestions?

 

[s2k9k]

Do you have a thermal mass (water or sand pan) in it?

It could also be the propane tank but at that temp I kind of doubt it but you could check it. They have a safety valve in them that sometimes gets stuck. Close the valve very slowly all the way then open it back up very slowly all the way then relight the smoker and see what happens.

 

[smokeusum]

No, the pan is out right now, I completely emptied it because of the low heat issue, as well as to clean out all the gooey stuff ;) and to re-season it. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the tank. It is getting low, but it has been my last several smokes that it hasn't been heating well. I'm gunna go try your fix right now!!

 

[smokeusum]

I did get a bit more flame!! Thank you! Now let's see if it'll get hot!!

Kinda think it would help if the dog didnt think the tank was a fire hydrant, too!! We grabbing a couple of new tanks tonight, but I'll feel better if I can confirm its the tank and not the smoker!!

 

[s2k9k]

Put the pan back in it too. If the cabinet is completely empty the heat from the burner could be going straight up and out the vent. Propane smokers really need a thermal mass in them to help hold the heat and stabilize temps.

 

[s2k9k]

Oh and I missed to most obvious question....what are you checking the temp with/? Do you know it is accurate?

 

[smokeusum]

image.jpg

• smokeusum
• Feb 9, 2013

3 minutes later! Tada!! Yea!! Thank you!!!

 

[s2k9k]

So whatcha smokin???

 

[smokeusum]

Oh and I missed to most obvious question....what are you checking the temp with/? Do you know it is accurate?

I know the temp gauge is waayyy off, by about 50 degrees, at least. A good thermo is next on my list.

 

[smokeusum]

:congratulation_graphics_2:

So whatcha smokin???

No, YOU DID IT!!

For tomorrow's smoke - a side of salmon followed by a butt and probably Mac & Cheese. Lesson learned from last week -- don't let the Big Guy buy cheap shredded cheese for the no-boil Mac & Cheese!!! OMG, it was gross!! The cheese turned into an oily nasty mess that never melded with the Mac...

 

[smoking b]

For tomorrow's smoke - a side of salmon followed by a butt and probably Mac & Cheese

That will be a smoke filled day 

   

 

[smokeusum]

That will be a smoke filled day  :biggrin:     :thumb1:

As at least one day a week should be!

 

[smoking b]

As at least one day a week should be!

Agreed! At least one day