New to pellet smokers

[96Romeo]

Brand spanking new Pit Boss pro series 1150 gifted to me from my awesome wife for early Christmas! Just need some tips. Had trouble bringing the smoker up to temp... I closed the smoke stack as much as possible and this seemed to help. Does anyone know about adjustimg the stack? I just upgraded from a propane masterbuilt and have a Amazn smoke tube. Is this advisable to use? Also it was a bit chilly on first cook. About 40 some degrees.

 

[JLeonard]

She sounds like a keeper. Lots pellet users here. Someone will chime in shortly.
Jim

 

[TNJAKE]

Can you be more specific on your troubles getting to temp? What temp were you aiming for? What temp did it reach? Did you properly prime the auger before firing up? Smoke coming out of stack? 40° weather won't effect the smoker temp

 

[96Romeo]

Can you be more specific on your troubles getting to temp? What temp were you aiming for? What temp did it reach? Did you properly prime the auger before firing up? Smoke coming out of stack? 40° weather won't effect the smoker temp

Was trying for 225. Was taking forever.... Closed the stack and set to 300 and got it up to temp at 240 And reset temp to 225 and it dropped to 209 And fluctuated around there.

 

[TNJAKE]

I'd say you probably have a defective temp sensor on the inside of smoker. It tells the controller when to drop pellets and such. Wouldn't think it's a issue with vent cap. Call pit boss they have great customer service. The part is easy to replace and will be free under warranty. I have an austin XL and it's up to temp in 10min max

 

[SmokinGame]

Yes … you can use the Amazn smoke tube. I do very every smoke on my Camp Chef.

There will always be temperature fluctuations. Mine swings +/- 15F around the set temp. It can be very much dependent on weather conditions, especially wind. Wind seems to affect mine more than ambient temp.

 

[TNJAKE]

Yes … you can use the Amazn smoke tube. I do very every smoke on my Camp Chef.

There will always be temperature fluctuations. Mine swings +/- 15F around the set temp. It can be very much dependent on weather conditions, especially wind. Wind seems to affect mine more than ambient temp.

Agree. However shouldn't have to set it at 300 to get a temp of 240

 

[sandyut]

never heard of closing the stack on a pellet grill.. not sure on that..

there should be an auger setting - check the P setting. P=Pause. the higher the number the less pellets hit the pot. at 40 degrees this should be at a lower setting as much of the fuel is burned for heat. when its 100 degrees out eh opposite is true. Pause setting should be higher or it could overshoot your set temp.

 

[sandyut]

search YouTube for pit boss P setting - lots of vids explain it.

 

[Texas Cookin']

Brand spanking new Pit Boss pro series 1150 gifted to me from my awesome wife for early Christmas! Just need some tips. Had trouble bringing the smoker up to temp... I closed the smoke stack as much as possible and this seemed to help. Does anyone know about adjustimg the stack? I just upgraded from a propane masterbuilt and have a Amazn smoke tube. Is this advisable to use? Also it was a bit chilly on first cook. About 40 some degrees.

I have a pellet grill and haven't had this issue. Some have mentioned a welding blanket for cold temps. Living down here in Texas that isn't necessary.
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, the AC was running because we live in the south.

 

[bregent]

search YouTube for pit boss P setting - lots of vids explain it.

I believe the 1150 Pro has a PID controller, so no P setting.

From the user guide:

2. COLD WEATHER COOKING As it becomes cooler outside, that does not mean that grilling season is over! The crisp cool air and heavenly aroma of smoked foods will help cure your winter blues. Follow these suggestions on how to enjoy your grill throughout the cooler months:
• If smoking at low temperatures fails, increase the temperature slightly to achieve the same results.
• Organize – Get everything you require ready in the kitchen before you head outdoors. During the winter, move your grill to an area that is out of the wind and direct cold. Check local bylaws regarding the proximity of your grill in relation to your home and/or other structures. Put everything you need on a tray, bundle up tight, and get it done!
• To help keep track of the outside temperature, place an outdoor thermometer close to your cooking area. Keep a log or history of what you cooked, the outdoor temperature, and the cooking time. This will help later down the road to help you determine what to cook and how long it will take.
• In very cold weather, increase your preheating time by at least 20 minutes.
• Avoid lifting the lid any more than necessary. Cold gusts of wind can completely cool your grill temperature. Be flexible with your serving time; add extra cooking time each time you open the lid.
• Have a heated platter or a dish cover ready to keep your food warm while making the trip back inside.
• Ideal foods for winter cooking are those that require little attention, such as roasts, whole chickens, ribs, and turkey. Make your meal preparation even easier by adding simple items such as vegetables and potatoes.

 

[srminosky]

Brand spanking new Pit Boss pro series 1150 gifted to me from my awesome wife for early Christmas! Just need some tips. Had trouble bringing the smoker up to temp... I closed the smoke stack as much as possible and this seemed to help. Does anyone know about adjustimg the stack? I just upgraded from a propane masterbuilt and have a Amazn smoke tube. Is this advisable to use? Also it was a bit chilly on first cook. About 40 some degrees.

This is a know issue with the pro series 1150, 225 holds at like 190 and 250 is about 210. I currently have an open case and have been told there is an update due by the end of the month that will correct it.

supposedly it’s a glitch with the firmware but that’s all a different language to me.
Lowe’s offers 90 days no questions asked return on all PB I am waiting to see if this patch fixes it.

 

[slater]

never heard of closing the stack on a pellet grill.. not sure on that..

there should be an auger setting - check the P setting. P=Pause. the higher the number the less pellets hit the pot. at 40 degrees this should be at a lower setting as much of the fuel is burned for heat. when its 100 degrees out eh opposite is true. Pause setting should be higher or it could overshoot your set temp.

p setting only works / effects temps in the smoke setting. Cuz he stated hes set it at 225 thats above the smoke setting so the p setting auger speed is no longer altered above smoke.
Also the new Pitboss Pro 1150 with the new released PID controller doesnt have a pid setting adjustment....
Dont ever screw down the vent adjustment, should be wide open, atleast a few inches.
Theory is more air oxygen from the vent being open = more heat.
Choking it closed could be your issue.
So youre saying you were never able to crank it up & season the tub at a high heat?
Open the vent, try again....

 

[srminosky]

p setting only works / effects temps in the smoke setting. Cuz he stated hes set it at 225 thats above the smoke setting so the p setting auger speed is no longer altered above smoke.
Also the new Pitboss Pro 1150 with the new released PID controller doesnt have a pid setting adjustment....
Dont ever screw down the vent adjustment, should be wide open, atleast a few inches.
Theory is more air oxygen from the vent being open = more heat.
Choking it closed could be your issue.
So youre saying you were never able to crank it up & season the tub at a high heat?
Open the vent, try again....

With the 1150 temps at and above 300 are are solid it’s the low and slow temps 200 225 and 250 that don’t hold. And there is no 275.....

 

[Fueling Around]

Nice present. Give the family a big hug.
Always use the tube for a smoke. Pellet grills (poopers) don't give a noticeable flavor unless you use a strong scent as in hickory or mesquite. You don't want a strong flavor for normal grilling. I use a blend similar to Traeger Gourmet or Lumberjack MHC
Pellet poopers are a forced air flow system. If you close the exhaust, it will vent somewhere. I don't know why the exhaust is at the top of the chamber.

My "kids" across the street have a year old Cabela's branded Pit Boss.
Customer Service has been great for them.
2 replacement controllers and an auger motor.
He stopped with CS on replacing the auger drive coupling bolt.