pit boss vertical smoker model PBVB4PS2 initial thoughts and ISSUES

[fxsales1959]

So I finally got this beast off my truck and onto the patio.
got up before the chickens to do my initial burn-off (per instructions)
The manual sucks.
Got auger primed and set to do a burn off at 350 degrees as instructed.
since I'm ACHD on temps anyway, I put my inkbird probe on the middle of the middle grate to compare stated temps on control panel, and ambient in the chamber.
initial observation was that the actual temp in the chamber was way hotter than the control panel setting.
When the control panel settled in on 330 degrees (by their measurement, my inkbird was reading 386.
Let it go to finish required burn-in.
Called support.
Their support was good and based out of Arizona, not Pakistan or a call center.
long story short (to not drag this out)
is I have to replace the temp probe that came with the unit.(and is on back order).
This requires dismantling the control panel and interior guts on the smoker.
If this F#$$%ker didn't weigh 200lbs, I would be presenting it back to Lowes for a whole replacement.
I'm going to go through the motions and see if the new probe helps.
I can work around his for the interim by setting my cook temp by my inkbird.
Sorry to blather on, but thought somebody might find his on a search and maybe save themselves some angst.
FWIW, the smoker was assembled well by Lowes, and came with no issues out of the box, other than this.

over and out
John

 

[mike243]

Did you put the therm probe next to the units sensor? if you didn't it would be a 50/50 chance of correctly fixing it. Also it might take 30 minutes or more to stabilize. They also swing the temps to make smoke so 25 each way is common.

 

[BigW.]

If you trust the inkbird, go with that temp. If you have to set Pit Boss temp above or below your desired level so be it. Just like most folks ignore the manual temp gauge on smokers. I ignore the digital temp and adjust as necessary to get my desired temp reading on my thermopro.

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

What mike243 said.

Put your Inkbird beside the control sensor and run the test again.

 

[mike243]

When you load your smoker you will find the temps drop due to the meat being a heat sink, it may turn out to be a lot closer than you think. They may or may not trend higher when the meat gets close to target temp, for myself I would do a few cooks and see how it goes.

 

[fxsales1959]

Did you put the therm probe next to the units sensor? if you didn't it would be a 50/50 chance of correctly fixing it. Also it might take 30 minutes or more to stabilize. They also swing the temps to make smoke so 25 each way is common.

I'll give it a shot since I'm doing ribs this weekend. Still...My meat goes on the center of the grate which is where I need accurate temps..
It has been proven that the thermodynamics of PB verticals causes higher heat around the walls where heat rises from the burn pot.

 

[bmudd14474]

I had an older version of the unit you have and you will always have this temp issue from what I experienced. But once you figure out how far off it is you can just adjust accordingly and make some great Q off of this unit.