I have a Bradley digital 4 rack rack, I did a turkey thanksgiving day, the smoker set at 270 deg. Was supposed to cook for 2.5 to 3 hrs and reach a temp of 164 but it never got over 149 for 3.5 hrs. Had it next to the top rack. wondering if It should have been lower?
It was set at 270°, but was it actually 270° inside that Smoker. I have heard Bradleys were a little "Underpowered".
When I use my MES 40, I put things in there as far as I can get them from the heating element, because I want to Smoke-cook the food---Not Grill it.
Things smaller than a Turkey, I almost always use the 2nd rack from the top.
If I have enough food to need multiple racks, I use them in the following order.
This is with a 4 rack MES smoker:
1 Rack-----Rack #2
2 Racks----Rack #1 and #2
3 Racks----Rack #1, #2, and #3
I never use Rack #4-----It's too close to the Heating Element. IMO
If I had to use all 4 racks, like for Jerky or Beef Sticks, I would be sure to rotate Racks #1 and #4, because #4 is too close to the Heating Element.
Bear