Smoker Purchase Suggestion

[Up_In_Smoke]

I've been cooking a lot of brisket but I do it a 325. Have to use smoke tubes to get any kind of action

If you run that temp the entire time, you're not going to get much smoke at all.
Start out at the "Smoke" setting or 180 for a few hours.

Play with the new pellet grill when it's empty.
Start at Smoke, go to 180, go to 225, etc. and observe the amount of smoke.

 

[bpacilio59]

If you run that temp the entire time, you're not going to get much smoke at all.
Start out at the "Smoke" setting or 180 for a few hours.

Play with the new pellet grill when it's empty.
Start at Smoke, go to 180, go to 225, etc. and observe the amount of smoke.

Good to know. I'll give it a try...Thanks

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Couple of other things:

Use good pellets and stick with the same pellets for at least 5 or 6 cooks.
In other words, don't use the Tractor Supply special pellets.

When I was using smoke tubes, I used to put them in the left rear directly over the opening.
I would always light the tube and let it burn for at least 10 minutes (not 5, not 8).
I never had problems keeping the tubes lit this way.

 

[jack l]

While they won't go to 350 the Smokin-It PID smokers will go to 325F. Not too far from 350.

Correct. I've had a 3-D since 2016. Electric smokers in general are best used for low and slow cooks. I don't think I ever used mine with a temp over 250.

The problem is lengthy cooks will wear on any electric smoker over time. My Smokin-It 3-D shows Hs on both screens of my auber. Can't get clarification on what that means, so most likely time to take it to the junkyard.

 

[jack l]

After reviewing and comparing smokers, I decided I will most like grab a propane instead of electric. I have narrowed it down to Camp Chef's Smoke Vault. I only need it for low slow cooks, but realize it will travel well along with my burner.

Problem is, when I checked for availability at the big box stores, Amazon, even the dealer, the Smoke Vaults (24) is unavailable. I suspect that since they are manufactured in China, it may be a minute before I can find one.

 

[bpacilio59]

After reviewing and comparing smokers, I decided I will most like grab a propane instead of electric. I have narrowed it down to Camp Chef's Smoke Vault. I only need it for low slow cooks, but realize it will travel well along with my burner.

Problem is, when I checked for availability at the big box stores, Amazon, even the dealer, the Smoke Vaults (24) is unavailable. I suspect that since they are manufactured in China, it may be a minute before I can find one.

I thought i heard that the Camp Chef's Smoke Vault was discontinued but I could be wrong

 

[normanaj]

The problem is lengthy cooks will wear on any electric smoker over time. My Smokin-It 3-D shows Hs on both screens of my auber. Can't get clarification on what that means, so most likely time to take it to the junkyard.

This is what I was able to find as it pertains to "H" codes and Auber PIDs:

Common Causes of the "H" Code​

• Probe Connection Issues: Ensure that both the temperature probes are properly connected. If one probe is disconnected or malfunctioning, the controller may display the "H" code.
• Incorrect Settings: The settings for the PID controller must be configured correctly. For instance, if the controller is set to use a food probe but only the cabinet probe is connected, it may trigger the "H" code.
• Temperature Limits: If the temperature exceeds the set limits, the controller may also show this error. Check the maximum temperature settings to ensure they are appropriate for your cooking needs.

Troubleshooting Steps​

1. Check Probe Connections: Make sure both probes are securely plugged in. If you suspect a faulty probe, try replacing it.
2. Review Settings: Verify that the settings for temperature control (C, O, F, T) are correctly configured. For example, ensure that the cooking temperature is set to "T" for time-based control.
3. Reset the Controller: Sometimes, simply resetting the PID controller can resolve temporary issues.
4. Contact Support: If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Auber's customer support for further assistance.

By following these steps, you can often resolve the "H" error code and restore normal operation to your Auber PID controller.

If you still can't resolve the issue I wouldn't junk it,much cheaper to buy new probes and/or new controller.

 

[jack l]

I thought i heard that the Camp Chef's Smoke Vault was discontinued but I could be wrong

Edit this post. After seeing your post, I did some research and finally contacted Camp Chef. They were ambiguous in saying they are discontinuing the smoker in the same breath of saying the currently have none available. I asked for clarification, and they informed me that they discontinued the Smoke Vault. Well back to researching.

 

[jack l]

This is what I was able to find as it pertains to "H" codes and Auber PIDs:



If you still can't resolve the issue I wouldn't junk it,much cheaper to buy new probes and/or new controller.

Thanks for the help. I have a guy that works on appliances generally. I will have him look at it, but I sent the company owner (Steve) an email since it could be the controller has played out as well. In that case, I may as well find a new smoker since those run $375 bucks for a new one.

I bought my Smokin-It 3D in 2016 for 700, now they are running almost 1,300 for the same model.

 

[bpacilio59]

This has been a really helpful thread. I bought the Traeger 22 this hear but I think that next year I would switch to a Masterbuilt Gravity Series. I think the smoke would be easier to generate and the charcoal with wood chinks would be good. Anybody use a gravity smoker ??

 

[gooffy140]

I've own an akorn, a kamado, an offset, a UDS, and WSM. The WSM is my favorite. I use a BBQ Guru with it easily run 15 hr cooks with out reloading l, always produces excellent product. For the money you really can't beat a Weber Smokey Mountain.

 

[jack l]

Funny story. Over ten years ago, my younger brother bought a grill on Craigslist and asked if I could pick it up and pay the guy, then he would reimburse me.

Not sure of the gauge of iron, but it sat in the back of my truck for 2-3 days until I could get my son in-law to help me get it off. It then sat in my garage for a week until my son was able to help me move it to the backyard.

That 36 inch grill has to weigh in excess of 300 lbs. I did not want to put it back on the truck to take to my brother, so I asked what he was going to use it for. When he said it would be used as scrap iron, I told him I would give him a finders fee and keep it. I paid 50 bucks and that thing will be still standing when my house falls down. I have been cooking on it ever since.

It's not fair to check the durability of new grills and smokers against that tank.