Stuck at 200Deg F

[Stuss]

Hi guys, I’m new to this so go easy :) is the reason I can’t reach ideal smoking temp255F because I am using a water bowl?

 

[daveomak]

Probably... You can't get the water temp above 212F... The more heat you apply, the harder it boils, staying at 212F... or something like that...
Remove the water pan, or remove the water and see what temps you can get....

Therm could be reading incorrectly...

 

[mike243]

Never seen it affect temp once it has been rolling along, gauge out of range , not enuff fuel or air dampers smothering the fire too much. the pan helps slow temp spikes for a more uniform temp, its a heat sink basically and I have always ran my equipment that took them full of water, if needed refill I use hot water

 

[cornman]

Water may be the culprit, but I’m more inclined to agree with mike243...I would check your fuel and air flow situation. Not sure with your particular model but I would try opening all your vents and see if you can get the temp up. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[sandyut]

What are you vests set at? If all bottom and the top are wide open with a full load of charcoals - temps should be quite high even with a filled water bowl.

Are you using a chimney starter? if no - start, if yes, the coals may not have started enough when you dump them.

 

[thirdeye]

I agree with playing with the vent settings, but some brands of bullet smokers are lacking in the vent department.... you need a balance of intake and exhaust vents not only to control your fire, but to manage the smoke.

As for the water pan, bullet smokers are designed to need a heat buffer, and water works for that and it adds some moisture as well. Always start off with hot water, don't waste energy by having your charcoal heat up cold water. Some Weber WSM owners will use sand in the water pan, it's a good heat sink as well.

 

[sandyut]

I cover the water pan with foil and run dry all the time. save a ton in charcoal. the only trick is to manage the start up. high temp cook, full chimney, low and slow = minion method and all variations in between.

 

[Stuss]

Hi there, I had all vents open and clear ventilation to the charcoal from beneath so I’m thinking the density of steam in such a small system was the culprit. I dont think adequate ventilation was on the design engineers priority list. Any more fuel and I’d be choking it out. After removing the water I was able to hold a steady 255F with little to no intervention for hours.
thanks for the advice guys, all the above thoughts did cross my mind and I will surely experiment with some soon.

 

[daveomak]

Glad you got your temp situation under control....