Char griller Pellet smoker

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vthokee

Newbie
Original poster
Nov 23, 2014
2
10
Hello, I am new to this forum. I have used it a lot for advice and cooking ideas. I broke down and bought me a Char griller pellet smoker from Lowes. I have read several reviews on here and from the reviews here and on Lowes.com it seemed like a pretty good deal for the money. I got it setup yesterday and seasoned it like the manual says and then let it smoke on a lower temp for a little while longer to get a better smoke seasoning on it. Today I am doing ribs and I am going to cook 2hrs uncovered meat side up, pull off put a light coat of bbq sauce and honey on them double wrap in foil and put back on meat side down for 2hrs. I'll be cooking at 250. Anybody have any suggestions or am I on track to some good ribs. I am coming from a stick burner so this is going to be a little different. 
 
Welcome. Please let us know what you think of that smoker. I'm considering that one myself.
 
Welcome. Please let us know what you think of that smoker. I'm considering that one myself.
I really like it so far. Tomorrow I'm smoking a Boston Butt and turkey breast on it. Really like the fact that I can set it and go about doing things around the house.
 
I bought the Char-Grill Fire Pro Pellet Grill yesterday at Lowes for $499.00.

I'm cooking ribs today and set the temp at 225* with a wool blanket for insulation.

The temperature is fluctuating between 194* and 265*. I called and they had me to adjust the P level, but it doesn't help. Any suggestions, besides return it?  
 
I bought the Char-Grill Fire Pro Pellet Grill yesterday at Lowes for $499.00.
I'm cooking ribs today and set the temp at 225* with a wool blanket for insulation.
The temperature is fluctuating between 194* and 265*. I called and they had me to adjust the P level, but it doesn't help. Any suggestions, besides return it?  
What is the outdoor temp where you are & is there any wind?
What is your "P" setting at?
This is one of the best tools I have found for this grill. See pic
 
 
I bought the Char-Grill Fire Pro Pellet Grill yesterday at Lowes for $499.00.

I'm cooking ribs today and set the temp at 225* with a wool blanket for insulation.

The temperature is fluctuating between 194* and 265*. I called and they had me to adjust the P level, but it doesn't help. Any suggestions, besides return it?  
Honestly, those temperature swings seem inline for "dumb" controllers running at 225F.  A lot depends on the ambient temp, wind, food mass, and set temp. I see that type of swing all the time on my Camp Chef and even more expensive pellet grills have similar characteristics. If you want less swing you'll need a more sophisticated controller. Be aware that the tighter the swing, the less smoke output you'll get. 
 
And one more thing...are you verifying the temp at the grate, or is this just what the controller is displaying? When my controller is showing +/- 30 from setpoint, the temp measured at this grate is only about +/- 10.  
 
It was 35* and windy today. I was using a Mavrick thermometer on the grate running the smoke setting  at  P5. Customer service had me to turn it up to P7, but that didn't help. 
 
If I understand my manual correct the lower the "P" setting the closer to the temp it will hold it. It is just something you will have to play with honestly. I have had mine for awhile & that isn't normal for mine. Except when there is some nasty winds, other then that it usually works fine.
 
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I just purchased one last night and went through the breakin period. Tonight came home to use it and guess what. It won't light. Called the company and spoke with customer service. The girl I spoke to said " just light it manually. I told her that I spent 500$ on it and expected it to work. She said that I was being stuburn. I ask her if she bought a new car and it didn't start would she like the dealer to tell her to just push it and jump in when your going down hill
 
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