trouble maintaining consistent temps

[smokinnoob]

Hey there I have a Master Forge two door 36" propane smoker.  I am having a difficult time maintaining a consistent temp.. I have a Maverick et 732 so the readings are accurate.  I was able to get a solid 225-230 when heating it up and as soon as the chips and chunks started to smoke I added the chops.  I expected the drop in temp, but I couldn't get it back up...SOOO I increased the temp got it about where I needed and then the chips and chunks would catch flame so I just had to keep going back and forth increase decrease, open vents close vents trying to get back to a solid temp.  The weather didn't change and no wind.  I used the water pan (hot water), chips to get it going and chunks to maintain smoke, medium on the gas knob.  Any ideas or help would be great.

 

[smokinnoob]

Despite bad temp control they turned out great

Nice and juicy great smokey flavor.

Sorry such bad pics (cell phone)

Thanks for looking and posting

 

[SmokinAl]

Practice makes perfect, after a few smokes the temp thing will become easier. You just have to learn your smoker.

 

[africanmeat]

It looks good from here

 

[alblancher]

Try wrapping your chips and chunks in aluminum foil. Punch a couple of holes in the foil and see how this affects your smoke.  Not sure how much of a temperature swing you are talking about but don't sweat a 10 to 15 degree swing.

You may also try some sort of a smoke generator that has an independent flame.  Sounds like the chips are catching when the smoker flame kicks up.

Good luck and remember as long as you stay close on the smoke chamber temps you'll be fine

Al

 

[mballi3011]

The meat looks good to me. Now for you smoker I would almost set it and forget it. I have a couple of gas smokers and they are really easy to control. I would just leave it alone. You get it where you want to and let it go.

 

[smokinnoob]

Sooo what you are all saying is......just smoke a bunch of goodies until I get it right.........Sounds good to me thanks.