Pg. 15
TROUBLESHOOTING TEMPERATURE
This smoker is engineered to stay at the correct temperature range by itself for
the entire cook (6+ hours) without flare-ups, or fussing with it when set-up and lit
as instructed.
The cooking process is different than other outdoor BBQs, smokers, and cookers. Give the
process time to work, the temperature will fluctuate some, but the results will be amazing
every time.
NOTE ABOUT THERMOMETER: The thermometer provides the added value of being able
to baseline the start up temperature and ensure the cook is within the desired range when
properly started. While the top thermometer will typically read between 220-260°F, the
actual temperature the food is cooking at is typically between 275-315°. The actual
temperature will vary depending on a number of things and timing during the cook. The lid
thermometer does not accurately reflect the temperature where the food is cooking because
it is at the top of the barrel above the exhaust ports, and the intended cook area is below the
exhaust ports.
Barrel Cooker Runs Too Hot?
One or more of the following issues can affect the temperature of the cooker.
THE COOKER
Elevation Setting Correct?
Be sure the air intake setting is at the proper opening based on your elevation. If the
intake is opened more than suggested, the coals will burn hotter. Correcting the setting
should bring the temperature down slowly.
Lid and Base Seated Properly?
Be sure the lid sits down all the way around the top of the barrel. Be sure the base is not
bent causing it to not sit flush around the bottom of the barrel.
Brand New Barrel House
There is a slight chance a brand new cooker may run hotter for the first cook due to the
porcelain coating. If you experience this, the food will still turn out great. The cooker
will become seasoned, which will bring the temperature down on subsequent cooks.
Thermometer Working Properly?
Thermometers can go bad, but you may try cleaning the probe to see if that resolves the
problem. Otherwise, it may be covered under warranty (see pg. 18). Visit our website for
more information on replacing a bad thermometer.
THE WEATHER
Direct Sun and Hot Days
Ambient temperatures affect the cooking temperature of the barrel cooker. The results
will be the same, but the timing will be a little different. For more consistent times, keep
the barrel cooker in the shade on hot days, and in the sun on colder days. The wind may
also affect the cooking temperature by cooling the barrel down. The effect of weather is
not overly dramatic but does play a part in the cooking time and temperature.
