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View Full Version : ok joe temp gauge issue


mike pauciullo
12-28-2013, 09:33 AM
So the more and more I use my ok-joe smoker I am realizing the temp gauge is off. I have a maverick digital one I just picked up but I was wondering if anyone else had this issue? If I keep the temp at 225-250 the meat does not cook but once I raise it to 300 it cooks perfect.

dport7
12-28-2013, 09:44 AM
Iv'e gone through a couple thermometers on mine, I now use the maverick 732. I feed the probes through the thermometer hole and whittled a piece of wood to plug the hole, works great.

grillinguy247
12-28-2013, 09:58 AM
On the offset smokers the stock temp gauge is usually always off. This can only be fixed by either calibrating it or just moving it all together. Other than that you could just go by the digital therm.

mike pauciullo
12-28-2013, 10:20 AM
I got the maverick 732 and the horizon BBQ diffuser i just need a excuse to try it out! lol

nucornhusker
12-28-2013, 10:47 PM
When I had my OKJ, in order to get a grate temp of 275*, the door therm had to read 325*. That was with and without the Horizon plate, so I'm not surprised by your findings at all.

loco_engr
12-29-2013, 02:49 AM
Assuming you can remove the thermo, place it in boiling water and see
what it reads and hopefully there is a way to adjust it.

Amigatec
12-29-2013, 04:37 AM
The gauge on my Horizon reads 150* with the smoker cold.

Bludawg
12-29-2013, 09:52 AM
The problem is the location of your pit thermo it is located to high up to be of much use IMO. Relocate it about 1" above the grate or Mid Brisket high. This is the critical temp (cooking) zone.

trufunk
12-29-2013, 01:21 PM
Can you remove and calibrate your thermometer? i just did mine and its not difficult.

mike pauciullo
12-29-2013, 02:41 PM
I am using the Maverick digital temp gauge but now I can't get/maintain temp. I am using charcoal. I guess the charcoal doesn't get hot enough? I am ready to sell this damn thing lol:mad2:

SmittyJonz
12-29-2013, 02:47 PM
They are called stick burners cuz you need to burn wood in them! Wood burns hotter - get a bed of charcoal coals then add 2 splits then one split every 45 minutes - ditch any burn basket and just use a raised grate. Many find a split split works best. - meaning 1/8 instead of 1/4 splits.

I can maintain an offset temp/ fire but I don't like to or want to so I use an UDS and a CBinet Smoker (that I'm Stijl working the kinks out - I have to babysit it to keep Temps DOWN :mad:)

Is this Smoker as it came or have you done any mods like tuning plates or difusser plate, exhaust extension?

loco_engr
12-29-2013, 02:49 PM
Have you cleaned out the ashes? That might be restricting the air flow.

SmittyJonz
12-29-2013, 02:53 PM
Wood - Does an Offset Good. :shock:

Not to pick on you Mike but I see A lot of guys buy Wood Burning Offset Smokers then they want to make them run on Charcoal. It don't work like that - if you want a Charcoal Smoker BUY a Charcoal Smoker - UDS, WSM, PBC- Cabinet Smoker EtC. If you BUY a WOOD BURNER then PLAN on Burning WOOD. :shock:

mike pauciullo
12-29-2013, 03:00 PM
They are called stick burners cuz you need to burn wood in them! Wood burns hotter - get a bed of charcoal coals then add 2 splits then one split every 45 minutes - ditch any burn basket and just use a raised grate. Many find a split split works best. - meaning 1/8 instead of 1/4 splits.

I can maintain an offset temp/ fire but I don't like to or want to so I use an UDS and a CBinet Smoker (that I'm Stijl working the kinks out - I have to babysit it to keep Temps DOWN :mad:)

Is this Smoker as it came or have you done any mods like tuning plates or difusser plate, exhaust extension?

Horizon BBQ diffuser, 90 degree elbow down to the grate, and charcoal basket. would 12 inch wood splits work good?

mike pauciullo
12-29-2013, 03:03 PM
Wood - Does an Offset Good. :shock:

Not to pick on you Mike but I see A lot of guys buy Wood Burning Offset Smokers then they want to make them run on Charcoal. It don't work like that - if you want a Charcoal Smoker BUY a Charcoal Smoker - UDS, WSM, PBC- Cabinet Smoker EtC. If you BUY a WOOD BURNER then PLAN on Burning WOOD. :shock:

haha, I purchased it being a newbbbbb. I am used to this stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49SpG62PszE
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/volume631/2321F48D-2ADC-4DC5-AE12-52675F59B512_zpselqnniui.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/volume631/82D11877-A792-44ED-862E-D6BAF5258DD9_zpswcgp2ygh.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/volume631/media/82D11877-A792-44ED-862E-D6BAF5258DD9_zpswcgp2ygh.jpg.html)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/volume631/null_zps144f79be.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/volume631/media/null_zps144f79be.jpg.html)

SmittyJonz
12-29-2013, 03:16 PM
Cool - I used to be into Old Skool American Hotrods - my son had a Rice Burner phase -not that hardcore tho.


If you don't think you are the kind to burn sticks and tend a fire then sell it and build an UDS or order a Pit Barrel Cooker. :thumb:

12" splits oughta work - just gotta try it.

mike pauciullo
12-29-2013, 03:19 PM
Cool - I used to be into Old Skool American Hotrods - my son had a Rice Burner phase -not that hardcore tho.


If you don't think you are the kind to burn sticks and tend a fire then sell it and build an UDS or order a Pit Barrel Cooker. :thumb:

12" splits oughta work - just gotta try it.

I have no problem using the wood. I am just having issues finding applewood or any other types. Long Island sucks

SmittyJonz
12-29-2013, 03:23 PM
I have no problem using the wood. I am just having issues finding applewood or any other types. Long Island sucks

See a lot of guys NJ, NY up there say it's hard to get Wood......

mike pauciullo
12-29-2013, 03:26 PM
See a lot of guys NJ, NY up there say it's hard to get Wood......

I purchased 10ibs of wood off of ebay I will see how that works out. I am going to swing by some farms this week to see if i can purchase the wood.