New Masterbuilt 44 XL Smoker - not smoking?

[david.genrich]

I just got the Masterbuilt 44 XL Smoker. Reading some other posts, I dished the chip tray and I am using a 12" cast iron pan for wood chunks.

I also dished the water pan and I am using a full size pan.

I am doing the initial pre-seasoning, so there is no water in my full size pan, but the pan is in the smoker.

It has been going for an hour now, temp is holding good at 240-degrees (based on the stock temperature probe - having a Maverick ET-733 arrive later today).

Now for the issue -
The wood chucks still are not producing any smoke at all. I use these wood chunks all the time on my Primo XL grill, so they should be good wood.

Any ideas on why the chucks are not smoking?

Thanks,
David

 

[che22879]

Is it the dual burner unit or the single?

Did you try using the chip tray?

 

[david.genrich]

This is a duel burner unit. I have both burners on high right now. I have the side vent, which is facing the wind, opened half way. The vent on the other side is opened fully. The vent in the top back is opened all the way.

 

[david.genrich]

Not using the chip tray at the current time since I only had wood chunks on hand. From mods I have found, most people where not using the chip tray. They replaced that with a cast iron pan and used wood chunks. If all else fails, I might need to get some wood chips.

 

[che22879]

This is a duel burner unit. I have both burners on high right now. I have the side vent, which is facing the wind, opened half way. The vent on the other side is opened fully. The vent in the top back is opened all the way.

If you're only getting to 240 with both burners on then you have a problem. Turn the smoker off, close the propane tank, open both gas valves on the smoker, close them up and reconnect the propane tank. Open the propane tank valve first, then the smoker valves and light it up. If you cant get over 240 then you have a faulty unit.

 

[che22879]

Not using the chip tray at the current time since I only had wood chunks on hand. From mods I have found, most people where not using the chip tray. They replaced that with a cast iron pan and used wood chunks. If all else fails, I might need to get some wood chips.

I have the smokehouse XL with the single burner and I use wood chunks all the time. That shouldn't be an issue. I don't think your getting the cast iron pan hot enough.

 

[david.genrich]

It is at 250 now, but this has been about 90 minutes since starting. Guess I need to call Masterbuild support.

 

[SmittyJonz]

I'd build a charcoal n wood chunk burn basket for it. :mrgreen:
I Fixed an Electric smoker like that once............

 

[david.genrich]

Talked with MasterBuild support, they think it is the regulator hose.

 

[che22879]

Talked with MasterBuild support, they think it is the regulator hose.

That sucks, hope they offered to send a replacement.

 

[david.genrich]

Yes, they are going to send a replacement regulator kit. Good news is that I usually smoke around 230-250. Just want to make sure everything is going good.

However, still have the problem with no smoke. I just checked the smoker, still at 250 degrees. Decided to take the cast iron pan out. I put in a small tin pan and put the wood chunks in there. Will see how that does.

If still no good, next step is to get some wood chips and try those.

 

[david.genrich]

With the thin aluminum pan for the wood chunks rather than the cast iron pan, I am smelling smoke and I can see that they are smoking when I open the lower door. I am not seeing smoke out of the smoker at all, but does seem to be working. Still at 250 degrees.

 

[qman]

Talked with MasterBuild support, they think it is the regulator hose.

Did you try what was suggested in post #5? Do what he said, if you havenot, in the right order, be sure to completly disconnect the tank and re attach it.
This is a frequent problem with the new "saftey Valves" on propane tanks.

 

[Jason TQ]

Granted you might be having gas flow issues, but in general I'd be interested to see what a cast iron pan with holes in it would do. I had a similar gasser that came with a cast iron bowl and it actually did put off smoke once heated and put out some nice smoker rings and flavor.

But I always wondered what having some holes could add. Maybe a little more flames hitting the actual wood. Not a lot, but just enough to help the wood burn.

 

[yakdung]

Regulator could have gone into safety mode. Read this:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/gas-grill-regulator-troubleshooting-84341.html

 

[david.genrich]

Did you try what was suggested in post #5? Do what he said, if you havenot, in the right order, be sure to completly disconnect the tank and re attach it.
This is a frequent problem with the new "saftey Valves" on propane tanks.

Yes, I did unhook it all and put it back on. I have a new tank, but it hasn't been filled yet. I am using a older propane take that I usually take camping for the heater in my tent. Never had an issue with it.

 

[che22879]

There is a good chance since you've been basically preheating the would this whole time , you're getting a really clean burn. So you can smell the smoke but it's burning so clean the thin blue is hard to see.

 

[david.genrich]

That is what I was thinking - that I am getting the TBS and just not seeing it. It is also raining a bit outside.

I have some chicken on now with some baby potatoes. For chicken, I would have liked the temp up more, but I think 250 will work OK, just take a bit longer.

 

[che22879]

Any updates?

 

[david.genrich]

I smoked some chicken and baby potatoes last night. After 3.5 hours, I finally moved them off and finished in the oven. It was raining outside so was just getting around 235-degrees. It all came out good at any rate.

Doing chicken, would like to be able to get this smoke above 250 - even just for the last part to crisp the skin some.

Masterbuild is sending me a new regulator kit, but that is expected in 5-7 days.