Temp swings 820D

[Neuf]

I’m new to the group and have had my Pitt boss smoker for about 2 years.
It has always had major temp swings. Set it at whatever temp and goes up or down by 100+ degrees. I sit there with a low and high alarm probes to monitor and continuously adjust. Sort of a pain when doing a long cook. I’ve definitely had stuff under cooked and over cooked. Plus real hard to gauge the timing of your cook when the temps are not consistent.
I’ve cleaned the probe, cleaned the pot as well. I’m starting to get frustrated and really want to try an overnight cook but no way in this thing.
Any advise on how to get this thing accurate and consistent?
Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[Mbaker]

I understand your frustration, my 850pro was doing the same thing, get to 250 then start dropping get to 200 then 15 minutes later it was 300. Called their customer service and kept them on the phone while it was doing all it's bouncing around and they sent me a new controller board. Works great now, but I also added a blanket keeps good temp and cooked a great turkey at Thanksgiving, burgers the other night. I'd call their customer service and see how that goes. I had to call a couple of times to get someone that really helped

 

[Cowboy1955]

If you’ll clean the temperature sensor each time you’re done cookin it’ll stop those temperature swings. My 820 has no issues since I started Cleanin that along with the grill.
Hopefully this helps you

 

[Neuf]

If you’ll clean the temperature sensor each time you’re done cookin it’ll stop those temperature swings. My 820 has no issues since I started Cleanin that along with the grill.
Hopefully this helps you

I’ve cleaned multiple times and still not consistent. Fluctuates way to much. Like the George Forman grill, I just want to set it and forget it.
I’m so frustrated that I would just buy a better model or other type of better, but I custom built this thing into a outside kitchen area. It would be a mission to change of not exact size.
I hope there’s a fix for this.
I’m itching to do a overnight brisket.
Help

 

[Cowboy1955]

I do know they’ve been havin issues with controllers. Would be worth a shot to call them back.
Here while back it was 9 degrees when I busted mine off.
Turned it up to 350 degrees and when it settled in I turned it to 250 degrees and it held. Didn’t have an issue
Let me know what they say.
Mine when out after the initial burn
They sent me a new controller along with 5 large containers of different rubs for my troubles

 

[Mike From R.I.]

I’ve cleaned multiple times and still not consistent. Fluctuates way to much. Like the George Forman grill, I just want to set it and forget it.
I’m so frustrated that I would just buy a better model or other type of better, but I custom built this thing into a outside kitchen area. It would be a mission to change of not exact size.
I hope there’s a fix for this.
I’m itching to do a overnight brisket.
Help

Never set it and forget it, have to always keep an eye on it.

 

[intomuzic]

I’m new to the group and have had my Pitt boss smoker for about 2 years.
It has always had major temp swings. Set it at whatever temp and goes up or down by 100+ degrees. I sit there with a low and high alarm probes to monitor and continuously adjust. Sort of a pain when doing a long cook. I’ve definitely had stuff under cooked and over cooked. Plus real hard to gauge the timing of your cook when the temps are not consistent.
I’ve cleaned the probe, cleaned the pot as well. I’m starting to get frustrated and really want to try an overnight cook but no way in this thing.
Any advise on how to get this thing accurate and consistent?
Thanks in advance!
Mike

I changed my control board and temp sensor and my temp swings are much better

 

[J Walker]

If you’ll clean the temperature sensor each time you’re done cookin it’ll stop those temperature swings. My 820 has no issues since I started Cleanin that along with the grill.
Hopefully this helps you Cowboy, I have had temperature control issues and posted on it. I looked at my temperature sensor and it was shiny metal. Could it still be the problem? It is easy to clean but I would like to understand the problem. Thanks.

 

[Redoctapus]

I’m new to the group and have had my Pitt boss smoker for about 2 years.
It has always had major temp swings. Set it at whatever temp and goes up or down by 100+ degrees. I sit there with a low and high alarm probes to monitor and continuously adjust. Sort of a pain when doing a long cook. I’ve definitely had stuff under cooked and over cooked. Plus real hard to gauge the timing of your cook when the temps are not consistent.
I’ve cleaned the probe, cleaned the pot as well. I’m starting to get frustrated and really want to try an overnight cook but no way in this thing.
Any advise on how to get this thing accurate and consistent?
Thanks in advance!
Mike

Hey Neuf,
I have the PBV5 COMP. I has a substantial volume water pan that is embossed "Do Not Use Empty." When it is full and preheated it has very little temperature swing. The heat probe is slightly higher that the water pan and on the back wall. I wonder if the probe is located where direct infrared heat can warm it and if there would be away to put a meatloaf pan of water very close to it.
My Masterbuilt cabinet would also have temp swings when dry. I have two pieces of 1/2"X6X8 Inch rectangles of stainless steel plate that I put on the low rack when I did not want the water pan full or if I was mopping often. Try experimenting with some water ballast, room permitting and shield the probe from direct heat with tin or aluminum foil. I think all pellet grills need a defuser over the burn pot and under the grease plate, but opinions are like... well you know!

 

[Cowboy1955]

Could be a controller issue
Sorry for the delayed response
Call pitboss support

 

[chamberscreek]

I see the same issues on my Louisiana Grills 800BL. Temp will hold steady for a long time at the set temp, then suddenly jump up (see example image from earlier this morning). No flare-ups or grease fires -- just sudden detours like a drunken sailer. Temp sensor is cleaned after every use, and this is my 2nd controller board (after issues with random power-offs). App and FW and all up-to-date. It's a little frustrating when the one thing these ultimately are designed to do (keep a steady temp) is the one thing they can't be trusted to do...