Frontier Temp Gauge

Argghhh....I hate this thing!! It doesn't want to get above 200 degrees. Is this thing junk or what?

Need a bit more info man. What have you tried?

My first smoke, I tried two full chickens, and I couldn't get the smoker above 225. Right at this moment, I'm smoking BB ribs and it's been stuck at 200, but I have a thermometer in the vent hole, that is saying it's above 220 (it doesn't go higher than that).

I just don't think this thing is working right.

Burbs,

Have you calibrated your temp gauge yet? It may need a little adjustment due to the shipping.

How would I calibrate it? I did the following the other day;

I tested my "stock" one this morning in hot water, and it didn't get above 160, yet two other thermometers that I put in the water, registered at 180 and 184.

Hi Burbs, I have a Frontier & it will run for quite long periods at 260f plus with no problem. I'm no expert but this is how I use it. I'm using the coconut briquettes (as supplied here by Pro Q). First assemble it (minion method with hot coals) & hot water in the bowl, hot tap water will do but don't put cold in. Leave it for 1/2 -3/4 hr to settle down & get the temp stable. At that point it should maintain the temp you want with occasional slight adjustment to the bottom vent, the top vent should be fully open all the time. I recommend you get a decent digital thermometer like the redicheck (if you don't already have one). If I need to run at higher temps I remove the water bowl.

We have identical units so I cannot believe the problem is there, & I have used normal 'garage supplied' briquettes with ok results, (though I would highly recommend the coconut ones).

Good luck, I'm sure you'll get it nailed.

To calibrate the thermometer, take it out of the lid & put the probe in boiling water, it should read 100c (212f), if not hold the face of the unit, put a spanner on the bolt at the back & gently twist it until the readout is at the correct temp. Then test again & repeat fine tuning until the readout is correct.

Novice wrote:To calibrate the thermometer, take it out of the lid & put the probe in boiling water, it should read 100c (212f), if not hold the face of the unit, put a spanner on the bolt at the back & gently twist it until the readout is at the correct temp. Then test again & repeat fine tuning until the readout is correct.

Ahhhh, I'll have to try that. I did test it yesterday with boiliing water and it got to 200, while two other thermometers got above 200, but never reached 212. I'll try that this weekend to get it fixed.

Thanks,

Chris

I hope you get some joy, be careful not to twist to hard, do it a little at a time

Hey novice that's exactly how i got it to the required accuracy. Although I did cheat and test against my redi check

I couldn't live without the Redi Check now that I have it!