Does anyone else have issues with a temperature differential on the Q-450? I find it variable depending on the weather of course, but I feel like the grill consistently thinks it's temperature is higher than it is.

This example is from a recent brisket cook. Outside temp at the time was around 80 I believe with low winds. My Smoke thermometer measured 233 and the grill said 260. I've also confirmed this issue w/ a second thermometer (Maverick).

I do not own one, but have had similar issues with different units.  As long as I could adjust the pit and it could hold the temperature I wanted, it never concerned me.  It was all about consistency.  If I had to set the pit at X to get Y I did not care as long as Y was consistent!

I do not own one, but have had similar issues with different units.  As long as I could adjust the pit and it could hold the temperature I wanted, it never concerned me.  It was all about consistency.  If I had to set the pit at X to get Y I did not care as long as Y was consistent!

That makes sense. That's what I have been doing too. I recently got the Smoke Gateway which logs the temp data and allows you to view a graph. I did notice a swing of about 15 - 25 degrees throughout the cook. Typically + or - from my target (225 in this case). Is that normal in your experience? I experienced a similar swing with my Bradley smoker. I'm sure it also just depends on the pit and how well insulated it is (among other factors).

Thanks!

Lots of factors come into play and the controller probably being the biggest factor.  I am in Camp Bentley.  I set my controller to 250° and place a probe on the grate level.  If that reads something different than 250° after the grill has stabilized its set temp, I adjust the controller +/- until I get the grate temp where I want it.  It is usually good then.  After a while, you will know that X temp on the controller is usually Y temp at grate level and you don't have to mess around with a grate level probe any longer.

Being off by 10% is not that bad. Most home ovens vary by more than that. 

Both temperature measurements may be correct if they're taken in different locations.  If you put your smoke thermometer and/or Maverick near cold meat they'll be somewhat chilled.

But most of us do what Bentley and Lew wrote, let the pit stabilize, adjust the setting accordingly, put the cold meat in and don't mess with it.

If you are talking about goes up to 250° and down to 200, not bad.  If you are talking about goes between 212° and 237°, you got a keeper!

I did notice a swing of about 15 - 25 degrees throughout the cook. Typically + or - from my target (225 in this case).

Thanks guys. Sounds like everything is working as it should!

I was definitely happy with how my brisket turned out! First time on the pellet grill.

I'd eat that.

Thanks guys. Sounds like everything is working as it should!

I was definitely happy with how my brisket turned out! First time on the pellet grill.

That is what it is all about - how it turned out.

Both temperature measurements may be correct if they're taken in different locations.  If you put your smoke thermometer and/or Maverick near cold meat they'll be somewhat chilled.

But most of us do what Bentley and Lew wrote, let the pit stabilize, adjust the setting accordingly, put the cold meat in and don't mess with it.

+1
In my opinion the only way to see if controller is reading correctly is to have your prob in the exact location as the control prob any place else I would think it would be different to some %.

I do not own one, but have had similar issues with different units.  As long as I could adjust the pit and it could hold the temperature I wanted, it never concerned me.  It was all about consistency.  If I had to set the pit at X to get Y I did not care as long as Y was consistent!

+1

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