"wayne burgess" > wrote in
:

> I have used my Char-Broil Electric Water smoker for a couple of years
> now, but have never been able to get the cooking temperature to 200
> degrees or more. Max's out at about 190 on an 80 degree ambient day
> with bright sun shining on the unit ! This is like hitting on seven
> out of eight cylinders.
>
> I've installed my own thermometer to verify the temperature. The
> factory sent me both a replacement thermostat and heating element and
> neither fixed the problem. I dissassembled the themostat/control and
> ground down the control tab so I could turn up the control higher.
> This got me about 10 degrees, but I'm still stuck at 190.
>
> I'm using water in the bowl and water soaked hickory chips. I like the
> results but everything seems to take longer to cook, and the unit is
> not useable during the winter.
>
> Any ideas ?
>
>

I'm not familiar with your unit (I have a Weber Smokey Mountain cooker
too) but I assume that the unit is *supposed* to be capable of higer
temps...

I'd then ask you otherwise have too much air flowing through the
chamber.

You could try putting very hot (or boiling) water in the pan to help the
process.

Do you have a long extension cord on it ? Maybe the element isn't
getting enough power ? Try a shorter or heavier cord.