So this is weird...

[Tim Campbell]

Got an early start on a pork butt today. Smoker was prepped last night and covered.

Went to light the chimney in the Performer and was shocked too see this when I pulled-off the cover:


I have not used the Performer since Thursday. Completely cold...not a trace of heat.

Never had this happen to me. Any ideas why my cold grill was reading 350° on the dial? Is this fixable?

Thanks in advance. Pretty sure I wasn't sleep-grilling.

 

[DanHoo]

Maybe it got a software update overnight and it reset to use Kelvin.

 

[DanHoo]

Ok, but in all seriousness the thermometer is probably toast and needs replacing. It happens over time.

 

[Bruno]

Ive had that happen a couple times. Weber did send me one once and I just bought one on Amazon.

I try not to put the therm over coal anymore.

 

[Andy Kaminski]

That’s a good idea Bruno.

 

[Chris Allingham]

Stock thermometers are not high quality and may eventually fail. Time for a replacement.

Installing A Thermometer - The Virtual Weber Bullet

Detailed instructions for drilling a hole and installing a thermometer in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Several examples of installations are shown.

www.virtualweberbullet.com

or time to bite the bullet and install an industrial-style thermometer. Same page as above, just a different section:

Installing A Thermometer - The Virtual Weber Bullet

Detailed instructions for drilling a hole and installing a thermometer in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Several examples of installations are shown.

www.virtualweberbullet.com

 

[Tim Campbell]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Yeah, time to replace. Never happened to me before.

On the plus side, that Performer really holds the 350° temp

 

[Keith Jenkins]

If you get an aftermarket thermometer with a stem on it, take care not to bend the stem during cleaning or other activities, as I learned the hard way: https://tvwbb.com/threads/be-careful-with-your-thermometer.99058/ . Also, I second not putting the thermometer directly over hot coals, that can be pretty hard on them.

 

[timothy]

Give it a couple of taps, maybe it's stuck?
But it's prolly shot like mentioned. It's in a odd position, so if you go vent over the food that places it over the coals for indirect.

 

[Tim Campbell]

Tapped it, called it names, cursed at it. I think it's toast.

I've got an extra Tel-Tru. Swapping.