Preheat vs Target Temp

[dgutierr27]

I'm a bit confused as to whether I should add food to the smoker once Preheat is complete, even if the temp is still a long way off from the target temp I've set.

For example, if I have a recipe that requires 30 minutes at 450F, but Preheat is completed at 375F, do I add the food once Preheat is complete, or wait until my actual target temp has been reached?

I didn't seem to have this timing issue on my old Pro 780, but this Silverton 810 seems to take a bit longer to heat up.

 

[Murphy's Law]

I usually wait about 15 or 20 mins after my target temp is achieved. This way the grill stabilizes and the heat is more consistent.

 

[CMTiger]

I’m not sure really…..I turn it on and then get to preparing whatever. By the time I finish with all that it’s usually up to temp. Sorry…..don’t pay much attention to what the temp is when it says ready

 

[MLS2GO]

You know until pellet grills were invented, people made great BBQ on wood and charcoal and the temps jumped all over ( and they still do). I prefer to cook until an internal temp is reached with either a probe or an instant thermometer. Cooking by time only is a little risky compared to internal temp and works better for me. You may have great luck with time alone. Lots of ways to do it.