Yoder Smokers Community Forum

I smoked some almonds today and then added 3 racks of ribs when they were done. After 3 hours went to wrap ribs in aluminum foil and discovered my temperature was way down. I removed the trap door to discover the fire box area was full of pellets to the point of overflowing. I unplugged and started the smoker again but it did not light, so I lit it manually. The temperature was not stable and I finished the ribs in the oven. Ideas?

Is it possible that the pellets have picked up some moisture? I’ve had this with another grill, the pellets picked up some moisture and formed a bridge in the hopper, when the pellets below run out you loose the fire.

600hpcummins wrote:Is it possible that the pellets have picked up some moisture? I’ve had this with another grill, the pellets picked up some moisture and formed a bridge in the hopper, when the pellets below run out you loose the fire.

I think I have a thermocouple issue. Today, I unplugged it and then turned it back on. Initially, it seemed to work well. I tested both fans....all okay. It fired up, so the igniter works. I shut it down and repeated and this time, the temperature went up to over 500 degrees just shortly after starting it up.

I've ordered a new one. I just don't understand how the firebox got flooded with pellets!