Bull 700 not reaching max temperature anymore

[PSU-85]

How much does pellet type play into temperature? I’ve only used Cookin Pellets in my 700. I’ve done a lot of slow cooks but also a fair number of crank it as high as it goes and exceeded 500 with ease. I can’t seem to get the grill up to 500 anymore. Almost an hour last night to get to 450. I was burning CP hickory last night since I’m out of the Competition Blend. The blend always produced maximum heat. Is it a coincidence that I can’t reach those high temperatures now that I’m out of the blend or is there more to it? Firebox is clean and weather shouldn’t have been a factor.

 

[peterpilot379]

How much does pellet type play into temperature? I’ve only used Cookin Pellets in my 700. I’ve done a lot of slow cooks but also a fair number of crank it as high as it goes and exceeded 500 with ease. I can’t seem to get the grill up to 500 anymore. Almost an hour last night to get to 450. I was burning CP hickory last night since I’m out of the Competition Blend. The blend always produced maximum heat. Is it a coincidence that I can’t reach those high temperatures now that I’m out of the blend or is there more to it? Firebox is clean and weather shouldn’t have been a factor.

Apologies for not answering your question but I’m just curious as to what you cook above 450°. Searing steaks?

 

[Waterboy]

@PSU-85 have you checked your RTD probe? If it is leaning toward the cooker wall you can get some bogus temps. Just a thought.

 

[DenStinett]

Haven't received my 700 yet, so I'm not sure if this works the same .... but after 15+ years as a Stick Burner, I've found that using Oak, adds to the heat
And I've done my fair-share of snowy / winter smoking
I'm going to try a 2-1 Alder to Oak blend in the 700 when we see it
Then adjust from there

 

[PSU-85]

Apologies for not answering your question but I’m just curious as to what you cook above 450°. Searing steaks?

Definitely for reverse searing steaks, smash burgers, crispy spatchcock chicken skin on the flat side of the sear grates, skirt steak...... I know there isn't one grill/smoker that can do it all but I parked the gas grill at the curb in the spring and have been pretty happy with my high temp results on the 700 (until recently). I have two bags of CP Competition Blend arriving today. Will see if that is the answer.

 

[PSU-85]

@PSU-85 have you checked your RTD probe? If it is leaning toward the cooker wall you can get some bogus temps. Just a thought.

I threw on a small brisket flat this morning and checked the probe. Its standing nice and straight. What I did notice is that it had a pretty good coating of the black stuff that covers the inside of the grill. I cleaned it up and got it back to mostly silver again.