Electric Smoker OR Landfill: What say you?

[Pivodog]

processhead - Paul, what type of heating element did you use under your diffuser?

[processhead]

Pivodog

I used this 1500 watt model from Amazon.
https://www.[link removed]/gp/product/B07SW2M2WL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Note that the Meatgisics site software has crippled the link. If you replace the [link removed] and insert [link removed] it should get you to the product.

The internal thermostat is removed and bypassed since the smoker uses an external temp control.
I also learned there is an over temperature fuse in the base of the unit that will fail when the element is used inside the hotter environment of a smoker.

When that happened, I had to remove it. It has worked reliably since then.

I also am experimenting with this 1700 watt dual element one.
https://www.[link removed]/gp/product/B07HJQCSXH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

It also has had the internal thermostats controls removed. It does not have the over temperature fuse like the single burner element did.

[Pivodog]

wow, I thought that you most likely used just an element. That’s a clever way of using an off-the-shelf device! How well does it radiate heat?

[processhead]

These elements work pretty well. I believe The Sausage Maker uses a basic stove top element like this in their consumer grade smokers. At one time TSM sold just the round elements and a base pan for do it yourself builders, I think it is/was only 1000 watts which is a little on the small side for a cabinet the size of the one I am using on this project.

Since all the radiated heat comes from a relatively small surface, I put the diffuser plate over the top of the element to help eliminate a hot spot in the middle of the cabinet.

[Pivodog]

sounds good, how well did the diffuser plate work?

[processhead]

I think it helps. When you load up a smoker with hanging sausage or sticks, the stuff at the bottom and center will get hotter from the direct radiation from the burn. The diffuser kind of spreads it out more evenly.

[craigrice]

have you thought about the plastic inside the unit off gassing when exposed to heat or is the temps . being used not enough to be a concern ?

[Pivodog]

I really like the idea of spreading out the heat evenly. I’ve always believed that my smoker has heat variations all over it which is hard to measure and verify.

[processhead]

craigrice said in Electric Smoker OR Landfill: What say you?:

have you thought about the plastic inside the unit off gassing when exposed to heat or is the temps . being used not enough to be a concern ?

The largest plastic part was the shelf unit on the inside of the door. That was replaced with a metal panel, as were a few trim pieces around the edge of the interior.

[processhead]

Today I sent the smoker home with Brett, a fellow member of our local archery club.
He is upgrading from his small uninsulated smoker and is getting ready to start processing a big buck he harvested a couple of weeks ago.

[YooperDog]

processhead great gesture!!! I am sure he will make good use of it and you’re close by to answer his questions as he learns his smoker.

[calldoctoday]

processhead That is a super thing to do & it will likely come back at you someday in a good way. I am sure he appreciates everything you have done to make his meat year that much better! That is about as good as it gets.

[processhead]

Brett is a good guy. He is working to upgrade his processing gear and step up his game. I would not be surprised if he showed up on Meatgistics one of these days.

[Dave in AZ]

processhead awesome build. Flagged so I can find later.