Some help setting up my smoker.

[aintrite]

Ok people, so I have gotten a free smoker from my parents and I need to make sure I have this thing setup right.

I have a Brinkmans Gourmet and so far from what I have gathered from this site is that.

I need to put lava rock under the element?

I think I read somewhere that the the wood chips go on the lava rock but not toughing the element. Is that correct?

Either water or sand in the pan? (I have gathered there is a big debate on this, I just haven't read up on it yet.)

These normally operate in the 250 degrees range pending weather?

I won't be using an extension cord.

It might be a good idea to do some mods to it?

Also there are 2 rack settings, what would each of these be for?

You guys can add anything to help me out as I have never smoked anything or used a smoker before. I appreciate all your guys help in advance. BTW great site here.

 

[morkdach]

oh yea there are a lot of mods to this but i think you are on the right track i like electric have tried stick burners with success but electric is a good place to start just go to electric smokers and read up on all the threads and gaurenteed you will be in the right ^

 

[waysideranch]

I don't have lava rock and i let my wood touch element if it wants to. Better not to because of flame ups. Good luck.

 

[justsmoke2]

I had a Electric smoker to start with also. What I did was get a aluminum pie plate and then lay it right on the coil. Did it that way for 4 years. You could use a an old cake pan cover with foil and polk a 3 or 4 small holes in it and let it fly.

 

[aintrite]

Thanks for tips so far. I appreciate it.

 

[richtee]

Also, an extension cord CAN be used, just be sure to get a good quality one. And don't make it a 100 footer. 25 foot should be plenty. I'm not sure of the wattage rating of your coil, but if it's 1500W or less, a 14 AWG cord will be fine, any higher wattage go with a 12 AWG.

 

[bbq bubba]

Enjoy!

 

[aintrite]

Ok I will be trying this out this week for sure.

I don't need to use an extension cord. I have a plug right outside where I need it.LOL

So use wood chunks instead of chips?