Commercial Oven to Electric Smoker Build

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

dwolson

Fire Starter
Original poster
Sep 15, 2011
53
15
River Falls, WI
I recently obtained a used Southbend gas convection oven from my buddy Nick.  The unit was salvaged for parts.  All that was left was the shell.  I liked the size and durability of this stainless steel unit.  Thought it would be a great electric smoker build.

The first thing I did was wire wheel off all the rust on the legs.  Then I painted the legs black and fastened them to the unit.

Here's how it looked:

ceed81d2_IMG_3462.jpg


Notice the hole on top?  I cut a 4" hole to accommodate a stainless steel chimney purchased from Sausage Maker:

http://www.sausagemaker.com/41401stainlesssteel4smokestackwithdamper.aspx

I did a lot of research on smoke generators.  I was about to pull the trigger on a Bradley Generator but I got a really good reference for a Smoke Daddy from a local chef that I talked to at a recent BBQ cook off.  I am excited to do some cold smoking with it as well.  I ended up with the larger Magnum unit:

http://www.smokedaddyinc.com/smokers.htm

The next step was to refurbish the outer shell of the oven.  This was just cosmetic.  I obtained some diamond plate.  I retro fit the diamond plate to cap and cover the outer parts of the oven.

This is how it looks with the diamond plate, chimney, and Smoke Daddy installed:

2de35468_IMG_3464.jpg


3182a1c4_IMG_3463.jpg


Now that it looks clean, new, and full of "bling" it's time to see if it can live up to it's intended task!!  On order is a dual control PID and fin heater element.  Updates to follow.

dave
 
Great looking smoker. Love to see the inside.  Good luck with that Smoke Daddy
 
The cheese turned out great. It's resting in the fridge right now. 

I was able to get a good 4 to 5 hours of smoke.  I'm sure I could have had more if I had filled it to the top. 

The smoke was very heavy from the Smoke Daddy.  I don't like to see that much.  I think if I find the right mix of fuel I will get it dialed in though.  Anyone here use the Magnum? 
 
OK, I just received the "plug an play" Auber dual probe PID.  I have the probes mounted and the smoker is in the correct configuration.  My 1550 watt finned heater is wired and ready to roll.

I am told that I should auto-tune the PID.  The directions are vague.  I understand how to get into auto-tune mode but the process is not clear to me.  The manual says I need a "water bath" (is this supposed to be a control sample of water?). Another site says that I need the smoke loaded up with meat.

Any of you experienced folk want to clue me in on how to auto tune?
 
UPDATE:

Installed and wired 1550W finned heater with shield.  Wired with high temp appliance wiring through back into a single gang waterproof box.  Out from that is a 14 awg power cord that will go to the PID.  Also, installed two levels for the rack. Thanks to all of you for the examples and ideas!

1e169b0f_IMG_3515.jpg


33ae0595_IMG_3516.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Walchit
I did an 8lb  butt last night.  The Smoke Daddy went great.  I have it dialed in now.  Got a good 5 hours of nice thin smoke.  The secret is lump charcoal, wood chunks, and some chips.  Could have had more smoke time by adding more wood but 5 hours was more than enough.

The PID went better than I expected!

Here it is doing it's magic:

2d2217e4_IMG_3517.jpg


Here's the last few hours of cheating:

3d81b6e3_IMG_3518.jpg


It's time to eat.

Next up, Nick and I are about to cure 20 lbs of pork bellies.  Pics to follow.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Walchit
Here's the PID program I went with.  Pretty basic:

4a872a21_Capture.jpg


And, here's the results!  OINK!

60c8f1df_IMG_3539.jpg
WOW!   Looks great!!  Not sure how I missed this one!  I may have to pick your brain when the time comes cause I have the same controller for my GAS Build.

Maybe this winter!!! Maybe! http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/96153/what-to-do

Anyhow...looks like you are gonna enjoy your new toy!

SOB
 
 
Last edited:
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky