Fridge Smoker Conversion.

madman mike · Dec 1, 2014

I agree. with mneeley490, I even found small blocks of polystyrene (packing foam) in the walls within the polyurethane insulation that was in contact with the interior walls of the cooler. definitely a toxic fire hazard. If I tried using it without changing the insulation it would've melted for sure. Scrapped that particular smoker build for the fridge pictured above, was too much work.

Its a cooler and not designed for heat retention and fire resistance, very highly likely the insulation needs to be replaced. Have yet to see one that didn't have to be. Unless its rock wool or fiberglass insulation. But then that usually a heating cabinet anyways.

wolfman1955 · Dec 2, 2014

TonysHotLickBBQ said:
Nice pics and build. I like the sausage hangars. I don't know about your theory on pellet hoppers. The pellet hopper I'm going to use has a 36000 BTU rating. Same as the Cookshack F100, which gets great smoke and has run up to a temp of 385 degrees. I've used hoppers extensively and get some great product from it at normal temps. Even won some serious cook-offs as well. Thanks for the tip on the insulation deal. That's a lot of work!! Wont be doing that. The pics below are from pellet smoker.

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tonyshotlickbbq

Dec 1, 2014

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tonyshotlickbbq

Dec 1, 2014

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tonyshotlickbbq

Dec 1, 2014

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tonyshotlickbbq

Dec 1, 2014

Tony, One of the main things on the forum is SAFETY, food and personal safety, are of utmost concern to us here. You have two knowledgeable people telling you that the insulation in your cooler will not safely handle the heat you intend to use in it. If you have no regard for your own personal safety or the safety of those around you, then buy all means avoid a little extra work, and put everyone in danger!!
END OF RANT!!!
Wolf

tonyshotlickbbq · Dec 2, 2014

Thanks for all the input fellas. By any chance, anyone know what the max possible temp is attainable with that foam insulation prior to being toxic? Just a curiosity thing. If that's the case that I cannot use it as a 160-250 degree smoker without redoing the insulation it will very well be a cold smoker.

madman mike · Dec 2, 2014

doesnt take much for it to start melting usually, Best to keep it as a cold smoker. Toxic fumes will start far lower than melting or ignition points.

tonyshotlickbbq · Dec 5, 2014

After a few verbal tongue lashings from y'all, I decided to open this up to see how hard it was to get the foam out. Luckily, Hobart builds it where the skin comes off

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tonyshotlickbbq
Dec 5, 2014

Most of it broke off in huge chunks. The stainless insert looks like it will simply slide out if I can free it up. The insert is already sliding around inside the frame. I'm intending to remove all that foam crap and use the Rolux.

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tonyshotlickbbq
Dec 5, 2014

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tonyshotlickbbq
Dec 5, 2014

wolfman1955 · Dec 5, 2014

Glad it wasn't a major pain in your arse! You will be glad you put the extra effort into your build cause now your pit will be capable of doing it all and I will not be reading headlines in your local paper about you keeling over from toxic fume inhalation!
Keep Smokin!!!
Wolf

mneeley490 · Dec 5, 2014

You lucked out, my friend! Mine wouldn't open from the outside, and the foam was like hard glue.

tonyshotlickbbq · Dec 5, 2014

Ok, so is this the insulation to use? MSDS says fire resistant, no flash point, no fumes. Can withstand temperatures up to 1177 °C (2150 °F). Saw it at home depot. 60sqft for $45.

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tonyshotlickbbq
Dec 5, 2014

[ATTACHMENT=1774]SnSSheet_Eng.pdf (1,136k. pdf file)[/ATTACHMENT]

wolfman1955 · Dec 7, 2014

TonysHotLickBBQ said:
Ok, so is this the insulation to use? MSDS says fire resistant, no flash point, no fumes. Can withstand temperatures up to 1177 °C (2150 °F). Saw it at home depot. 60sqft for $45.

IMAG1108.jpg

tonyshotlickbbq

Dec 5, 2014

https://statich.smokingmeatforums.com/c/ce/ce7ea015_SnSSheet_Eng.pdf

That's the stuff!!
Keep Smokin!!!
Wolf

tonyshotlickbbq · Dec 7, 2014

Awesome. Didn't think it would be this easy to find. Thanks.

tonyshotlickbbq · Dec 15, 2014

Heres an update. Got all the foam out. Gonna torch the rest as it was the easiest method versus scraping or using a pressure washer. One note, I needed to brace the chassis. The foam and insert is what held it all together.

wolfman1955 · Dec 18, 2014

Looking Good! Keep the pics comming.
Keep Smokin!!!
Wolf

Fridge Smoker Conversion.

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