Electric trash can smoker

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DANG !!! That element fits perfect size !!

OK, lets start.........FIRST -  Do we KNOW the thermo is sufficiently accurate ? 

Outside temp ?

Were ALL vents closed tight as possible ? ( Remember what I said about how little the venting is like on MES units - Like roughly 1/2" hole at top.. and a little bigger intake/ grease drip hole in bottom... thats ALL.)

Are you running on a longish cord?

At least #14 gauge cord ? 

Was it windy ?

IN SUN    or shade?

How long was it on high when you read temp ?

Please give can dimensions.

Answer point by point to be scientific.  Marc
 
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It was roughly 80°
About a 20' long extension cord heavy duty.
No wind of any significant amount.
Shade
At the time I took the picture I had it on high for about 30 minutes.
As far as I know the temp is accurate. It was bought new at Lowe's. I'm sure it's possible it could be wrong but I have nothing to double check with.
 
I never seen an electric trash can build do anything but cold smoke. Usually a smaller can is used for better heat with electric. Or the element is a hot plate coil elevated a bit .
 
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Put a nice cast iron pan on there and give it more hot surface area.. it probably would be 400 degrees in there then.
Well, the pan's mass will give more stable temps.. like after lid openings, wind gusts, one minute flash rains....  but it won't make it hotter otherwise.

Only two ways to get it hotter...  Either throw more heat into it... or conserve the heat in it.      Marc
 
I never seen an electric trash can build do anything but cold smoke. Usually a smaller can is used for better heat with electric. Or the element is a hot plate coil elevated a bit .
His element is 1500 w, larger by about 40% at least over residential inexpensive "hot plates".

And yes... one of his things contributing to apparent lowish tyemps... is the largish volume chamber.

Thats why I want his dimensions of can     Marc
 
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My MES 30 analog has 1500w and CAN get to 290 only in perfect conditions though.   

Gonna go get dimensions of that, then we can compare to his.

And, like your insul idea... dont forget I have double wall, so that helps.      Marc
 
But anyway, a small amount of coals in a little tabletop grill inside the can would stay under 300 and be safe.. if he wanted to go the charcoal way..
 
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But anyway, a small amount of coals in a little tabletop grill inside the can would stay under 300 and be safe.. if he wanted to go the charcoal way..
Great idea as alternate to the electric.

He can use the element for some cooks, charcoal for others. 

Ya good idea.. just one of those throwaway $8 little round grills at grocery store.. it has legs, so just set it over the element on the days you want that.

Marc
 
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