Hello fellow builders! i have recently, as of yesterday, began the build on my smoker out of an old Westinghouse refrigerator that i found in my barn! it's a smaller refrigerator, inside dimensions being 33"x21"x15, but i think it will be perfect for smoking jerky since that is what i will primarily be using the smoker for. The entire fridge is metal, including the door which is about 3 inches thick!
i've read a few threads but haven't found any with a refrigerator of this type.... my questions are as follows:
Do i need to gut the old insulation or will it be alright?
What type of heating source will i need to obtain the proper heat range?
i have a smaller electric dual range that is approximitely 900 or so watts on the larger side and 500-600 watts on the smaller side.... i'm concerned it isn't going to be enough......
would it be better to simply place the range on the bottom, or cut holes in the bottom for the range to protrude from?
Also, what type of temperature gauge is cheap and easy to install but also reliable to tell the overall temperature of the smoker?
Any and all help would be very appreciated!
i've read a few threads but haven't found any with a refrigerator of this type.... my questions are as follows:
Do i need to gut the old insulation or will it be alright?
What type of heating source will i need to obtain the proper heat range?
i have a smaller electric dual range that is approximitely 900 or so watts on the larger side and 500-600 watts on the smaller side.... i'm concerned it isn't going to be enough......
would it be better to simply place the range on the bottom, or cut holes in the bottom for the range to protrude from?
Also, what type of temperature gauge is cheap and easy to install but also reliable to tell the overall temperature of the smoker?
Any and all help would be very appreciated!