Brinkmann Electric Upgrades?

[olddaddy]

I'm new here and trying to contain my "New Guy Enthusiasm".......I've had dreams of buying a new awesome smoker, or better yet building one from my stash of stainless steel sheeting.  However, for now and until I learn enough to make good choices I'm going to simply upgrade my current Brinkmann Electric.  The obvious reasons are that I own it already, it is well seasoned, and it is stainless steel.

So,  I was planning to replace the tired existing element with one that has an adjustable temp control.  I saw one for and Old Smokey that appears to be the same size and wattage.  Would that be good or is there a better one?

I want to replace the temp gauge with a good one, and recommendations?  Either one that will fit the existing hold or one I can make a new hole for if that is better.

I don't recall it ever having a chip pan, so plan is to make one, but question is how deep?  I'm figuring slightly smaller diameter than the inside of the smoker by what, 2", 3" more?

The hole where the element passes through the body acts as a vent, should I add an adjustable one also?  Or close up the one around the element?

Any other suggestions?

And thanks for passing along the knowledge you've gained so I can catch up with you a little bit.

 

[daveomak]

So,  I was planning to replace the tired existing element with one that has an adjustable temp control. 

OD, morning and welcome to the forum....  You could always wire in a dimmer switch to the element.... Totally adjustable wattage if you do that....  Dave

 

[olddaddy]

Dave,  I would be willing to do that instead of replacing he element. Can you point me toward an item, name, number etc?  Would it be a Home Depot thing?

 

[daveomak]

http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/lutron-c-1500-white.html

My home depot was way too expensive...  1500 w dimmers aren't used that much.... I used it because of the overkill on the wattage... check the wattage of your element....  if it is 110V, it probably is 800-1200 watts... just guessing....

This is the dimmer I used on my MES.... I found it on e-bay and saved a few bucks....  If your unit also has electronics in it, you have to wire it in on the "heating element" side of the circuit so as to not screw up the electronics in the smoker....  

Here is how I did my mod...  I think you click on the pictures for an explanation of what is happening....  Any questions, PM me.... no problem....   Dave

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/g/a/9195/mes-30-modification-w-dimmer-switch/  

Here is amazon....  Be sure you get an incandescent dimmer....  

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n:507840,p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin:5652195011