Convection smoker?

[miasmoker]

I just built my first vertical smoker and it isnt getting as hot as I thought It would. 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/125695/aluminum-hot-box-my-first-smoker-build

I have a 1500w electric heating element in the bottom. There is a 20+ degree temperature difference between the bottom and top of the box.  I was thinking of installing a small blower to circulate the air in the cabinet?  Any thoughts?  The other idea was to insulate the box?  I am using it now for smoking bacon and which I do not want that high of a temperature, but for other meats I would.  Fully loaded with 110 lbs of bellies the cabinet struggled to get above 145 at the top of the box, the bottom was 160-170.

Thanks for the help

 

[daveomak]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DAYTON-CFrame-Motor-Kit-3HEH1?cm_sp=IO-_-Home-_-MPC&cm_vc=HPPVZ3

Grainger has motor / fan kits that will be thru the wall for interior air circulation....  They have many part #'s you can check out...   Dave