converting a ecb to electric? is it worth it

[garyt]

I had an idea today about converting my first smoker that I don't use anymore to electric. It is a Mr. Meat bullet style and just wanted to ask you folks. I am sure someone, probably a lot of you have done it. I thought sometimes It might come in handy. Not really concerned about the cost or work involved, just wondering if it was something I should do or just forget about. I have a stick burner and a propane, and want some opinions. thanks.

 

[geek with fire]

I can't really answer if it is worth it, because I don't have your particular cooker. However, you mentioned you weren't worried about the cost. If that's the case, I would say not to mod what you have but rather take a look at the Brinkman electric. You can get them at Wally-world or Lowes for like $65-70. Perfect size for a Boston Butt or medium sized brisket.

 

[bbq bubba]

I would agree with Josh, you can buy a new electric unit for the price of the mod.

 

[garyt]

When I said money wasn't part of it I guess I was trying to say,
1 I can scrounge parts pretty cheap.
2 I would enjoy doing it.
3 My wife would probably kill me if I bought another smoker.


Plus I already have this one I will probably never use otherwise. I was wondering If you folks think it would be useful to have. or would I be wasting my time

 

[flash]

Personally I would go propane conversion instead, unless you are planning the rheostat mod and a few of the others.

 

[gooose53]

I have an ECB that was just sitting in the garage for about 2 years, made some mods I learned about on this forum and now I use it all the time. Now the other thing I did was buy an Afterburner and have now converted it to propane...I likes it much better now! I bought a 1000w hot plate the other night for $7.99. Not sure what I'm going to do with it but ya never know....psst don't tell my wife............

 

[ajthepoolman]

It seems that the general "evolution" of a smoking fanatic is starting with an electric, then moving to a propane unit, then on to a charcoal/wood burning offset smoker. Frankly, it seems like a step backwards if you already have propane and stick burners. I don't know that you will get any use out of it since it is no more convenient than a propane unit that will control the temps nicely.