Could use some advice... Propane burners

[jccinohio]

I converted an old fridge into a smoker and have been making some baller turkeys and sausage for the past 10 years or so.. but one thing that's always been trouble is the adjustability in the flame. I'm using a banjo burner off Amazon (15 PSI regulator) and I can only just crack the valve and just a little more before the flame is too high/big (or it blows itself out). So regulating temp is a pain in the... The regulator says "rate pressure 350 psig", and the orifice in the nozzle is about .035".

What can I do to get more adjustability on the low end? Smaller orifice, higher pressure regulator, other? Thanks!

Link to similar burner as I'm using..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG6THHLV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[crazzycajun]

I haven’t done it but some folks on this forum have installed a needle valve inline to the burner with success

Search results for query: Needle valve

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[SmokinEdge]

I use a needle valve on the hose close to the tank like these in the link.

https://www.amazon.com/Propane-Needle-Valve/s?k=Propane+Needle+Valve

You can also cut 6d nails (I think that’s the right size) so you have the head and a short piece of the nail and use them as plugs in the burner, basically plug every other hole.

 

[jccinohio]

I guess it has a set regulator and a needle valve for adjusting..

 

[mike243]

If I was going to run a fridge smoker I would buy a pid unit and a electric hot plate for set it and forget temp control. have seen several over the years that worked great for low and slow smoking, it might not run 300+ but probably wouldn't have issues under that temp.

 

[indaswamp]

You can also use an 18,000 BTU burner with a double row of gas jets. Take some 4d nails and drop them in the outer ring of jets. This will cause a stronger flow to the remaining inside ring of jets and give you a better adjustment for low heat....

 

[zwiller]

That needle valve style is not really meant for fine tuning. The style with green dial is what you want. Pretty fine control. From here you can add some nails into the burner holes ( tallbm beat me) to reduce the output. Like the hotplate PID idea and would also recommend just grabbing a used MES. I just got a nice 40 for $100. 30's are $50 all over.

 

[mike243]

The fridge has great insulation and wont take near the heat to operate as the MES

 

[zwiller]

The fridge has great insulation and wont take near the heat to operate as the MES

Won't argue with that, just wanted to give a cheap easy option as a lot of guys go DIY simply for cost.

 

[choochooman442]

I suggest you replace your Regulator and hose with this type.
This will allow you to adjust the flame. The braided stainless steel hose is safer as well. The Amazon link is for one that is only $16.95 and there is a coupon for 15% off.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71mcQhq+AyL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

 

[jccinohio]

Not sure what a MES is?

I insulated my fridge with roxul, it's easy to keep 350F in there lol.. Love the space too, have done 3 turkeys at once before.

I borrowed my neighbor's regulator for his turkey fryer, similar to the one in the post above with the red dial. Put my nozzle in and it worked a LOT better. Instead of 1/8 turn from low to furnace, it's a bit over 1/4 turn, more livable.. Lowes has one that I will pick up tomorrow and try.

Thanks all for the responses!

 

[indaswamp]

MES = Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

 

[SmokinEdge]

Not sure what a MES is?

I insulated my fridge with roxul, it's easy to keep 350F in there lol.. Love the space too, have done 3 turkeys at once before.

I borrowed my neighbor's regulator for his turkey fryer, similar to the one in the post above with the red dial. Put my nozzle in and it worked a LOT better. Instead of 1/8 turn from low to furnace, it's a bit over 1/4 turn, more livable.. Lowes has one that I will pick up tomorrow and try.

Thanks all for the responses!

I have that same red dial hose assembly minus the stainless braid on my smokehouse and still needed the needle valve, so in combination I have very good heat and flame control.