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Gas or Electric?

Discussion in 'Smoke Houses' started by pappapig, Oct 19, 2013.

  1. Oct 19, 2013 #1
    pappapig

    pappapig Smoke Blower

    Anderson South Carolina
    Just looking for pros and cons on propane vs a pid controlled electric setup for a house I'm building.

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  3. Oct 19, 2013 #2
    daveomak

    daveomak Epic Pitmaster OTBS Member SMF Premier Member

    Omak,Washington,U.S.A.
    A good PID will ramp temps up and down.....  You can't do that with propane without an expensive modulating valve and components....  

    Electric is safer, in my opinion...   

    Dave
     
  4. Oct 19, 2013 #3
    JckDanls 07

    JckDanls 07 Smoking Guru Group Lead OTBS Member

    Florida.
    Pappa... I am in the middle of building one as well... made a pipe burner (propane) and have been playing with that for the last week os so.... I got tired of the flame going out and the gas still pumping into the smoke house essentially building a big bomb of unlit propane... So 2 nights ago I pulled the trigger and ordered everything to make it electric.... Thanks to Dave and his build... http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/140513/daves-smokehouse-part-9-test-runs

    as well as Tim and his build.... http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/149279/sausage-maker-electric-build

    so yea.. electric was my choice for safety and ease of use...

    of coarse with the AMNPS that is
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2013
  5. Oct 19, 2013 #4
    pappapig

    pappapig Smoke Blower

    Anderson South Carolina
    Thanks guys, definitely going
    With amnps, was leaning electric, think I'll go that way for sure now

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  6. Oct 21, 2013 #5
    zootalaws

    zootalaws Newbie

    Borneo
    AMNPS?

    I am more electronic than gas fitter, so a PID-controlled box was definitely top of my list.

    I have seen a PID kit that includes PID, solenoid and probe - is that pretty much it? I already have a 1500W electric hot plate which I don't need - just bought a new 85" oven/range. I am guessing all I do is remove the wall plug and wire it to the relay, the PID controls the temp according to your settings?

    Any special considerations for the placement of the hotplate? I have a galvanised-tin lined plywood smoker box. I will make sure the tin chassis is earthed.
     
  7. Oct 21, 2013 #6
    daveomak

    daveomak Epic Pitmaster OTBS Member SMF Premier Member

    Omak,Washington,U.S.A.
     
  8. Oct 21, 2013 #7
    zootalaws

    zootalaws Newbie

    Borneo
    Good call, Dave. I was only going to cold smoke, which galv would have been fine for, but with hot smoking, I will need to find something else. 

    Someone did mention heavy foil - the kind they make the big roasting trays out of. But, this is the wild west of Asia and nothing is easy here.

    My hot plate is stainless steel and cast alloy for the plate, but I will hunt around inside and see if I can find a thermistor.

    Thanks, very helpful. Just as well I haven't assembled it already :)
     
  9. Oct 21, 2013 #8
    pappapig

    pappapig Smoke Blower

    Anderson South Carolina
    If you haven't, you should look into Auberin's products, reasonably priced and good quality. I'm fortunate in that I I'm a field service tech for food service equipment, so I have SSR's and contactors laying around.

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  11. Oct 21, 2013 #9
    zootalaws

    zootalaws Newbie

    Borneo
    I've looked at Auberins' stuff and most of it handles 240V. But it aint cheap, when I can get a PID, SSR and K-probe for $25 locally.