Hot plate in a gasser?

[lodi dick]

    I am interested in making summer sausage or ring bologna in my Smoke Hollow 44 Gasser.  I know I'm unable to get the temps low enough to get started on it. I guess my ? is, has anyone put a hot plate in their smoker to smoke sausage and if so, what is the best way to regulate temps?  I was thinking of hot plate and sawdust.  Any input to this rookie sausage enthusiast?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

What you need is a needle valve for your gas control. I can control mine anywhere from 120 to 500+. Search here for needle valve and you''ll fine numerous threads.

A hot plate won't get your smoker up to the higher temps needed for sausage. Also hit plates have auto cut outs to limit the power.

You'd need a minimum 1500-1800 watt element and a PID controller to make electric work.

 

[pete mazz]

I've used one for years with a cast iron skillet. Get the wood smoking first and then regulate temp with the burner. On my current smoker I installed an electric element with a thermostat that gets plugged in from the exterior of the smoker.

Sausage 4.jpg

• pete mazz
• Dec 4, 2016

 

[lodi dick]

   Thanks for the input.   I understand about the needle valve to lower the flame, however I'm paranoid about the wind blowing it out  (outside)  and dumping gas inside.  1500 watt hot plate with a thermostat attached should work IMO.  I've been thinking about the bulb on a capillary tube type controller I've seen used in hvac  systems just don't know where to get one yet.

 

[murraysmokin]

I started using a hot plate in my propane with tbe amazen smoker for summer sausage. I was just struggling with maintaining consistent temps that low with the propane.

 

[lodi dick]

Thanks Murray, what size hot plate are you using?  Also will it get up to 170 degrees to finish?

 

[murraysmokin]

I found a old school double hot plate would have to check actual size but one side on low & the other on med low it kept 174 - 176 yesterday in michigan for about 6 hrs no problem cooler temps peior to that for a 10 hr smoke. I was thinking a PID controller & i would be good to go for sticks & ss.