Intake and chimney question

[Vinnie]

I have an insulated stainless cooler which is 50”H x 46”L x 26”W inside dimensions. I’m Going to us electric heating element located bottom center of unit. Should I put chimney opposite side of air inlet? For better smoke circulation or would you recommend a small fan, and I’d so, where would you recommend mounting fan. I will probably have a 4” diameter chimney and 2” diameter air intake. Both are adjustable. This unit is going to be used to smoke sausage, snack sticks, wieners and bologna’s. Temps will be under 200*
Any information/suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance.

 

[daveomak]

2" intake and 4" exhaust should be fine.. Small fan to recirculate air inside should work well... Get a low CFM fan.. this fan is 3.7 CFM...

3.7 CFM fan

12v power supply


..

 

[Vinnie]

Thanks Daveomak! Any specific location where to mount fan inside smoker! Middle old smoker or bottom middle?
Any suggestions where I can get a little fan like you suggested?

 

[daveomak]

I would mount it where it does not blow directly on any hanging meats.. It will cause rapid case hardening.. You just want the smoke and heat to be circulated... Make the 4" exhaust stack about 3' above the top of the cooler... I would wrap it with a heating tape and insulate it so condensate does not form and drip back into the smoker... Do not insulate the temp sensor, on the heating tape, so it will stay on..
Hope that makes sense...
If it's too warm for the heating tape to turn on, usually below 40F, set the sensor on a frozen milk jug full of water, or a "blue" freezer pack.. take it out of your roadie beer cooler...