Is this too far gone?

[yamalube]

This is my MB 40 inch propane. This is where the chip tray/heat diffuser sit. Now it all wobbles and falls over. I tried putting the chips in a cast iron pan, and putting down a cooking tray, but the chips caught fire in no time lol.

Is there anything I can do? Or is it time for a new smoker?

If this is the wrong thread spot, I apologize. I have not been here much. Thanks.

 

[JLeonard]

yamalube Is your burner still good? Still supported?
Jim

 

[yamalube]

The burner runs fine. But the diffuser falls over because there is nothing holding it up anymore... JLeonard

 

[crazzycajun]

Not sure on size could you use a square baking pan flipped over and set chip pan on it?

Nordic Ware Naturals Square Baking Pan

Create perfect baked goods with this Nordic Ware square baking pan.

www.kohls.com

 

[yamalube]

Not sure on size could you use a square baking pan flipped over and set chip pan on it?

Nordic Ware Naturals Square Baking Pan

Create perfect baked goods with this Nordic Ware square baking pan.

www.kohls.com

Maybe. One person told me to put some sheet metal down and rivet it down. But there is so much metal missing from that spot that idk if I want to go through all that hassle.

 

[JLeonard]

One thing that might work to stretch the life on it...is go with a pellet tube for smoke. Im about at that point myself with my MB Gashouse.
Jim

 

[yamalube]

One thing that might work to stretch the life on it...is go with a pellet tube for smoke. Im about at that point myself with my MB Gashouse.
Jim

How do I install?

 

[SmokinEdge]

Use a cast iron pan and use wood chunks not chips. That’s how I make smoke in my big smokehouse

 

[BigW.]

How do I install?

The A-MAZE-N tube or tray will sit in the bottom. No install need. You should get one just to smoke cheese or any other cold smoke item.

 

[JLeonard]

SmokinEdge His floor is pretty well rusted out.
yamalube look at this

Pit Boss Grills | Wood Pellet Grills | Flat Top Griddles | BBQ Smokers

Shop for wood pellet grills, smokers, and griddles. Try new recipes and learn about our 8-in-1 grill versatility. Our grills help you craft BBQ recipes to perfection.

pitboss-grills.com

 

[JLeonard]

yamalube you can use S hooks to hang the tube from the lowest rack so as it is away from the burner and get decent air circulation.
Jim

 

[yamalube]

So can I get rid of the heat diffuser altogether at this point? If I went the cast iron pan route with chunks, what do I rest the cast iron pan on?

 

[SmokinEdge]

So can I get rid of the heat diffuser altogether at this point? If I went the cast iron pan route with chunks, what do I rest the cast iron pan on?

I would think you still need a diffuser. This is where the CI pan comes in. You will need to me mindful of potential grease dripping which even with a pan it would catch fire if there was enough of it. That grate looked like it would work ok, or a couple of pieces of 2” angle iron turned up like ^ one on either side of the burner and spanning across the rust hole.

 

[JLeonard]

So can I get rid of the heat diffuser altogether at this point? If I went the cast iron pan route with chunks, what do I rest the cast iron pan on?

Looking at your last posted pic.....You could use the CI pan and the grate you have.....Just get a couple of bricks to lift the grate up some so as to give some separation between the burner and CI.
Jim

 

[yamalube]

Does it matter which bricks? (Food safety)

 

[JLeonard]

You can get just reg ole bricks and foil wrap them. Will be fine.
Jim

 

[yamalube]

You can get just reg ole bricks and foil wrap them. Will be fine.
Jim

Thanks. Jim, what is the time difference in smoke time with chunks vs chips. Say for example, when I smoke a steak, whether it be New York strip or ribeye, it's only about an hour. Am I going to utilize those chunks to the fullest in that one hour, or is it a waste?

 

[forktender]

You've gotta use your inner redneck to MacGyver up a fix, it doesn't have to look pretty, it just has to be functional.

Go to the hardware store and buy a couple pieces of 1.5'' angle iron to lay on the bottom of the smoker. Lay them down like an upside down /\ /\ then set an old cast iron pan on top or them. Cover the chips with and old pot lid or pizza pan only leave one side of the pan open by 1/4'' to 1/2'' gap on one side, either that or you can drill out 5 or 6, 3/8ths inch holes in the pan cover. I'm assuming that you didn't cover your chips with a lid when they caught fire. Covered chips can't catch fire, they will smolder/ carbonize= smoke.
Chips or small chunks will work, I'd use a combo of both to achieve the longest smoke time.

 

[yamalube]

You've gotta use your inner redneck to MacGyver up a fix, it doesn't have to look pretty, it just has to be functional.

Go to the hardware store and buy a couple pieces of 1.5'' angle iron to lay on the bottom of the smoker. Lay them down like an upside down /\ /\ then set an old cast iron pan on top or them. Cover the chips with and old pot lid or pizza pan only leave one side of the pan open by 1/4'' to 1/2'' gap on one side, either that or you can drill out 5 or 6, 3/8ths inch holes in the pan cover. I'm assuming that you didn't cover your chips with a lid when they caught fire. Covered chips can't catch fire, they will smolder/ carbonize= smoke.
Chips or small chunks will work, I'd use a combo of both to achieve the longest smoke time.

Thank you.

 

[yamalube]

Cover the chips with and old pot lid or pizza pan only leave one side of the pan open by 1/4'' to 1/2'' gap on one side

Could I use tin foil with a few holes poked in it?