I know this is an old thread but an internet search led me here and now I'm looking to do the same thing. I bought my Little Chief front load smoker new back in the 1990's I don't recall exactly when but I've probably smoked a ton of fish in it. Back in the 1970's my folks had a top load Little chief and actually wore it out and replaced it before my father built a larger smoker.
This smoker has always been large enough for what I do with it but as the years have gone by it seemed like it doesn't get as hot as it used to. Replacing the cord around 10 years ago was the best thing that happened to it. The original cord was trash and never could take the heat. I replaced it with home made cords a few times before the high temp cords were available.
Anyway after reading this post, I went on line looking for a cheap hot plate. I found one on Amazon for under 9 bucks. If I ruin it, what the hell, I've wasted more money on that on less important projects that didn't work out. Anyway I'll post back when I get to work on the install. The hot plate is about 2 days out and I couldn't get to it until the weekend anyway...
Update: I got an eMail from my card company that I had been charged 23 bucks for a $8.59 hot plate. It seems they're gouging on shipping but I was able to get the order canceled. I suppose that's what I get for not checking the box for prime shipping only items. Anyway I'm going to town tomorrow and I'll see what I can find. It's for certain that I won't find anything cheap out in the sticks where I live...
This smoker has always been large enough for what I do with it but as the years have gone by it seemed like it doesn't get as hot as it used to. Replacing the cord around 10 years ago was the best thing that happened to it. The original cord was trash and never could take the heat. I replaced it with home made cords a few times before the high temp cords were available.
Anyway after reading this post, I went on line looking for a cheap hot plate. I found one on Amazon for under 9 bucks. If I ruin it, what the hell, I've wasted more money on that on less important projects that didn't work out. Anyway I'll post back when I get to work on the install. The hot plate is about 2 days out and I couldn't get to it until the weekend anyway...
Update: I got an eMail from my card company that I had been charged 23 bucks for a $8.59 hot plate. It seems they're gouging on shipping but I was able to get the order canceled. I suppose that's what I get for not checking the box for prime shipping only items. Anyway I'm going to town tomorrow and I'll see what I can find. It's for certain that I won't find anything cheap out in the sticks where I live...
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