MES Gen 1 electric conversion to gas...

[indaswamp]

Anyone ever done this? I have my old MES gen1 and the electric element is shot. Got a crack clean through the element on one side. So I was wondering about doing a conversion. I know it will not take many BTU's to power it and might get away with one of those generic propane burners for rehabing a propane grill. I love my new smokehouse, but there are times I just want to smoke 1 butt, or chicken and if I can rehab this old smoker I could use it for small cooks.

 

[tropics]

You don't have any thing to loose If you can find one with the side burner,take the whole burner assembly and the knob,hose and any other thing you may need off it.
Richie

 

[tallbm]

I have not. Just keep in mind that the foam insulation of the MES is not really built to handle temps much over 300F for a long time. You would need to ensure your burner situation doesn't break that rule.

How much money are you wanting to sink into the project?

I ask because MES 40 heating elements can be had for under $60 on ebay.
I'm sure a user or two here may have an extra one lying around that Masterbuilt has sent them while trying to fix MES issues that actually weren't related to the heating element and I'm sure they would be willing to part with the extra element for less than $60.

 

[indaswamp]

I am not a fan of smoking on electric. I like propane and wood.

 

[tallbm]

I am not a fan of smoking on electric. I like propane and wood.

Ah I understand. In that case I think as long as you manage the flame and heat you should be good.
Any idea on how you are going to run the propane hose into the box?
It is easy enough to drill/cut the hole but how will you plug the gap?

I'm curious because I would love to know if there are high temp cooking safe grommets or cord relief parts out there in the world. With my tendency to mod things so I have little to no limitation this kind of info peaks my interest :D

 

[indaswamp]

Cut hole in bottom of box and burner is under the hole-not in the box.

 

[tallbm]

Cut hole in bottom of box and burner is under the hole-not in the box.

I think that would work. You would just need to find a good way to shield/protect/wall off the foam insulation that is exposed via the hole... if there is any foam insulation in the bottom of the MES. I assume there is some there but I have never cut into the bottom or poked holes into the bottom myself :)