Need help with heat source for new build

[Benjamminn]

We built our first smoker for making sausage, ham, and general processing since we raise our own meat. We built the box L 24” x W 24” x H 60” using cedar and we insulated it with reflectix aluminum insulation. I am looking for suggestions on a heat/smoke source that would be easy to install and hold a consistent heat for smoking sausage and stuff—Money really isn’t an factor. Any help would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Wurstmeister]

Welcome to the Forum Benjamin.

Type of burner is dependent upon your fuel source, ventilation, how full the smoker will be at onetime, how hands-on you want to be, etc. Take a look around the forum using the search engine above. There is a lot of info out there on this Forum. While you wait for someone to help with more experience than I have, Here are 2 threads that might be useful to you.

New Smokehouse | Smoking Meat Forums - The Best Barbecue Discussion Forum On Earth!

Search results for query: cedar smoke house heat source | Smoking Meat Forums - The Best Barbecue Discussion Forum On Earth!

Good Luck
John

 

[SmokinEdge]

First question is what temperature do you want to run? By the way that is a good looking smokehouse.
Electric will be the easiest to operate, but propane is an option. That’s what I use for mine, but mine is 36x36x84

 

[Benjamminn]

First question is what temperature do you want to run? By the way that is a good looking smokehouse.
Electric will be the easiest to operate, but propane is an option. That’s what I use for mine, but mine is 36x36x84

Thanks man; I would like to operate between 130F-170F as I do mostly sausage and cured meats. I just want to be sure that it actually get to that temp and hold. I am open to propane as well.

 

[SmokinEdge]

Thanks man; I would like to operate between 130F-170F as I do mostly sausage and cured meats. I just want to be sure that it actually get to that temp and hold. I am open to propane as well.

Well, do you want more set and forget? Or are you open managing the temp?

 

[Winterrider]

I use this

16-in Banjo Cooker | Outdoor Cookers | Bayou Classic® – bayouclassic.com

Intended for large batch cooking with a broad flame and wide range of flame control. Burner provides infrared cooking on low settings, and inferno flames when turned up high. For large gatherings in backyards and other outdoor social functions. Ideal for homebrew or extra-large Cast Iron Kettles.

www.shopthebayou.com

In this 3x3x7' put burner under 1/4" steel plate. Put damp hickory dust on plate.

 

[Benjamminn]

Well, do you want more set and forget? Or are you open managing the temp?

Looking for more of a set it and forget it approach if that is realistic.

 

[Benjamminn]

I use this

16-in Banjo Cooker | Outdoor Cookers | Bayou Classic® – bayouclassic.com

Intended for large batch cooking with a broad flame and wide range of flame control. Burner provides infrared cooking on low settings, and inferno flames when turned up high. For large gatherings in backyards and other outdoor social functions. Ideal for homebrew or extra-large Cast Iron Kettles.

www.shopthebayou.com

In this 3x3x7' put burner under 1/4" steel plate. Put damp hickory dust on plate.
View attachment 491402 View attachment 491403

Pretty cool idea. I have a turkey fryer burner would that suffice, or would it shut off due to regulators etc? Or is there a burner you all would suggest? Sorry we are newer to this. We made sausage in our wsm but it was a pain, so we opted for a smokehouse.

 

[mike243]

For the best temp control electric wont ever be beat imo, you will chase temps with gas depending on the load and the out side temp.

 

[Winterrider]

That is basically what that burner is. A turkey fryer.
As mike243 said, electric would be the best heat control, but may have to go to about 1500 watt unit at least to heat that area. For precise temps, I would suggest an Auber PID (previous threads can be found in search forum). tallbm is the master of this type of setup if questions. He has helped many of us out.

 

[JC in GB]

Here is what I would use. Add a fan and you are cooking....

17.87US $ 40% OFF|110V/220V 1000W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element|Magnetic Induction Heaters| - AliExpress

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Powered by a Black Cat AC PID controller.

JC

 

[Benjamminn]

Here is what I would use. Add a fan and you are cooking....

17.87US $ 40% OFF|110V/220V 1000W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element|Magnetic Induction Heaters| - AliExpress

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Powered by a Black Cat AC PID controller.

JC

Nice would this heat wood dust or chips? Or do I need a generator? I have a generator just doesn’t get it hot enough

 

[JC in GB]

Nice would this heat wood dust or chips? Or do I need a generator? I have a generator just doesn’t get it hot enough

That heater would not be good for smoke just for temp. A pellet tube would work well.

 

[Benjamminn]

I

Here is what I would use. Add a fan and you are cooking....

17.87US $ 40% OFF|110V/220V 1000W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element|Magnetic Induction Heaters| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Powered by a Black Cat AC PID controller.

JC

have been googling Black cat AC PID controller but can’t find them? Is there another brand you all would suggest?

 

[Benjamminn]

Here is what I would use. Add a fan and you are cooking....

17.87US $ 40% OFF|110V/220V 1000W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element|Magnetic Induction Heaters| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Powered by a Black Cat AC PID controller.

JC

Do you know what kind of fan I should be searching for? I have searched the forums and there is so much info out there it’s hard to know what I’m looking for. Some of the fans I’m finding have heaters attached to them too? Any help would be great.

I was thinking maybe this for PID

Inkbird F and C Display PID Temperature Controller Thermostat ITC-106RH Relay Output AC 100 to 240V
and this for heater
PTC Ceramic Air Heater, 1500W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element DIY Heating Tools 110V/220V (110V)
I just need a fan? Any suggestions?

 

[JC in GB]

Do you know what kind of fan I should be searching for? I have searched the forums and there is so much info out there it’s hard to know what I’m looking for. Some of the fans I’m finding have heaters attached to them too? Any help would be great.

I was thinking maybe this for PID

Inkbird F and C Display PID Temperature Controller Thermostat ITC-106RH Relay Output AC 100 to 240V
and this for heater
PTC Ceramic Air Heater, 1500W Insulated PTC Ceramic Air Heater PTC Heating Element DIY Heating Tools 110V/220V (110V)
I just need a fan? Any suggestions?

Something like this..

US $28.57 10%OFF | 1pc Shaded pole motor for barbecue drying box oven thermostat incubator Convection Oven Fan Motor 24V

28.57US $ 10% OFF|1pc Shaded pole motor for barbecue drying box oven thermostat incubator Convection Oven Fan Motor 24V|Pneumatic Parts| - AliExpress

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