Smoker Heat Source

[smoker den]

Hi All:

I'm brand new to the Forum and have a few questions on my new smoker.  Its made out of 1 inch steel frame, stainless steel inside, insulated with aluminum on the outside.  Still waiting for the nomex gasket...

I'm using two small hot plates but I can only get it up to 220 F.   Will that be enough heat?  I've read on here, that some of these hotplates have thermal fuses that can be disabled to achieve more heat.  Should I try that or should I go with a propane setup?

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Smoker 4.JPG

• smoker den
• Mar 18, 2013

  

Smoker 5.JPG

• smoker den
• Mar 18, 2013

Thanks for any tips in advance...

Denis

 

[big archery nut]

Denis,

Welcome to the Smoking Meats Forum.

Nice looking unit. It looks a little larger then the blanket warmer I'm converting. Most hot plates either have an adjustable thermostat or a Hi-Limit switch on them. I normally remove those and wire them into a outside thermostat with a probe inside the unit. This will give you the maximum output without the hot plate cycling on and off too often.

Without knowing what wattage the hot plates are it's hard to tell if they will be larger enough to get above 220 degress, I tried a 750 watt hot plate and only got my unit to 170 degress. I put in a 1500 watt and get over 300 degress which is plenty.

Good Luck,

Bill