Uneven heat help for a newbie

[Two Year Old Sasquatch]

I just built this smoker you see in my avatar. 6' tall but pretty self explanatory. I have a digital thermometer mid level and three electric burners in the fire box with 2700 watts total. The firebox gets gets about 270 degrees but the smoke box at thermometer level only gets up to 150 the only barrier is screens to place the meat on. Considered drilling a 2" hole in the bottom but thought I'd see if I could gather wisdom from you elders on heat regulation.

I have every intention of insulating it but that still doesn't answer the question on creating even heat throughout the box. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Squatch-

 

[daveomak]

You need air in and air out... Try 4 each 1" air inlet holes below the heat source, 1 in each wall, and 8 each 1" air outlet holes in the side walls just below the roof, 2 in each sidewall.....

 

[fivetricks]

I would be curious about your ability to use too much extension cord as well with the three elements in it.

If you're only able to achieve 270 empty, what will it be like when it's loaded with food?

 

[archeryrob]

Whoa, 2700 watts on 120vac is 22.5 amps!! That better be a #12 extension cord and that is entirely too much electric in that little box. If its on a 20amp breaker you are maxing it out.

I would try air holes as Dave suggested that you can damper off.

 

[Two Year Old Sasquatch]

Thanks for all the advice! I opened the lower door but didn't have a high vent so I'm sure that'll make a difference in the heat regulation. I'll do so and smoke another batch tomorrow and let post the results.

Yeah I'm aware I'm maxing the power out just wanted to see what it would take to get the heat up. Thanks all!

 

[JckDanls 07]

If all else fails... upgrade to 220V. oven elements... I had to do this in my smokehouse as the 120V. wasn't getting it after filled with snack sticks ... I rigged the elements from an oven (top broiler and bottom heat element) and then made a diffuser plate to put over the top of them to spread the heat out....

 

[archeryrob]

Thanks for all the advice! I opened the lower door but didn't have a high vent so I'm sure that'll make a difference in the heat regulation. I'll do so and smoke another batch tomorrow and let post the results.

So you basically have/had a completely sealed box? Then cracking the door you are just letting heat out. You do need air flow without letting too much heat out. No air flow and you can't get a lot of smoke either. A lot of guys are using HVAC floor vents on gas and electric smokehouses, screwed to the outside as they can adjust them for proper low.