What are y’all using for heat source?

[Doct1218]

I’m building a smoker, I’m just not sure what to use as the heat source and I’m open to all ideas. My smoker is roughly 2’ W x 2’ D x 4-4.5’ H. I’ll cold smoke when temp allows but would like to be able to get to 170-180 degrees. TIA

 

[Sowsage]

Is it insulated at all? Or will it be insulated? Mine is close to that size and I use a 1500w electric element in mine. I never use it for anything over 170°

 

[Doct1218]

Is it insulated at all? Or will it be insulated? Mine is close to that size and I use a 1500w electric element in mine. I never use it for anything over 170°

It is insulated. Thanks!

 

[JC in GB]

I like charcoal for the flavor. My smoker is an insulated cabinet type and I added a small electric burner to keep it up to temp in the winter for cold smokes. I can run my smoker with charcoal from about 130 - 400 F degrees.

 

[Doct1218]

So you’re just putting charcoal in a pan on the electric burner?

 

[diezelsmoke]

I would use a pellet burner/smoker and use wood as the cabinet uninsulated.

 

[Doct1218]

I would use a pellet burner/smoker and use wood as the cabinet uninsulated.

I have smoke tubes so I’m not as concerned about smoke but I need heat but if I can have one thing to do both (heat and smoke) that be preferable. I’ve seen heating elements and small burners. Does there seem to be a preference?

 

[Sowsage]

This is what I have in mine. Then I just use a controller to set the temp I want

 

[Doct1218]

How do you generate your smoke with just the element?

 

[diezelsmoke]

I have smoke tubes so I’m not as concerned about smoke but I need heat but if I can have one thing to do both (heat and smoke) that be preferable. I’ve seen heating elements and small burners. Does there seem to be a preference?

This is what I'm talking about, temp. setting goes from smoke to 450*

 

[JC in GB]

How do you generate your smoke with just the element?

I use an amazn pellet tube.

 

[Sowsage]

How do you generate your smoke with just the element?

I use an AMNPS te generate smoke in mine