Would this work???http://www.amazon.com/SE-Electronic-Stepless-Speed-Controller/dp/B000HQAVNI

[danbono]

Hi All Was just wondering/thinking IF something like this would work on my Master Forge Electric Vertical Smoker?

I'm looking to get more constant temps for longer periods of time.I've only got 6 smokes under my belt and the temps, for the most part are all over the place..My smoker has NO vents to adjust the air flow.

Someone on this forum was in the process of testing this, but haven't heard back from him.http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/pr...et-electric-smoker-and-grill-red/reviews/4301

Thanks DanB

 

[dewetha]

that is the first one i tried smoking with. My though was to use a commercial dimmer rated at 1800 watts or better. i think that heating element is 1800 watts.

 

[deltadude]

DanBono, is it worth pouring money into a tiny smoker that is limited by the nature of it's design?  Maybe just accept that you need to upgrade to a smoker similar to the MES 30 or 40, or even another similar brand.  If you shop around you can even go the UDS route since you like to tinker, I've seen barrel drums on Craigslist for as little as $15, but need to be cleaned, etc.

If you decide to stay electric, rem that the MES works because of it's insulated cabinet, and reliable digital controller, otherwise the design is pretty simple.

 

[hkeiner]

Never mind. I got it wrong...

 

[danbono]

Hi Deltadude

I just brought my smoker 2 months ago. Didn't want to go big $$ right away, wanted to taste the smoke, and see if I liked it.. Don't need anything bigger it's mostly me & my wife. Was just wowndering if I "could" get more constant temps, with out going for my lungs.

Had I waited awhile I would have gotten the MES for sure.Major "PIA" with food on the bottom grill,otherwise I'm quite happy with my bargin basement smoker.Ribs & Pork shoulder/Pull Pork have come out reall good, brisket is another story.

DanB

PS Would like to do some overnite cooking, for Brisket & Pork Shoulder. Thats why I'm lookng for more constant temps.

Using a Maverick 732 for temps

 

[danbono]

Hi All Still DON'T know if this will work.. Not too many opinions out there.

Thanks Dan

 

[i bleed blue]

Hi All Still DON'T know if this will work.. Not too many opinions out there.
Thanks Dan

I am using that same device with my gourmet electric ECB, the 2 smokes I have done (pork steaks and SLC ribs) I have been able to set the temp to 215-230. It does take some babysitting to find the right dial setting, but it is a lower price rheostat option. The back of the unit can get really hot. I will do some bb ribs on Saturday...if those go well, brisket is next.

 

[danbono]

HI Can you explian HOW it works..What setup do you have?

THanks Dan

 

[i bleed blue]

HI Can you explian HOW it works..What setup do you have?

THanks Dan

Nothing too complicated. Plug the smoker into the Controller (basically a rheostat) and plug the controller into the wall or extension cord. keep the rocker switch in the center/off position while you plug the unit in. After it is all plugged in, switch the rocker switch to "Var" (to the left) then use the dial to "control" the current to the element. I keep it in the "H" area and I can maintain 215-250 with t he water dish in the unit. You have to kind of babysit the dial sometimes, but once you get an idea of where the dial needs to sit you should be good. The metal back of the unit gets kinda hot, about 150-175 degrees so you wanna watch where you handle it. It does have a clip on the back to hang it on a string or something. I have used it 2x, did pork steaks (sliced boston butt) and it came out stellar (smoke ring and all), my 2nd smoke stunk, but I may have forgot to remove the membrane and did not add more wood after the 1st hour.  I think it works fabulously.

 

[danbono]

Sorry a another question.

Nothing too complicated. Plug the smoker into the Controller (basically a rheostat) and plug the controller into the wall or extension cord. keep the rocker switch in the center/off position while you plug the unit in. After it is all plugged in, switch the rocker switch to "Var" (to the left) then use the dial to "control" the current to the element. I keep it in the "H" area and I can maintain 215-250 with t he water dish in the unit. You have to kind of babysit the dial sometimes, but once you get an idea of where the dial needs to sit you should be good. The metal back of the unit gets kinda hot, about 150-175 degrees so you wanna watch where you handle it. It does have a clip on the back to hang it on a string or something. I have used it 2x, did pork steaks (sliced boston butt) and it came out stellar (smoke ring and all), my 2nd smoke stunk, but I may have forgot to remove the membrane and did not add more wood after the 1st hour. I think it works fabulously.

The dial control is on the Speed controller or the dial on the smoker? My smoker has dial control for low/med/high.

Thanks Dan

 

[i bleed blue]

Sorry a another question.

Nothing too complicated. Plug the smoker into the Controller (basically a rheostat) and plug the controller into the wall or extension cord. keep the rocker switch in the center/off position while you plug the unit in. After it is all plugged in, switch the rocker switch to "Var" (to the left) then use the dial to "control" the current to the element. I keep it in the "H" area and I can maintain 215-250 with t he water dish in the unit. You have to kind of babysit the dial sometimes, but once you get an idea of where the dial needs to sit you should be good. The metal back of the unit gets kinda hot, about 150-175 degrees so you wanna watch where you handle it. It does have a clip on the back to hang it on a string or something. I have used it 2x, did pork steaks (sliced boston butt) and it came out stellar (smoke ring and all), my 2nd smoke stunk, but I may have forgot to remove the membrane and did not add more wood after the 1st hour. I think it works fabulously.

The dial control is on the Speed controller or the dial on the smoker? My smoker has dial control for low/med/high.

Thanks Dan

Is the dial on the smoker a stepper? My ECB does not have a dial, I use the dial on the controller to regulate the heat by controlling how much electricity goes to the element.

 

[danbono]

OK  My smoker has a dial for low/med/high..SO I'm guessing the controller won't work with my smoker, since the dial controls the heating element.

Thanks Dan

 

[smokin phil]

OK  My smoker has a dial for low/med/high..SO I'm guessing the controller won't work with my smoker, since the dial controls the heating element.

Thanks Dan

Yes, it will work with your smoker. Your dial is a rough control and only has three settings. The variable is infinitely adjustable. I would suggest setting your smoker dial to high and adjust the rheostat to fine tune your temps. Harbor Freight has essentially the same controller: http://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html  Just in case you have a HF near you. I've used the HF on my Brinkmann electric and it works great! 

Any more questions, just ask!

LETS Q!!!

 

[danbono]

Thanks Phil I do have a Harbor Freight near me..Will check IT out.I'm looking for more constant temps for an overnite smoke.

Dan

 

[hooligan8403]

I have this same smoker and I tend to have pretty constant temps with the stock rheastat on the plug. I cant say the stock rheastat will be as good as the control unit but its essentially the same thing so your just controlling a rheastat with another rheastat so your going to be doing a lot of tinkering. I did my thanksgiving Turkey in this smoker overnight and it was a big bird and came out great. Are you going off the thermometer on the dome lid or do you have an oven thermo on the grates?