How to raise temps in cold weather?

badger john

Newbie

Original poster

Dec 12, 2013

3

10

• Dec 12, 2013

• #1

Hey all,

I did a search but didn't find it.  I live in Maine and yes it's cold as H.

I converted my bullett smoker to electric.  Yeah I know.  Anyway, I can't get it hot enough.  Not even close.  I have heard of wrapping a water heater blanket around it?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

 

little smokey

Smoking Fanatic

Aug 4, 2011

337

28

Omaha

• Dec 12, 2013

• #2

Are using water in the water pan?  Replacing the water with sand helps to raise temps.  Also blocking any wind ,as wind is more of a heat killer than the actual temp is sometimes.

 

phillip p smith

Smoke Blower

Dec 5, 2013

120

12

Longview, Texas 120 miles east of Dallas and 60

• Dec 12, 2013

• #3

Badger John said:

 
Hey all,

I did a search but didn't find it.  I live in Maine and yes it's cold as H.

I converted my bullett smoker to electric.  Yeah I know.  Anyway, I can't get it hot enough.  Not even close.  I have heard of wrapping a water heater blanket around it?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

Click to expand...

How cold is hxxx. I thought it was hot as hxxx!

 

scootermagoo

Smoking Fanatic

May 2, 2011

341

24

Algoma, WI

• Dec 13, 2013

• #4

In WI, it's stated as "colder that f***".  Another misnomer.

And, by the way, it is actually "colder than f***" right now...........and winter hasn't even begun yet!

 

fwismoker

Master of the Pit

Dec 31, 2012

4,279

1,033

North East Indiana

• Dec 13, 2013

• #5

Just build a UDS and use your electric for  sausage and jerky.    I'm out cooking chickens @ 350 in single digits and wouldn't matter if it was well below zero. 

 

phillip p smith

Smoke Blower

Dec 5, 2013

120

12

Longview, Texas 120 miles east of Dallas and 60

• Dec 14, 2013

• #6

FWIsmoker said:

 
Just build a UDS and use your electric for  sausage and jerky.    I'm out cooking chickens @ 350 in single digits and wouldn't matter if it was well below zero. 

Click to expand...

What is a UDS.

 

driedstick

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 3, 2011

6,027

664

N. Central Idaho

• Dec 14, 2013

• #7

Yes wrap your smoker with a heavy canvas tarp (NOT PLASTIC) or a insulation blanket like you said from a water heater, also like little smokey said block that wind or put something around it, how high are you trying to get your smoker, was -5 here last week no problem in my fridge smoker but I built a shed for it also. What element are you using.??

UDS lots of names Ugly Drum smoker, usually  made out of a old 55gal oil drum or something similar, use the search bar above they also have a forum on it to I believe

Good luck and let us know how it works for you

 

joefrommi

Fire Starter

SMF Premier Member

Dec 9, 2013

34

11

Western Michigan

• Dec 14, 2013

• #8

Uds - ugly drum smoker

 

joefrommi

Fire Starter

SMF Premier Member

Dec 9, 2013

34

11

Western Michigan

• Dec 14, 2013

• #9

Here is a link posted that gave my a good idea of what a uds is and how they where built

 

joefrommi

Fire Starter

SMF Premier Member

Dec 9, 2013

34

11

Western Michigan

• Dec 14, 2013

• #10

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/57879/ugly-drum-smokers

Oops didn't post