Any Ideas how to make me Big Chief smoker more efficient?

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canadianbacon

Fire Starter
Original poster
Dec 5, 2013
44
10
Any Ideas how to make me Big Chief smoker more efficient? Being a student and living in a terrible area, I can't afford to buy a new smoker that is over 300$ for a hobby.  But I am interested in making my big chief abit better. Any modifications are greatly appreciated :)

I smoke mainly jerky and salmon, will flavor chicken only in the smoker then cook in oven. Also I smoke in COLD weather. Like i'm talking as low as -30 degrees if I really want some jerk or if I get free salmon.

Some things I seem to have issues with is the heat, It seems to dry certain racks more then others, would adding a fan help? and if so how would I position it? 
 
That material was left over after re carpeting my boat... It was a Cabelas carpet from the 70's....
Look for a welding blanket... I think they are fire proof.... Check out Harbor Freight if all else fails..... It works really good... Some folks have used a cardboard box for insulation also... Tape up some cardboard to fit loose for a test run.... You may like it also.... Don't forget to allow for air leakage.... the smoker needs to breath....

Dave
 
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When I used the Little Chief in very cold weather I made a sleeve from a sheet of foam insulation bought at Home Depot. Held together with long nails so I could take apart for storage. Foam easy to work with to cut necessary vent holes and slot for chip pan. Never got hot enough to melt or damage foam. I left about 1 in. of space between foam & unit. Should be able to do same with Big Chief.
 
Thanks for all the ideas, the foam idea sounds great. I got lots of boxs in the basment so ill throw one over my smoker tonight when it gets dark and the temp drops. Making some smoked nuts, jerky and steak today.
 
Just be sure to cut some vent holes both near the top and bottom to vent smoke and allow air in. Also never leave unattended for safety reasons.

Also you will get some smoke staining on the outside of your smoker doing this.
 
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Depending on one's definition of leaving a smoker unattended, I don't see why you can't leave them unattended assuming you have a wireless thermometer setup and the smoker is located away from the house and you are in the house, yard or somewhere on your property watching the wireless receiver.

For both of my Big Chief smokers I dumped the original 450-500watt heating elements and installed a 1000 watt unit with a control knob.
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Tapayakin' from my iphone
 
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jabube9e.jpg





Tapayakin' from my iphone
Ohhhhh man thats sick. Ima head to value village and look for somthing like this i can use! maybe use the old element then for a chesse smoker
 
Depending on one's definition of leaving a smoker unattended, I don't see why you can't leave them unattended assuming you have a wireless thermometer setup and the smoker is located away from the house and you are in the house, yard or somewhere on your property watching the wireless receiver.

For both of my Big Chief smokers I dumped the original 450-500watt heating elements and installed a 1000 watt unit with a control knob.
4yjehejy.jpg


jabube9e.jpg





Tapayakin' from my iphone
Unattended meaning if he wraps the smoker in a blanket, cardboard or foam insulation. Possible fire hazards.
 
if your handy you can wire in a burner from an old stove. even if its a 220 burner you will get about 60% of the wattage. most of the larger ( 8" ) burners are from 2100 to 2600 watts at 220v.

give it a try and save yourself the $20.....  LOL

actually have a buddy that did it, i also NOW have wired one into my big smoker as a supplemental heater to add to my brinkman to bring my rig up to temp faster.

GOOD LUCK
 
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