regulating temp on ECB.

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juicegoose

Newbie
Original poster
Nov 10, 2012
15
10
I've got an electric ECB and love the convenience but am having trouble keeping the temp down. I bought a harbor freight variable Router speed control(rated 1500 watts) and it has helped but it seems that as soon as i crank up the dial past low it climbs up to 250 and I have to basically turn the pit off let the temp drop some then turn it back on. I am also having trouble with the wood catching fire and i'm sure this doesn't help. Anyone able to get there temp low and slow(225-235) and keeping it there ?
 
mine runs at a steady 240* aas far as the wood, i use a chip box that sits on a couple pieces of steel i cut to support it. works well for me.

when you get a moment, please stop by roll call so that others may give you a proper welcome.
 
Juice, morning and welcome to the forum.....   A dimmer switch will have better control of lower currents.....  That is what I use on my MES 30....  Make sure the dimmer will handle the wattage of the element.....    When you get a moment, check into "roll call" and introduce yourself and get a proper welcome from our outstanding members.....  enjoy the forum.....   Dave

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/133/roll-call
 
So you smoke with chips and not chunks? I had heard of guys putting a pie tin on the lava rocks too. Also do you just plug yours in straight in or do you have some sort of way to control the electrical current going to the element. 
 
what dimmer switch would you guys recommend? Isn't the router speed control a big dimmer switch?
 
So in my brief reading it seems there are several ways to regulate temps on these little guys. I have been simply running the variable speed router control and chasing the temp. I use a maverick dual remote thermometer.

Seems some folks have used thermostats with some good success. Can anyone recommend a good avenue for this mod?
 
So you smoke with chips and not chunks? I had heard of guys putting a pie tin on the lava rocks too.

I use the AMNPS for smoke and use the element and dimmer for heat only.... Perfect combination.... Continuous smoke and incremental heat control...... just like a gas burner on your stove..... 

Also do you just plug yours in straight in or do you have some sort of way to control the electrical current going to the element. 

I have the dimmer between the electronics and the element... that was the electronics still perform normally...
what dimmer switch would you guys recommend? Isn't the router speed control a big dimmer switch?

The router controller won't control at a low enough wattage... routers won't work at that low of a speed....  I use a 1500 W incandescent dimmer switch for overkill....
In my profile there is a tutorial on wiring a dimmer in the MES.... some stuff may apply to your smoker....    Dave
 
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