wood chip box distance

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smokehouse

Newbie
Original poster
Dec 4, 2006
19
10
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Hey all. I am getting my first smoker next weekend (Brinkmann Electric Gourmet). The smoker i am getting i was told to put something over the heating element to put my wood chip box on, so it dosen't sit directly on the heating element. I am looking for the correct distance away from the element. I don't want to be too close or not close enough. Any ideas?
 
i put chips in foil pan-- i would cover with cheapo aluminum foil--
poke a few holes in cover---

then i set it pan directly on the heating element..

its like putting a pan on electric stove..
hope this helps
 
I was told that the cast iron smoker box would damage the element over time if it was in direct contact with it. Made sense when I heard it but is there any truth to it? Since hearing that I've been putting the smoker box on top of a pepper roasting rack that straddles the element. I squished it down so the smoker box rests about 1/4 of an inch above the element. Not sure if it's necessary after these replies though... anyone? :?:
 
Not sure what the real world says about cast iron on the element but in my world I have been doing it since 2004 with out any issues.

Worst case I will need to replace my element which I got this one at Wally world for $25 and it has been working for over 2 years now and at price I will risk it.

If your element cost more you may want to look into it thought
 
"Worst case I will need to replace my element which I got this one at Wally world for $25 and it has been working for over 2 years now and at price I will risk it. "

Putting it that way makes my worries seem petty. By the way, when you refer to your element, is it simply an adjustable electric eye? If so, does it have a plastic casing and knob? Why doesn't it melt? What temps can/do you use it at?
Thanks!
 
I was told if you get your pan/box is too close to the electric junction (where coil meets wiring) the heat canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t dissipate from the coil and cools off to protect circuit), so I just keep it toward other side, ats all!
wink.gif
 
Payson, I just purchased a electric hot plate and yes it has adjustable knobs. Which I do use in order to keep the burner on longer. Usually do not have to adjust much just once during the winter and a few times in the summer
 
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