Need some advise on smoker conversion

[Boar]

I recently aquired a stainlees steel insulated cooler, its 2 ft square an 6.5 ft tall. Its got all the cooling sytems attached. Basicly It appears that conversion would be easy, its got adjustable tray racks so that is awsome, but was wondering about venting. Im gonna put in a old propane turkey fryer cooker element for heat , so if there is anyone that has any tips an advise on this it would be cool great an appreciated. Thanks Boar

[thirdeye]

Can you post some photos?

[B-man715]

My buddy tried to do exactly what you are explaining. I know he had a tough time getting the turkey fryer to burn cleanly (gave off a soot), and creating an even heat throughout (too hot at the top, to cold at the bottom). He kinda gave up with the project half way because a great deal on a commercial unit came to him

He said both problems could have been solved with an electric element (with thermostat), and a fan for circulation.

Hope this helps out!

[jerk bait]

A friend of mine did this. He used two electric burners from a stove top. Each are controlled seperatly. He put a vent on top and a slide drawer on the bottem to add chips.Electric is much easier to control and does not give off moisture like gas.

[TooTallTom]

We smoke with a pan of water right in the bottom of the smoker to add some moisture and help regulate heat, so I don't think that the extra humidity from gas is a big deal. But electric would be much easier to regulate. Maybe you can get the elements and controls off a scrap stove from the mini-mall?

As far as circluation goes, would a computer fan (12v and pretty cheap to replace when it craps out) stand up to the heat? I have no idea, but I do know that it would circulate the air for you...

[Walleyehooker]

With it being insulated I think I would go electric and cabelas sells an element and pan that might just fit in there. You will want a vent on top and on the sides. Mine is about the same size I will try to post some pics where the vents are

[Boar]

Thanks guys, I'll try an post pics to, Boar