electric or propane

[mrklean]

got my fridge pulled apart yesterday now need to figure out electric or propane heating element what do you guys have what are pros and cons of both?

[delcecchi]

You are talking about making a smoker, right?

[mrklean]

Yep

[Archerysniper]

I like the propane burners from the turkey friers. If the regulators work right you can turn them way down or up and get a lot of heat if needed.

[efgh]

If the refrig. has a plastic interior, you have to monitor the heat real close. I would use a electric element with a thermostat.

[mrklean]

Nope its a really old fridge metal inside plastic on the door has been removed

[SkunkedAgain]

I've got propane and like it, but you can typically get lower temps with electric plus you don't have to worry about the wind blowing out your flame.

[mrklean]

Do you use a turkey fryer burner or something else

[Surface Tension]

I like electric because I can set temp and that is where it'll stay.

You can adjust propane and with some tending keep it close to temp.

If you go electric, find yourself a 1500 watt element.

An old hot plate from Goodwill will do. Gut it using only the element and its mount. You'll need a thermostat (90-250 degree range) and a relay. You can smoke meat in a cardboard box, but the above components and temp control is what really separates a good smoker over a not so good smoker. With those you'll have the best. If you get into sausage, smoked brats, beef sticks, your going to need precise temp control.

Propane for heat. IMO when precise temp control isn't a deal beaker,the propane is fine.

Burners, select a high BTU burner and you'll have trouble getting the temp down. You don't want to and shouldn't rely opening vents to reduce heat. Also making small adjustments in temps with too high a BTU burner is harder to do.

Lastly a high BTU burner choked way down will often burn sooty.

Both options will need a drip cover over the burner or element to keep it clean. That should be high enough to stay cool.

[Walleyehooker]

If it is an old thick well insulated fridge I would go electric.

[SkunkedAgain]

Do you use a turkey fryer burner or something else

I've got a Masterbuilt propane smoker, so it's got a built in propane burner