Building a large electric meat smoker

[End of the Line]

Has anyone on here built a large meat smoker? I am building one that is apprx. 4'Deep x 4 1/2'Wide x 6 1/2'Tall. I would like to build one with 110V or 220V electricity. I am also looking to digitally control the temperature so I dont have to constantly watch it. Doe anyone have some knowledge of the components I would need and where to find them? Once I get them I am sure I can figure out how to wire and install them.

Thanks in advance for any help?

[Surface Tension]

Joel, that is going to take a pretty big heating element. You'll need that along with a thermostat and relay.

You can buy all that separate. Needing an element that big I'd find an old stove and take the parts out. Every thing you need will be there and it will be a lot cheaper.

[End of the Line]

I have a friend who built one with the oven element and he's constantly burning the element out. I dont know if that has something to do with the size or something else though. The other issue is that I dont see to many stove controls that allow for a 150 degree heat setting most start at 200 degrees. I was told by a guy I know that some in-floor heating control units made by Racor(sp) might be the ticket, but not sure.

[tunrevir]

There is a place called the suasagemaker that puts out a catologue that has parts made for smokers but they are a bit spendy. Might be worth checking into just to see if they have something that you need to finish your smoker.

Tunrevir~

[BLACKJACK]

What are you going to use for shelves?? I've also thought about making a bigger smoker but trying to find good, big steel/stainless steel shelves is tough. If I did it, I was planning on going with some sort of gas element, but the temp would be harder to regulate.

[End of the Line]

I have seen sausage maker but I dont think that would work for mine and your right its a little pricey. I'm pretty sure a stove element is less than $20 and a digital thermostat and relay couldn't be more than $60 more I'd guess.

I bought a commercial freezer that the compressor went out of and it already had stainless shelves. All I got to do is make some rods to fit in for hanging rings etc...I hardly ever use shelves. My uncle has a gas smoker that he built but to control temps he just watches it constantly and adjust the regulator. When your doing sticks its just not a good enough method, thats why I want to build mine differently. Electric makes more sense for me since I can just wheel this unit out of my garage a few feet and plug it in to my 220V supply power from my welder.

If you click on the images you can enlarge them.

[Surface Tension]

Thats going to make a nice smoker Joel.