max size of smokehouse with 1000w 120v heating element

btedeski
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max size of smokehouse with 1000w 120v heating element

Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 15:26

I am building a smokehouse, and need to determine the maximum size that I can go with using a 120v 1000w heating hot plate for heat.

Here is the heating element I am thinking of using
http://www.sausagemaker.com/42201smokehouseburner.aspx

The racks I am looking to use are 30 1/2" W x 24" D
http://www.sausagemaker.com/47301stainl ... house.aspx

so the inside of the smoke house will be ~ 31W x 25D, how high can I go with this heating element.

Going to 220W would not be practical for me.

Bill
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Post by ssorllih » Thu Jul 05, 2012 16:02

It will depend on two factors: air circulation and insulation. One thousand watts yields 3300 BTU's. heat loss is calculated in BTU's per square foot per degree fahrenheit temperature differential times the insulation factor (the reciprocal of the "R" value). An aluminum enclosure will hold heat only a little better than nothing . All values are figured on BTU's per hour.
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Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 16:51

Air circulation will be controlled using the method in the plans from Bradly smokers,
that is a row of drilled wholes top and bottom, with corks to close/open them

As to enclosure, looking at 2X4 frame, 3/4 oak unfinished floor boards inside and outside
with fiber glass batting insulation between.

That should keep the heat loss down

Bill
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Post by JerBear » Thu Jul 05, 2012 17:06

I've been mulling over a similar question myself over the past two weeks, though I'm looking at a small burner burning LP. Any reason why you're choosing the electric burner over the LP?
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Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 17:38

>> Any reason why you're choosing the electric burner over the LP?

Well, two reasons, conveniences and safety.

The propane smoker that I was using ran to hot, and I would have to change the take on a long smoke.

Using an electric burner I dont have to worry about tanks, and not having an open flame would be safer
in a small home built wood smokehouse.

I am looking at what it would take for me to put in a 220 line out to were I want to put the smoker, but right now a 110 would be more pratical.

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Post by JerBear » Thu Jul 05, 2012 18:07

Good points. I failed to note the reason for my asking, my smoker is wood: 2.5' D x 2.5' W x 4.5' H and it's only set up for cold smoking. I want to expand my repertoire and adding a heating element's the way to go. Let me know how it works out.
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Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 18:47

I also plan on doing cold smoking, I am going to use a Bradley Smoker Generator, for the smoke, size wise, inside 46 1/2" H x 30 3/4" W x 26" D is what I would like.

But dont know if a 110v 1000w element will do, i expect that I will be going 220w and a larger element say 5000w
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Post by JerBear » Thu Jul 05, 2012 18:57

I just got off the phone with Allied Kenco who I called for some direction on my LP and was steered away from LP as my enclosure was just too small. He said that based on my dimensions he would recommend an 8" burner at 120V.

This one to be exact: http://www.alliedkenco.com/element-1650w-120v.aspx

which I believe will mount in this: http://www.alliedkenco.com/support-burner-8.aspx

I spoke with Cody who advised there are a lot of other variables that affect this such as weather, wind, if the smokehouse is undercover, etc. I'm in San Diego so this size will probably work just fine for me.
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Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 20:17

Cool, Another web site, alliedkenco.com

Thanks
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Post by btedeski » Thu Jul 05, 2012 20:21

Considering that your dimensions are just a bit larger than mine, then I may want to look at the same electric burner.

This is great to know
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Post by JerBear » Thu Jul 05, 2012 20:49

Here are some links you might find useful information at:

Butcher-Packer (my go-to place): http://www.butcher-packer.com/

LEM - home of the Big Bite Grinder: http://www.lemproducts.com/

Eldon's Jerky Supplies: http://www.eldonsausage.com/
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Post by ssorllih » Thu Jul 05, 2012 21:26

A wood smoke house with some insulation will easily hold 150 degrees above the ambient air temp. with 3000 BTU's of heat. A small gas burner with a good control valve could take you down below a 1000 BTU's. You have a surface area of about 40 square feet, if your insulation value is equal to R-4, Then in 10 degree weather you could reach 160 inside the smoker with 1500 BTU's of applied heat.
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Post by JerBear » Thu Jul 05, 2012 21:59

What would the R-value of basic wood w/o insulation be?
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Post by ssorllih » Thu Jul 05, 2012 22:10

http://inspectapedia.com/interiors/Insu ... -Table.htm
Takes a little reading but this is a good site.
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Post by Cabonaia » Thu Jul 05, 2012 22:52

For an electric burner, I've seen tabletop types for about $15. You could get one for even less I suppose at a used store. Just plug in and go.
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