Why won't a 008 get hotter?

Todd,

I don't know all the answers to your questions but I think that you would probably have to switch out elements too. I tried to search for old posts on the subject b/c I know that I have seen some but came up empty. Maybe someone else can be more search savvy than I. I don't know what the element is rated at but you may run into a problem with such long cycles to get the temp up that you would seriously shorten the element's life.

I built my homemade smoker from an old insulated Metro proofing/holding cabinet. My next goal after acquiring a CS unit, is to convert my old smoker from propane to electric. GCS and General Parts have the elements and thermostats and my father-in-law is going to weld a smoke box for me.

I understand why people don't mess with their CS units but I think it's fun to see/hear about the customized/home built units. It's kind of like a custom car show. If anyone from CS is reading, remember imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

To come back to the rubber skin comment. Moisture in the CS should not be an issue if the temp is hot enough because you are using the fat in the skin to fry itself. The higher heat seals the pores to hold the moisture in the chix which then allows the skin to reach frying temps.

just my .02
Mark

Thanks Mark.

I had an old smoker I built using a commercial freezer. I started with propane too, but switched to a Meco 1500 watt electric element with a temp control. Pretty much a charcoal starter with a thermostat. It worked well, and the heating element costs all of $30 I think. It's amazing how much heat you can generate if you have an insulated box.

Your moisture comments reflect my thinking too.

I have an insulated home made smoker, and I use a $9 hot plate element (1100W) from walmart, it gets to 350F in 1.5 hrs in 32F weather, it will probably go higher.

http://forum.cookshackamerica.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cg...t_topic;f=3;t=003279

here's a thread with some pictures.