jiggs_casey
Well-Known Member
I took the idea from Alton Brown's 'Good Eats'. Two differences. The one he built didn't appear to have a temp control. Might be a little tough to maintain temp without one. Also, for the lid, he used a dome terra cotta bowl. I couldn't find them anywhere so, I just went with another pot. I figure this way, if I decide to hang meat from the inside of the smoker for whatever reason, I will be able to.
Build List
2x 16.5" Terra Cotta pots from Walmart - $30.00
2x 9" pie plates from Walmart - $7.00
1x 1000watt hot plate from Walgreens - $15.00
Cord from a soldering iron I haven't used in 15 years.
A handful of 'tab type' wire crimps.
Electrical tape
Basically, you're just extending the element from the top of the hotplate into the bottom terra cotta pot.
Remove the element from the hot plate, exposing the wires you will be extending.
Flip one of the pie plates over and center the element on it. You will need to drill two holes that correspond with the element connectors so that the element fits level and center on the inverted pie plate. I used pieces of a wire coat hanger to help secure the element onto the pie plate.
Cut and strip both ends of your 'extension' cord. You will want to make sure the cord you are using is heavy enough to handle the load of the element or it could melt. Attach the tab type connectors to both ends of the extension cord.
Attach one end to the wires to the underside of the mounted heating element.
Build List
2x 16.5" Terra Cotta pots from Walmart - $30.00
2x 9" pie plates from Walmart - $7.00
1x 1000watt hot plate from Walgreens - $15.00
Cord from a soldering iron I haven't used in 15 years.
A handful of 'tab type' wire crimps.
Electrical tape
Basically, you're just extending the element from the top of the hotplate into the bottom terra cotta pot.
Remove the element from the hot plate, exposing the wires you will be extending.
Flip one of the pie plates over and center the element on it. You will need to drill two holes that correspond with the element connectors so that the element fits level and center on the inverted pie plate. I used pieces of a wire coat hanger to help secure the element onto the pie plate.
Cut and strip both ends of your 'extension' cord. You will want to make sure the cord you are using is heavy enough to handle the load of the element or it could melt. Attach the tab type connectors to both ends of the extension cord.
Attach one end to the wires to the underside of the mounted heating element.