Water heater element for smoker

dguzzi · 10-31-20, 10:46 AM

Do you suppose a water heater element would get hot enough to use as a starter for wood chips or pellets? I'd like to use it for a cold smoker.

I wonder if they get red hot in open air?

oil pan 4 · 11-01-20, 01:16 AM

If you put full power to one it will over heat and fail. Maybe if you put 120v on a 240V it wouldn't.
I think you best bet would be to use an "electric grill" or a hot water heater element on a varrac.

dguzzi · 11-01-20, 08:16 AM

Yes i'll have to control it, probably only on long enough for good heat. Also overtemp protection.

NiHaoMike · 11-01-20, 08:18 AM

Stovetop heating elements would probably be a better choice.

dguzzi · 11-01-20, 08:20 AM

Maybe, but size is a factor.

oil pan 4 · 11-01-20, 03:31 PM

I was thinking start with something like this.

dguzzi · 11-01-20, 06:03 PM

I'm goin homemade on this, that is overkill for my needs at this time!

jeff5may · 11-02-20, 08:22 AM

Umm how about a hot surface igniter? They're used in gss furnaces everywhere.

dguzzi · 11-02-20, 10:45 AM

I think maybe that's to fragile, I would be able to clean a bigger element easier. Not a bad idea though. Water heater element is less than 15$, thats what made me think of it.

jeff5may · 11-02-20, 11:17 AM

I'm guessing you could find an electric charcoal starter locally for around 9.95. Most are not tiny, use about 500 watts, and last a long, long time. I believe the one collecting dust in the garage is at least 30 years old. Think sporting goods or farm stores with a decent camping department.

Another idea is an element from a toaster oven.

10-31-20, 10:46 AM	#1
dguzzi Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 68 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Water heater element for smoker Do you suppose a water heater element would get hot enough to use as a starter for wood chips or pellets? I'd like to use it for a cold smoker. I wonder if they get red hot in open air?

11-01-20, 08:18 AM	#4
NiHaoMike Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,154 Thanks: 14 Thanked 257 Times in 241 Posts	Stovetop heating elements would probably be a better choice. __________________ To my surprise, shortly after Naomi Wu gave me a bit of fame for making good use of solar power, Allie Moore got really jealous of her...

11-01-20, 03:31 PM	#6
oil pan 4 Land owner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NM Posts: 1,026 Thanks: 12 Thanked 127 Times in 107 Posts	I was thinking start with something like this. Attached Thumbnails

11-01-20, 01:16 AM	#2
oil pan 4 Land owner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NM Posts: 1,026 Thanks: 12 Thanked 127 Times in 107 Posts	If you put full power to one it will over heat and fail. Maybe if you put 120v on a 240V it wouldn't. I think you best bet would be to use an "electric grill" or a hot water heater element on a varrac.

11-01-20, 08:16 AM	#3
dguzzi Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 68 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yes i'll have to control it, probably only on long enough for good heat. Also overtemp protection.

11-01-20, 08:20 AM	#5
dguzzi Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 68 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Maybe, but size is a factor.

11-01-20, 06:03 PM	#7
dguzzi Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 68 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I'm goin homemade on this, that is overkill for my needs at this time!

11-02-20, 08:22 AM	#8
jeff5may Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: elizabethtown, ky, USA Posts: 2,431 Thanks: 431 Thanked 619 Times in 517 Posts	Umm how about a hot surface igniter? They're used in gss furnaces everywhere.

11-02-20, 10:45 AM	#9
dguzzi Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 68 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I think maybe that's to fragile, I would be able to clean a bigger element easier. Not a bad idea though. Water heater element is less than 15$, thats what made me think of it.

11-02-20, 11:17 AM	#10
jeff5may Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: elizabethtown, ky, USA Posts: 2,431 Thanks: 431 Thanked 619 Times in 517 Posts	I'm guessing you could find an electric charcoal starter locally for around 9.95. Most are not tiny, use about 500 watts, and last a long, long time. I believe the one collecting dust in the garage is at least 30 years old. Think sporting goods or farm stores with a decent camping department. Another idea is an element from a toaster oven.