Model 2 Heat Element

[1stlink]

Most of us have a 700w element in our model #2. Steve now offers a 800w element and I'm thinking that it would be useful to attain smoking temps faster and possible be more efficient with or without the Auber.

Any thoughts? Has anyone already done the upgrade?

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[SuperDave]

I'm waiting for someone to try a #3 or #4 element in a #2.  LOL! 

[1stlink]

Good luck with that Dave, the #4 is huge.   

[DivotMaker]

I have a new 800w, Ralph, but haven't installed yet.  I'll let you know!  100 extra watts is bound to make a difference in "time to temp!"  As Tim the "Tool man" Taylor would have said - MORE POWER!!  ARGH ARGH ARGH!!!

[1stlink]

 Thanks Tony for the reply and I totally agree with Tim the tool man Taylor. Lol
 I have already responded to your other post regarding heating element but
 I will be looking forward to your review when you have time to install and review.

[1stlink]

Order placed for 800w replacement element this AM. Kind of a pain to remove that Glass Insulation again.    Autotune will require reading as my memory ain't what it used to be. LOL

However I'm looking forward to the anticipated improved performance! 

[teleskier]

I have an 800W #2.  Smoked yesterday for the first time and internal temp at start was 64 degrees. It got up to temp of 235 in 15-20 minutes.

As far as holding temp, I have read where a 30 degree swing, 15 above and 15 below was the standard with the 700W. That is exactly what I was experiencing as well.

Hope this helps.

[1stlink]

I have an 800W #2.  Smoked yesterday for the first time and internal temp at start was 64 degrees. It got up to temp of 235 in 15-20 minutes.

As far as holding temp, I have read where a 30 degree swing, 15 above and 15 below was the standard with the 700W. That is exactly what I was experiencing as well.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Mike, Much slower on my 700w model #2 at least 30 min.
Element size will not affect temp swings Which are a product of the analog  controller. PID controller holds temp swings to 1 or 2 degrees.

[SuperDave]

It would be interesting to do a little watts per cubic inch of smoker volume for the 4 units to see how much variance there is.  My #4 has always taken a long time to heat up. 

[DivotMaker]

I have an 800W #2.  Smoked yesterday for the first time and internal temp at start was 64 degrees. It got up to temp of 235 in 15-20 minutes.

As far as holding temp, I have read where a 30 degree swing, 15 above and 15 below was the standard with the 700W. That is exactly what I was experiencing as well.

Hope this helps.

Man, that's great!  My 700w element takes at least 30-40 minutes to hit 225+.  I didn't get to install the new 800 this weekend (too many other honey dos), but you sure have me excited to get it in there now!  Also, I didn't put it in because I knew I wouldn't have time to re-autotune the Auber, which will have to be done if you upgrade.

[1stlink]

800w element received Wed, installed Thursday, and autotuned today. No smoke scheduled yet but it will be soon.

PID numbers are quite different.

[DivotMaker]

Hoping to get mine in this weekend, Ralph!  We'll compare together!

[1stlink]

 Tony,
Externally they are 100% identical but I am hoping that it is what is inside that counts  I didn't have access to an ohmmeter at that time or I could have read the resistance in each.
 This is my third modification of my smoker  and hopefully the last.  I'm thinking that I should have put a hinge on the back cover. Lol 

[Bear]

Hey folks,

I think I might need to step up to the 800 watts as I smoked to today and it's been going for 1 hour and 40 minutes, the temp is only 176.   How hard is it to install?   I'm not mechanically inclined at all.  Appreciate any and all feedback.   

Tony

[DivotMaker]

Hey folks,

I think I might need to step up to the 800 watts as I smoked to today and it's been going for 1 hour and 40 minutes, the temp is only 176.   How hard is it to install?   I'm not mechanically inclined at all.  Appreciate any and all feedback.   

Tony

Tony, you have to be a little mechanical, but it's not bad.  The worst part is dealing with the insulation!  Surely you have a buddy that knows his way around a few tools (Phillip's head screwdriver and 9/16" wrench)?  That's all you need.