DivotMaker
New member
All Model 2s now come standard with a 800 watt element. This is upgraded from the original 700 watt element.
New element in the Model 2
- Thread starter DivotMaker
- Start date
OFFSHORE GINGER
Member
Just curious when did this go into effect ( date ) , and could my Model 2 that I got around Christmas have the new element ?
OFFSHORE GINGER
Member
I agree because 100 watts more is a whole lot of X-tra juice opposed to the old element .slojoe said:
SuperDave
New member
I've always thought that the watts rating didn't make a lot of sense. In my mind, heat = btu's. It is also a unit of measure that I know regarding "a little heat" or "a lot of heat". Has anyone seen what the output of these units are? Coming from a propane smoker background, 10,000 btu's was on the light side and 15,000 btu's was a solid output. My gut tells me that the 700W & 800W elements are going to be in the 5,000 - 7,000 btu range. If anyone sees the information in print, please post.
According to my converter program 700 watts is around 2400 BTUs per hour and 800 watts is 2700 BTUs/hr.
If this conversion is correct then I suspect that we get away with so little compared to a propane smoker because the SIs are so well insulated and have so little air exchange compared to propane which needs air for combustion.
If this conversion is correct then I suspect that we get away with so little compared to a propane smoker because the SIs are so well insulated and have so little air exchange compared to propane which needs air for combustion.
DivotMaker
New member
The new elements have been phased-in with current stock, over the last couple of months, so I'm not sure who got what. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 700 watt element. Mine works perfectly, as do others. Steve is simply doing an "upgrade" that will give a little better performance, come up quicker to temp, and be more competitive in the market place. Nothing wrong with a little more "overhead" when it comes to heat. 
Last year, he upgraded the #1 element to 400 w, vs. the original 350.
Last year, he upgraded the #1 element to 400 w, vs. the original 350.
I know it is not important but our human nature makes us want to know what we have. I like Ginger have bought the model two very recently and I'm curious.
Is there a way to determine which element is installed in our smokers? Is the physical size identical? And ohmmeter would tell the difference if you had a sample of each or if you knew the resistance reading of either element.
I will be doing additional mods to my model 2 shortly and I will nose around the element to determine the size if possible.
Is there a way to determine which element is installed in our smokers? Is the physical size identical? And ohmmeter would tell the difference if you had a sample of each or if you knew the resistance reading of either element.
I will be doing additional mods to my model 2 shortly and I will nose around the element to determine the size if possible.
CUTiger80
New member
Since this post is about the heating element, I thought that it might be a good place to bring up a question that has been on my mind.
Do any of you guys keep a back-up element on hand?
How long does an element typically last?
I have had mine since September 2014, so it is still relatively new, but I would hate to lose an element in the middle of a critical (company is coming) smoke.
Do any of you guys keep a back-up element on hand?
How long does an element typically last?
I have had mine since September 2014, so it is still relatively new, but I would hate to lose an element in the middle of a critical (company is coming) smoke.
DivotMaker
New member
1stlink said:
Not sure, Ralph. Probably going to have to ask Steve that question! Shoot him an email, or just call him - he'll know. Might even be able to look at the build date on your unit and tell from that.
DivotMaker
New member
There's always a "transition" period, when a change is made (deplete old stock, mixed with the new stuff), but he should know when it was made with the new element, and when the old stock was gone.
DivotMaker
New member
1stlink said:
Based on that, I'm pretty certain you have the 800 w element.
DivotMaker
New member
Me too, Ralph!
DivotMaker
New member
I installed the 800w element in my #2 last weekend. During the re-season (I do a complete strip with EZ-Off about once a year), the temp climbed to 250 in about 20 minutes! This would have taken around 45 with the old 700w element. I can't believe 100 watts makes that much difference in the #2, but it does! ;D
