I think I just blew my second heating element in less than a year (4 1/2 yr old 6 rack DBS). I say "I think" because I haven't taken the time to test the element that's in the smoker. However, assuming it tests bad and I have to replace it, let me ask you about "upgrading" to either a 900W element or adding a second heating element. I can't find where I can buy a 900W element (Bradley doesn't carry them). I have a bookmark to one of the posts here that diagrams the steps to add a second heating element. I think one of them even talks about a switch for the second circuit. (That sounds like a great idea, under the philosophy that we don't want to rush "low and slow.") I do use an Auber PID, so rushing my smokes shouldn't be a problem. It is frustrating at the beginning of a smoke to wait an hour or more for the smoker to regain its target temp after loading. I can see the value to more horsepower getting to temp faster. I know there were some bad elements about the time I bought my replacement, so I would expect better results from a new one.
I do love my BDS and plan to have it for many more years. But, what's the feeling about either the 900 W element or dual element? If you've done either, how has it worked for you? Thanks for your help.
rscearcy
Porterville, CA
Well just installed the double mod today! Just have to pick up a couple fittings. If I had the problems some seem to have Id probably go 900. But I haven't had a problem and have three elements so it was cost effective for me. But from what I was reading you also need a fan for the 900 not positive. I will continue this way till my three blow then I'll consider it.
Quote from: rscearcy on December 13, 2011, 02:20:13 PMI can't find where I can buy a 900W element (Bradley doesn't carry them).
Grainger Supply sells the 900W finned element (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/TEMPCO-SS-Heater-2XEF3). I went with the dual element last winter. Although one of them bit the dust it was during the peak of all the bad elements going around. It was fairly easy to install. Just cut two approximately 9/16" holes in the heat deflector for the ceramic ends of the second element to fit into and a couple of 3-4" short loops of wire going from each end of one element to the other.
You mentioned that you already have a PID controller. I wouldn't recommend an element upgrade without using one of them.
from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Finned-Strip-Heater-120v-900w/dp/B004JCYLQY/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323823875&sr=8-1-fkmr1
and my heater mod with blower
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=17329.0
I've completed my second element upgrade 2.5 years ago, and haven't had any problems. The on/off switch is to allow you to turn off the second element so you can operate the Bradley as it was originally intended.
The dual element with the PID, helps the smoker recover faster to your set temperature; while you continue to cook low & slow. It will not cook at a higher temperature, unless you want it to. Because the extra heat brings the cabinet up to the set temperature much faster, you save quite a bit of overall cooking time. In addition, you can open the door more often to check internal temperatures, rotate racks, mop etc. without worrying about adding a lot of additional cooking time.
These directions may be easier to follow, than reading through threads:
Second Element DBS (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?572-Additional-Heating-Element-Modification&p=910#post910)
Second Element OBS (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?578-Additional-Heating-Element-for-OBS-with-On-Off-Control&p=917#post917)
I did the dual element right after I initially seasoned the unit and glad I did. Two of the ways to do it is independent of each other or a simple loop connection. While the loop method is simpler I did the independent (with switch) and glad I did. As stated you should always use a PID or other temp controller with the dual element for safety reasons. One day as I was going to start my cook, my PID went out. Having the on off switch I was able to disconnect the PID, use both elements to get to temp and then switch off the second element. Anytime I had to open the smoker I would switch the 2nd on back on until at temp then switch off. So for the little bit of extra effort it was well worth it.
That.s the reason i'll probably do the switch. After all I bought it and its laying here doing nothing. I have thought about looking at it and possibly installing on back of smoker. Just so not to have to mess with panel in front. Not sure that back is thick enough with out adding spacer though. Element is in and wired. Just need to do switch and hook up wires. Just figure it really won't get used in most cases. Just thinking. Anyone think I shouldn't for some reason?
Just thinking out loud here. The main reason I even look at posts pertaining to heating element mods is because of heating element failures.
So what I am wondering is if any of the people that have done the dual element set up had their original heating element fail while it was running alongside the finned element?
Regardless of that, why not just eliminate the original bradley element all together and use just the finned 900W heating element alone? (It would save the frustration of having to keep changing the bradley element every 3rd smoke.)
I realize the idea of faster pre-heat, faster cooking times and faster recovery. But the whole idea of a smoker is low and s-l-o-w... right?
(And if you didn't open the door so much, no need to worry about recovery) 8)
Yes and no! Low and slow is right. But you add a PID because you want to control every thing. So if your trying to get to 225-250 and after 3-4 hours your still at 175 or so it sort of ticks you off. With a double the weather and load of meat has less control and you get more. So if you want to start at 140 , ramp to 150 and keep ramping you actually get those temps instead of what nature try and does. At least thats my reason. As far as the elements go I bought a extra when I bought the smoker over 6 months ago. I smoke average 3-4 times a week since I had it. i have never had any problems. So got a extra element with the parts I bought so know I have 2 extras. Might as well use it. Easy change if I want to change some time.
You know I hear a lot of people complain about doing mods to get the smoker where they want it. I usually just sort of laugh to my self. This smoker will do all it claims out of the box. I think people come to the forum and see all the stuff others do and they want to also. Well most the others do mods to make a good smoker excellent! I beef up my tractors and cars, My boats ,my computers why not my smoker.
Not saying your complaining but there is always someone doing it.
I actually bought mine because I seen all the mods and liked the idea of creating my own setup that's not exactly like yours or anyone else s. Really starting to get down lately haven't seen a lot of new ideas for mods. May have to think of one myself soon. LOL
Low and slow is alright, low and painfully slow is still alright if that is the way you want to go. Providing more options and still smoking/cooking low and slow is much better for me. I would put a second element in the plus column. The longest recovery time is when you first load your smoker, even if you keep the door close. And if I want to open the door as many times as I want, I now have the option to do so. By the way I have a charcoal cooker that smokes low and slow, and has much faster recovery times than my dual element Bradley. So it cooking doesn't have to be terribly slow to make some good BBQ. 8)
I'm not sure what you mean "...original heating element fail while it was running alongside the finned element?" I've did my mod 2.5 years ago, after using it as it was originally designed for 4.5 years. When I did my modification I used two new Bradley elements, which are still working fine to this day. I wouldn't have replaced my original, but at the time my original was made from glass, and Bradley had begun distributing all metal elements.
"I'm not sure what you mean "...original heating element fail while it was running alongside the finned element?" I've did my mod 2.5 years ago, after using it as it was originally designed for 4.5 years. When I did my modification I used two new Bradley elements, which are still working fine to this day. I wouldn't have replaced my original, but at the time my original was made from glass, and Bradley had begun distributing all metal elements."
What I mean was if after someone were to put in the effort to add the 900W finned element, did the bradley element fail? i.e. eliminate the middleman, yank the bradley element (that will more than likely fail anyways) and just add the 900W finned element. I'm not trying to imply that the bradley element would fail because the 900W element was added, just saying the bradley element would probably fail anyways, regardless if the 900W unit were installed or not.
So it's a pretty simple question - how many people have had their bradley element fail when they have the 900W mod installed. Hence my 'why not just toss the stock element and go straight to the finned element?'
If no said failures, maybe we are witnessing some kind of engineering 1+1=3 phenomenon that says when you add a 900W finned element, the stock bradley heating element never fails. ;)
Far as I know , never had anyone add a 900 when a 500 was left in. When you do the 900 you take all Bradley elements out. With a 900 you don't need a 500 in there.
"Far as I know , never had anyone add a 900 when a 500 was left in. When you do the 900 you take all Bradley elements out. With a 900 you don't need a 500 in there."
D'Oh! Ok, makes sense now. I kind of misread/misinterpreted the subject line. I *thought* it was saying 900W dual heating element. I didn't really see the "or" -- I was envisioning the stock heating element left in place and then the 900W unit added in addition to. Sorry.
I kind of figured. THat's ok you don't learn if you don't ask.
Viper has answered your "simple" question. :)
Guess a Simple Man for a simple question!
Quote from: WideGlideMike00 on December 14, 2011, 01:03:57 PM
Just thinking out loud here. The main reason I even look at posts pertaining to heating element mods is because of heating element failures.
So what I am wondering is if any of the people that have done the dual element set up had their original heating element fail while it was running alongside the finned element?
Regardless of that, why not just eliminate the original bradley element all together and use just the finned 900W heating element alone? (It would save the frustration of having to keep changing the bradley element every 3rd smoke.)
I realize the idea of faster pre-heat, faster cooking times and faster recovery. But the whole idea of a smoker is low and s-l-o-w... right?
(And if you didn't open the door so much, no need to worry about recovery) 8)
i have been running the 900 watt mod foe many years now with no problems, as for cooking times it is based on temperature over the wattage of the elements, if you cook at 225 and am doing 20 lbs of pork it will still be a low, slow process,, I still continue to have 20 lbs of pork take 14 to 18 hours to do,, yes it is a bit quicker, that is only to having better temps in the box
Thanks to everyone who responded. I think I'm going to go the dual 500W route, with an on/off switch on the back of the case. I do love the low and slow smoking the BDS provides and I'd like to go back to the original heating capacity once my temp has recovered from loading and rotating. I don't open the door much to spritz or poke or look. But in cooler weather, I sometimes get a little concerned when the temp takes a long time to get into the upper temps (190 - 225). After all, I don't want to be declared a public health hazard when my guests start showing up with food poisoning. My Auber works really well to keep my temps stable, so I think the dual 500W answer will work for me. Actually, we're getting into the time of the year when I can start doing some cold smoking in the middle of the afternoon instead of 3:00 am. But, the dual element will let me keep on doing brisket and ribs all winter long.
Habs, thanks for the instructions. I figure if I use your recipes, I should also follow your instructions for the dual 500W element. Thanks to all for the help.
Dick Scearcy
Porterville, CA
Dick;
There is no reason to shut off the second element once the cabinet has recovered to your set temperature. Whether you have one or two elements on, the PID will maintain the cabinet at the set temperature. Also you will find that with the second element, maintaining the set temperature seems to be easier for the temperature control device that you are using.
Quote from: viper125 on December 15, 2011, 06:40:13 AM
Guess a Simple Man for a simple question!
Uhhh, was that designed to insult my intelligence?
Ha Ha no! more mine. Hab said I answered your simple question. I just remarked it took a simple man to answer a simple question. LOL
I wouldn't make a remark about some one else's intelligence. When some times I have doubts about mine. Keep asking questions we all enjoy answering them and helping when we can. I just happened to be first that time.
Quote from: viper125 on December 15, 2011, 03:57:17 PM
Ha Ha no! more mine. Hab said I answered your simple question. I just remarked it took a simple man to answer a simple question. LOL
I wouldn't make a remark about some one else's intelligence. When some times I have doubts about mine. Keep asking questions we all enjoy answering them and helping when we can. I just happened to be first that time.
OK, no sweat - just making sure 8)
Well it's my Kentucky blood. I say what I think and can't seem to sugar coat it. I hardly ever criticize or belittle any one. But when I do they will recognize it. LOL I wouldn't dare condemn any ones intelligence. I'm to the point where I doubt even what I know some times. And I know I'm not stupid.
So write it off to being a old hillbilly. And get old has nothing to do with Golden! LOL