Fan mod

[viper125]

Ok any one using the fan mod on a 2 500 element obs? I read somewhere it wouldn't work as good. Also do you just toggle it on and off. If so when and for what reason.

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[beefmann]

Viper,

if you  have a fan mod  it will help circulate the air around the heating  elements  and  even out the temp in the  box,  one draw back is that if you  are  smoking ( using the  puck burner and  pucks ) the pucks may not  burn like they  should so during the smoking process the fan near the heaters  should be  turned off, if you   cold smoke then  cook, the fan should be on full time during the cooking process only

[viper125]

Ok that answers that. I was worried about the smoke mostly. Seems the fan would push the smoke and maybe the heat up the chimney. What is recommended cfm of fan? Seems to low would do no good and to high would cool to much. I've got my new legs,also my door stops, and wire ,switch and element for the dual 500 mod. Wanting 8 new racks and side pieces to make a 12 rack and thinking maybe a fan for Christmas. Oh and frog mats! Merry Christmas!! All!!

[Habanero Smoker]

If you are doing the dual element mod, that is different from what beefman's set up is. For the fan mod, with the dual element that goes above the drip pan, so there is no direct air blowing on the bisquettes. More air may be drawn in through the generator, but I don't believe it will significantly increase the burn rate of the bisquettes.

[MidKnightRider]

O.K., so where does one place the fan if you are doing the dual 500 watts mod also?

[devo]

This is my set up. I bought the fan kit from http://smokeandstuff.com  Located here: http://smokeandstuff.com/index.php/products/complete-fan-kit

Once installed and doing several smokes with the small fan I found I still had to rotate the racks so the product didn't burn near the heaters. I have the duel element mod installed. So this is not what I wanted to be doing, I wanted to get away from the rotating of racks. Some of you might know I made a cold smoke adapter from an old microwave. Located here if your interested: http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=25175.0
The microwave had a nice little fan and case at the back so I took that and mounted it on the bottom left hand side of the bradley. This gave me the right amount of air flow so I did not have to rotate the racks. The fan is mounted away from the hole in the center of the drip tray and no grease lands on the fan. It's getting discoloured from the smoke but big deal. It might not look great but hey it works just fine for what I wanted. I don't even use the small fan anymore .
Here are some pics to give you the idea.

Back view of small fan mod


Inside view of small fan mod. Excuse the drip tray mess I will be cleaning it today  ;)


Here is the fan from the microwave. I now use a cake pan to catch the grease.


You can see from this photo the sausage was cooking evenly and no burnt ends  :)

[viper125]

So the fan you ordered wasn't strong enough. I was getting ready to order one, thank you. I don't want to switch trays and keep heat in smoker even. Yet I don't want to blow my smoke out faster either. Do you find you need to smoke longer with the fan? I did see your microwave cold smoker. I like it! I am getting ready to do same thing with a larger microwave. Its 24 inches long so wont look as good but should serve the purpose and it was free. Fan works so I may check it and see if I can use it inside. Wonder if the fan would also work with no smoke and a little heat to dry fruit?

[devo]

I did a test with the fan on and off, from what I can tell there was not that much difference as far as the smoke going out the vent. I think because it is mounted on the bottom and blowing to the far right hand side it creates a more convection affect but I'm no engineer  ??? I have been using the same number of bisquettes as I always have with no negative effects. I tried with the fan mounted still in the microwave but it was drawing in to much cold air for that to work.

[Habanero Smoker]

MidKnightRider;

Here is a link to the plans and the ongoing discussion:
Fan

[kickedback]

I am doing the dual element and fan mod this weekend. I am using the fan that HabS has posted in his link w/ 2 1/2 inch fan blades. I plan on mounting it just above the drip tray. I am putting in another temp sensor and fusible link to the second element, just to be on the safe side. I've read up on everbody's posts to the point that my brain hurts and am utterly confused. I'm pretty sure I've got it all planned out, but just in case I don't, I have alot of smoked meats in the freezer. Will try to keep you posted on the way I do it.

[MidKnightRider]

MidKnightRider;

Here is a link to the plans and the ongoing discussion:
Fan

Thanks HAB

[viper125]

I am going to try and get my 2 elements up this week coming. Prob ably the door stops and feet. But think I may try to check out the fan in the micro wave I'm using to cold smoke. If that don't work out then i'll try one of the others. I do Want to fix it to dehydrate too if possible. Then i'll add 8 more racks.

[Habanero Smoker]

kickedback,
You can never be too safe.  :)

MidKnightRider;
You're welcome. Also I just like to point people to the recipe site.  :)