Charcoal grill to propane or electric conversion?

Question

i have asked this 3 times and have only gotten one answer. which wasnt a good one. i just want to find a unit to convert my brinkmann charcoal smoker to use propane or electric as a heat source. the smoke comes from the heated wood tray. no need for charcoal smoke. it tastes nasty if food has charcoal smoke anyway. my unit is a vertical brinkmann smoker around 4 foot tall. they used to make propane and electric conversions but i have checked there website and they no longer sell the conversion kits. i am capable of a do it myself project. any advice from someone who has done this would be helpful. the bottom of my smoker is 75% open because it was designed to let air in for the charcoal. do i need to close up the bottom to get heat if i convert? i would really prefer an electric element for heat but can i heat a 20 by 20 inch wide by 40 inch tall smoker with an electric element? and just using 120 volt. 200 degree heat maximum is all i need. any suggestions?

Answer 1

i can help with the propane conversion: I did the same thing several years ago. I had to replace my propane grill that had a side burner. just mounted that into the charcoal pan in the smoker. also used the regulator, tank, k**b; just cap off the line to the main burner. worked great. you might be able to find a neighbor throwing out a grill with a side burner.

Answer 2

Here is the main item you will need..almost as high as the smokers themselves, but does answer the question..I will post this then see if I can find you a cheaper one...and yes you do need to have vent holes in the bottom that are adjustable to smoke with..You  have to have a draft going through it..the element and cord is the main part..the rest you can modify and make by hand ..

http://www.brinkmann.net/Shop/Detail.asp...

Heres another cord and element..again..it is expensive..

http://www.barbecue-store.com/oldsmokey-...