Little Chief Smokers

[CP]

If you have the room, you can get a higher wattage element.  Just make sure that it fits.

[salish]

Thank you all. I'm going to have to call the company because the element I pulled from the smoker bears zero resemblance to any replacement elements I've seen on their website or on Amazon. The one I pulled has shorter "bent" rails that exit the holes in the bottom of the smoker and run back underneath the smoker to the electrical connectors. None of the replacement elements I've found do this. I did also find a replacement element but it doesn't bend back around and underneath, and it's obvious it cannot be "bent" to do so. Photos attached. The cheapest replacement elements I've found are $20 not counting tax and shipping, so it may be a better idea to just find a used smoker that works.

[CP]

Looks like someone modified it.  That's probably the cause of your problem. 

[salish]

Looks like someone modified it.  That's probably the cause of your problem.

I don't think it was modified. It's too perfect for that and it looks like it was designed this way. It's probably just old. I have an email in to the company. Thank you.

[Alchase]

Just go to Walmart and buy a single electric burner around $15, and use that anytime you want to smoke anything but fish. You can still us the chips if you want, or you can bump it up and use real chunk charcoal.
Little Chiefs do fish well,  but you have to fight the wind, and outside temps to get close to a good meat or bird smoking temps.

[Twispriver]

You have to figure them out but I'd wager that more fish and jerky has been smoked in those Luhr Jensen models than any other brand on the market.

[Alchase]

You have to figure them out but I'd wager that more fish and jerky has been smoked in those Luhr Jensen models than any other brand on the market.

 

I produced a lot of good smoked product with Little Chief smokers.
They definitely are great for small spaces and learning how to smoke.

[salish]

Thank you.

[GWP]

I think the person meant the original element was changed out, not that the element itself was modified. You CAN bend them, however.
If you get an Auber controller, and a bigger or additional element, you can control your temp better, go hotter and lower.
As has been said, there has been a LOT of stuff smoked in those. I owned 3 before I settled on the smoker I have now, but would not hesitate to get one again if mine died.

[Bullkllr]

I think that element is from a really old Little Chief smoker, not modified in any way IIRC. 

[salish]

Thanks GWP & Bullkillr, I tend to agree with you. I'll be curious to hear from the company this week. Thanks for your comments.

[salish]

Ok, I heard back from the company. Looks like I'm in the market for another Little Chief smoker.

"That element dates back over 30 years ago.  We no longer have that available or anything that will retro fit".

[CP]

Walmart has the Big Chief on sale:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Big-Chief-Top-Load-Smoker/7386359?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-51320962143&wl5=9033394&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=7386359&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwsfuYBhAZEiwA5a6CDGIH1VfPL4qtPkrl9OatR2AcHWm3bOv-sJFP-iRB9KgqCmenEXhJahoCcdcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It has a more powerful element than the little guy, I think it does a better job. 

[pianoman9701]

When you guys smoke trout or salmon, is it hanging on racks or on shelves?

[salish]

Walmart has the Big Chief on sale:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Big-Chief-Top-Load-Smoker/7386359?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-51320962143&wl5=9033394&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=7386359&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwsfuYBhAZEiwA5a6CDGIH1VfPL4qtPkrl9OatR2AcHWm3bOv-sJFP-iRB9KgqCmenEXhJahoCcdcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It has a more powerful element than the little guy, I think it does a better job.

Thanks!