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View Full Version : Brinkmann Conversion - Electric to Charcoal


DonE
07-26-2018, 09:19 AM
I'm finishing up my conversion of a Brinkmann electric bullet to charcoal so I thought I'd post my approach. I found an old post from 2011 on a conversion on the forum but I did mine differently so maybe it will give someone some options. I'm sure I'm going to have to tweak it as I go so I'll add more about those, too.

Here's the base:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNoY8RMddr5S4d98amnWi9ZLPS484q6vN9k5R1w

I kept the center hole (already in the base) as the air inlet and plugged up the side hole (where the original heating element was mounted). I added a vent that slides in and out to control the air flow. The white circle on the handle corresponds to the vent opening so when I slide the handle in, it will let me see how much the air inlet is open. The handle is mounted with some wide-headed screws to hold it down. I didn't take a picture of the other side but I can add one if anyone wants to see it.

Here's the ash box:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPbR7-7-tQrvkvoyGthPZRmdirhBqodXvc9lfrN

This is the original holder for the lava rocks and heating element. All I did here was drill a bunch of holes in it to give more air flow. I'll see if I have to add more when I crank it up.

Here's the cover:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM9zCOE1yVAsp0xFszzDSvLme9ockazoYFHhcl9

I drilled a 1" hole in it and screwed in a thread/sweat copper union for the top vent. I'll also run high-heat felt around the rim, where the bottom of the base meets the chamber, to seal it up (the felt will be delivered today so I haven't done that yet).

Here's the charcoal basket:
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOpLu6meAyedgT0dkbt840-H7qrZi3W5MhmAOFW

I made it out of hardware cloth but I'm pretty sure this isn't going to hold up for long. I'll pick up some expanded metal and make a better one as soon as I can.

First step after I get the felt installed will be to burn it in. I pressure washed the whole thing but it's been sitting in my shed for years and had a pretty good sized mouse nest in it so I want to be sure I get all of the nasty stuff out of it. I'll also see how high I can get the heat cranked up when I burn it in. After the burn-in, I'll do a few trial runs to get used to regulating the temperature. Then, the fun starts... :thumb:

If anyone has any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!