Electric Heating Element for Weber 18.5"

[rkorock]

Hello Folks...

I tend to stay away from using petrol based lighting fluid, which has led me to using chimneys and portable heating elements to light the charcoal. Both options work, but both have their drawbacks.

Does any reputable vendor make an aftermarket installable heating element for Weber 18.5" kettles, or has anyone seen a guide on making one? Something that is permanently built in preferably....

I did some searches, and nothing came up...

Thank you!

[1buckie]

howdy & Welcome !!!

Never have seen anything like that....doesn't mean it's not out there somewhere...........

I would tend to think something installed more or less permanently might be affected by the heat of the charcoal & last for a shorter time than a removable one?
Affecting the heating element, maybe? Not sure...just a guess......

[Idahawk]

I suppose I guy could drill a hole and mount this somehow , but I don't see the point , you'd have to remove the plastic handle , deal with the cord and like Buckie wrote , probably  won't last under extreme conditions

[pbe gummi bear]

Hello Folks...

I tend to stay away from using petrol based lighting fluid, which has led me to using chimneys and portable heating elements to light the charcoal. Both options work, but both have their drawbacks.

Does any reputable vendor make an aftermarket installable heating element for Weber 18.5" kettles, or has anyone seen a guide on making one? Something that is permanently built in preferably....

I did some searches, and nothing came up...

Thank you!

I've see some people with electric smokers place small amounts of charcoal in there to add real smoke flavor. I presume you could install the element in the same fashion but the charcoal would get really hot. I would worry about the longevity especially when the drippings hit the element and cause rapid cooling. What advantages are you looking for primarily?

This would probably work: http://www.charbroil.com/electric-patio-caddie-control-and-element-kit.html with the added benefit of quick disconnect

[Red Kettle Rich]

That Electric Heating Element looks like what was in the bottom of my first smoker, a Meco Electric (replaced by a WSM)