Checking & replacing the heating coil: U-shape vs W-shape

If your electric smoker stays cold, in most cases the heating coil has burnt out – the classic wear part, available in a U-shape (€54.74) or W-shape (€114.24–168.98) and easily replaced yourself in 15 minutes with the mains plug pulled. Before ordering, a quick diagnosis is worthwhile: is it really the coil, the thermostat, or simply the fuse?

Last updated: 23 July 2026 · Author: Michael Vering, Beelonia GmbH · All prices: as of July 2026

Reading tip: The complete diagnostic chain for cold smokers – from the socket to the door seal – can be found in the article Smoker won't get hot.

Diagnosis: is the coil really defective?

Three test steps narrow down the fault: 1. Test the socket and fuse. 2. Visual inspection of the coil – does it glow evenly when heating up? 3. Set the thermostat to maximum and check the reaction. A defective coil shows uneven or no glowing, visible breaks, or bulges on the heating element. If the intact coil does not react to the controller, the thermostat is the more likely candidate.

U-shape or W-shape? The difference is the heating length: the compact U-coil is the standard element for smaller smokers, while the W-coil, with its folded design, provides more power for larger chambers. One reason for the longevity of the current generation: Beelonia has switched the coils to a lighter full stainless steel alloy, which is significantly more durable than the earlier dark elements – easily recognisable by the silvery finish.

Replacement in five steps: Pull the mains plug and let it cool down → remove the heating drawer → photograph the connections with your phone → unscrew the coil, mount the new one, connect as documented → empty test run with thermometer check. Tool: a screwdriver. If you are unsure about connecting it, have an electrician set the two connections – the part itself is always a cheap repair compared to a new appliance.

When is the coil worth it, when the whole heating system?

Rule of thumb: if only the coil is burnt out, the repair costs €54.74–168.98; if the drawer, wiring, or controller have aged as well, the complete electric heating system (€354.62 for F1/F2) is the cleaner solution. For decades-old smokers, the Beelonia service checks which variant fits based on a photo – thanks to dimensionally stable manufacturing, current modules almost always fit into older appliances too. Exactly this repairability is the core of the Beelonia principle: parts instead of a new purchase.

Frequently asked questions about the heating coil

How long does a heating coil last?

Many years – the lifespan depends on the frequency of use and moisture. The current stainless steel alloy lasts noticeably longer; storing the smoker dry and using the rain cover extends its life even further.

Can I install a more powerful coil?

No – power and design must match the model, otherwise the wiring will overload. Always use the element intended for the model; if you wish to upgrade, the service team will advise you on the right heating system.

Why does the new coil smell during the first run?

Manufacturing residues evaporate – completely normal, just like with a new smoker. Heat it up empty once, then the smell is gone; the principle is explained in the burn-in instructions.

Reading tip: All parts with prices and assignment per series are listed in the spare parts guide.

Sources and technical basis: Beelonia product data (U heating coil €54.74, W €114.24–168.98, electric heating system €354.62) and update video F2-70/60 (full stainless steel alloy); repair practice of the Beelonia service. As of July 2026. If in doubt, have electrical work carried out by a specialist company.