Retrofit thermostat on the F1/F2 Elektro
The retrofit thermostat (€249.90) turns the manually controlled F1/F2 Elektro into a smoker that maintains its own temperature – installed in about 15 minutes, ready to plug in. Set the target value, and the controller automatically cycles the heating coil: a constant 85 °C for hot-smoked salmon strips, 110 °C for trout, 30 °C with a fan for drying. For anyone who smokes regularly, it is the upgrade with the greatest gain in comfort per euro.
Last updated: 23 July 2026 · Author: Michael Vering, Beelonia GmbH · All prices: as of July 2026
Reading tip: The fundamental question – when which control level is worthwhile – is answered in the thermostat guide. Here we focus on the actual installation.
What exactly changes with the thermostat?
| Situation | Without thermostat | With thermostat |
|---|---|---|
| Trout at 100 °C | readjust every 15–30 min | set target value, done |
| 16-h pulled pork | practically impossible | runs overnight |
| Drying at 30 °C | a matter of luck | exact to the degree |
| Winter operation | constant counter-steering | controller compensates for weather |
Installation in four steps: Unplug the mains plug and let it cool down → mount the thermostat on the heating module according to the instructions and position the sensor → connect the electric heating via the controller (ready to plug in) → test run with target value and cross-check on the chamber thermometer. Tool requirement: minimal; electrical knowledge: none, as it is pre-assembled. If you have any questions, the Beelonia service will help you through the installation by phone.
Who is it for? For anyone who smokes more than a few times a year – and especially for three groups: working people who don't want to stand by the smoker in the evening; winter smokers whose smoker regulates against wind and cold; and anyone with low & slow ambitions like pulled pork, which is simply not practical without a controller.
Thermostat, digital control, or go bigger right away?
If you own the F1/F2 Elektro: retrofit the thermostat. If you are buying new and want comfort: go straight for the F2-70/60 or XL Elektro with digital control ex works. The bestseller models additionally regulate time, smoke ignition, and fan at the push of a button – the difference is explained in the F model comparison. And if you still smoke with wood or gas, you first need the electric heating (€354.62) as a basis – a module swap thanks to the interchangeable system.
Frequently asked questions about retrofitting
Does the thermostat also regulate the amount of smoke?
No – it regulates the heating temperature; the smoke still comes from the smoking dust tray or cold smoke generator. Only the digital controls of the larger models automate both together.
Does the thermostat work with old electric heaters?
Usually yes – the modules remain compatible across years of construction. For very old smokers, a photo of the type plate sent to the service team is enough for a binding answer.
How accurately does the thermostat regulate?
Perfectly adequate for smoking practice – fluctuations of a few degrees around the target value are normal and uncritical. The independent chamber thermometer remains the control authority.
Reading tip: If the temperature is still not right after installation, the 6-step diagnosis will help.
15 minutes to automatic
The retrofit thermostat turns your F1/F2 Elektro into a controlled smoker – ex works Beelen, since 1880.
Sources and technical basis: Beelonia product data (thermostat F1/F2 Elektro €249.90, electric heating €354.62) and service practice; control level systematics from the thermostat guide. As of July 2026.
