From wood to electric smoker: Retrofitting the heating system
Retrofitting from wood to electric is a module swap at Beelonia, not a rebuild: Wood drawer out, electric module in, plug it in – done in 15 minutes. The costs: €179.69 for the Smoky heating block (2.5 kW) or €354.62 for the F1/F2 electric heating, optionally plus thermostat (€249.90) for full automation. And the best part: The way back remains open – the wood drawer goes on the shelf, not in the bin.
Last updated: 23 July 2026 · Author: Michael Vering, Beelonia GmbH · All prices: As of July 2026
Reading tip: The system behind it – why Beelonia heaters are fundamentally interchangeable – is explained in the article on the Beelonia interchangeable system.
Why switch to electric?
Three reasons drive most retrofits: Convenience (thermostat instead of adding wood), location (patio, neighbourhood – no open fire) and predictability (constant temperature for long sessions). The running costs also speak for electricity: €2–3 per smoking session. What remains is the question of taste – and that is decided by the smoke, not the heat source: The smoking dust provides the aroma with every heating type. The detailed comparison can be found in the heating types guide.
The retrofit step by step: 1. Determine the model – Smoky heating blocks and F-series heating drawers are not interchangeable; the type plate or a photo to the service team clarifies the allocation. 2. Order the module – for the Smoky the electric heating block, for F1/F2 the electric heating, plus optionally the thermostat. 3. Swap – remove the wood drawer, slide in the electric module, put on the sawdust tray (in electric operation it sits above the heating and provides the smoke). 4. Connect and test empty.
The smoking dust remains the aroma provider: Even electrically, the smoke is classically created from RÄUCHERGOLD in the tray – the heating ignites it and keeps it at smouldering temperature. With the current F2-70/60 models, an ignition coil with a time relay even takes over the lighting at the push of a button.
What does the switch cost – total calculation
| Smoker | Module | Costs | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky 4/5/6 | Electric heating block 2.5 kW | €179.69 | – |
| F1 / F2 | Electric heating | €354.62 | + Thermostat €249.90 |
| F2-70 upwards | Consultation per model | on request | Digital control models ex works |
For comparison: A new controlled smoker costs a multiple – the retrofit preserves the seasoned, proven smoker and only adds the technology. This is exactly what the system has been designed for over decades.
Frequently asked questions about retrofitting
Do I need a special socket?
No – the hobby modules run on a normal 230 V socket. Just ensure you use a splash-proof outdoor socket and a suitable extension cable.
Does the taste change after retrofitting?
Practically not – the aroma comes from the smoking dust, which continues to smoulder. What's missing is solely the romance of a wood fire; if you miss it, you can swap back at the weekend.
Is retrofitting to gas also possible?
Yes – with a gas heating block (Smoky, €179.69) or gas heating/burner for the F-series, supplied with hose and pressure reducer. Gas is the choice for locations without electricity, such as club grounds.
Reading tip: After retrofitting, it's worth looking at the control levels in the thermostat guide – and the first electric session follows the seasoning logic (short empty run against manufacturing odours).
Same smoker, new comfort
Electric modules for Smoky and F-series – also suitable for older years of construction, ex works Beelen. Beelonia GmbH, since 1880.
Sources and technical basis: Beelonia product data (heating block €179.69, electric heating €354.62, thermostat €249.90) and product videos (drawer system, sawdust tray, ignition coil); electric running costs ~€2–3/session from appliance expertise. As of July 2026.
