Mounting Elements ?

[bigfoot53]

Hey All,

I have a question about mounting the elements in my oven. after looking in the forum i have seen elements mounted both horizontally and vertically is their an advantage to either one ? i am building a 4' x 4' x 6' oven

thanks
Bruce

[CarWiz]

Probably not but it might depending on the size and shape of the item you're cooking and where it's located in the oven. Heated air rises. As it does, it draws cooler air up from below the elements. When mounted vertically (on the sides), the upper portion of the element could run a little hotter but this position could provide better movement of air through the oven. The draw back is that it may allow larger cold spots in the oven. Most likely at the upper and lower center and against adjacent walls.

I haven't heard anyone complain about vertically mounted elements but I've heard a lot of complaints about getting a correct temp reading from a controller. This appears to be the reason many use a point and shoot thermometer. That could be cured by proper placement of the thermocouple and it's controller settings (Input Offset) as well as piece placement.

[nuttyman]

if they are mounted vertically you have more space on the floor if you ever need to place something directly on the floor. proper convection eliminates the cold-spot theory too.