Hello!

[asabassa1012]

I just built my first smoker out of a trash can. I'm looking foward to giving it a shot. Any tips or hints would be awesome. I'm going to smoke my first meat on saturday. I've decided to make apple smoked pork tenderloin. I recently made some salsa with cooked apples in it and i think that it will go really well on top of the pork.

Let me know if anyone has any suggestions!

 

[scarbelly]

First welcome to SMF - good luck with the first run - have you seasoned the new unit yet? If not you might want to do that first to ensure you get a good smoke

Good luck and be sure to post qview

 

[Dutch]

Welcome to SMF asabassa. I really hope that you're not talking about the 35 gallon GALVANIZED trash can.  We've had some discussion here in the past about using anything galvanized for use as a smoker or in a smoker.  Although it takes quite a bit of heat, the zinc in those galvanized can can burn off and be toxic.  If you want a trash can type of smoker, go with a 55 gallon steel drum and make yourself an Ugly Drum Smoker. There's plenty of UDS builds here to get your inspiration.

 

[asabassa1012]

Hey thanks for the responses- 

I haven't yet seasoned the smoker. I actually never considered it. I've looked up some information on how to do it and i'll probably do it friday.

Also I have chosen a 20g trash can. It is galvanized, but because it is so much smaller than the 35 gallon one and i think it will contain the heat much better. From what I have read, A person my size (250 lbs) can handle a about 70mg zinc each day before it is a problem. I have also read they there is a significatly less chance of it becoming a problem if your using electric instead of placing the trash can directly on a fire. Hopefully this information is all correct.

If this turns out good I will be upgrading to the 55 gallon steel drum smoker sooner rather than later! 

 

[smokin relaxin steve]

Hey thanks for the responses- 

I haven't yet seasoned the smoker. I actually never considered it. I've looked up some information on how to do it and i'll probably do it friday.

Also I have chosen a 20g trash can. It is galvanized, but because it is so much smaller than the 35 gallon one and i think it will contain the heat much better. From what I have read, A person my size (250 lbs) can handle a about 70mg zinc each day before it is a problem. I have also read they there is a significatly less chance of it becoming a problem if your using electric instead of placing the trash can directly on a fire. Hopefully this information is all correct.

If this turns out good I will be upgrading to the 55 gallon steel drum smoker sooner rather than later! 

Welcome to SMF!

Either way I'd becareful my friend... Maybe double or triple check your info just in case... better safe than sorry

BTW any chance of posting some pics of your trash can smoker?

& as for your loin, try wrapping it in some bacon to help keep it moist... good luck!
 

 

[chefrc]

Welcome to the Family Friend and do be careful. No one wants Zinc Poisoning.

 

[paprika pal]

Welcome, I myself am a newbie, but have found much help here on the SMF site.  Glad to have you here.  One note though, although galvanized trash can may not be concerning to you;  be sure not to use old refrigerator shelves as a rack for you meat.  It might be cheaper but it contains cadmium and that can be very damaging to your health.  Happy smoking, your salsa sounds great.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.

 

[bayl778]

I read somewhere that zinc is good for the postrate!, Not sure how you get it there.

Just saying.

 

[miamirick]

make sure your first smoke is some nice 4 to 5 foot Barracuda!

(just kidding they are full of zinc)