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Let's build a smoke house

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jackal12

jackal12

Fire Starter
Original poster
Apr 23, 2013
63
10
NE Missouri
Hey guys! I have been lurking for a while as I plan to build my smoke house and i'm gearing for something like this by mark smith. Right now I own a cheap $40 walmart smoker and it was great to get started but it's time to smoke like an adult.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/86302/my-insulated-plywood-propane-smoker

Here are my few questions....

1) What, if any, differences in taste will I notice using propane? My instinct is to say zero plain and simple.

2) Can I realistically build this on a $200 budget? I know I can land a propane burner (if i go that route) off Amazon dirt cheap with my account discounts. I also already own a few 20lb tanks. If no are there any suggestions to lower the cost or stay near $200?

3) Using propane how long does a tank generally last?

4) Can u help me establish a complete shopping list? I will ultimately buy more then I need, the wrong thing, or forget things if i don't have an accurate supply list. I'm special
 
Last edited:
Looking at his design, would it be better to have a chimney at the top with a valve as opposed to the louvers for venting? I do plan to go propane as i think on it, using a 12k burner
 
Jackal, morning and welcome to the forum....  First, I would find the food racks you are going to use.... build the smoker to fit them.....  Second, you will not need a big burner to heat that space...  smaller is better for heat control....  In this link there are a few others have used...

http://gassmoker.com/index.htm  ...    Too big of a burner will not work well and will frustrate you...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_15490_15490      This burner is very versatile and adjustable.... many on this site use it...               

Please take a moment and stop into " [color= rgb(146, 144, 139)]/[/color][color= rgb(128, 0, 0)]Roll Call[/color][color= rgb(146, 144, 139)]/[/color]   " and introduce yourself and get a proper welcome from our members.... Also, if you would note your location in your profile, it will help in the future when answering questions about smokin'...   elevation, humidity etc....    

We're glad you stopped in and joined our group...    Enjoy the long smokey ride....     Dave
 
Jackal12 said:
Looking at his design, would it be better to have a chimney at the top with a valve as opposed to the louvers for venting? I do plan to go propane as i think on it, using a 12k burner
Click to expand...
Do not put the chimney at the top.... condensate will drip on the food.....  the design you have linked to is a great design and hard to beat... 

I have linked to propane burners that work well in a smoker.... they are proven winners.... 

A 12K burner will heat your garage....  

Dave 
 
Thanks for the links I will check those out. When I hit Walmart today i will check the size on their drying racks
 
when i built mine i located the 4" vent on the left side top rear. also you dont want your smokehouse air tight it needs to breath. I started with lpg but the NEPA winters were cold and the lpg was very flucuating. I went with a Traeger hopper/burner and could hold steady at 180*
 
Dave I noticed the burner you linked to is a 35,000btu isn't that larger then the 12k? If the 12k is too large does that make the northern tool one way too big? I found cookie racks online the same size the build had (16x10) for about $6 per pair so I will be using the size original to his design.

I was curious what can be done to extend the smokers outdoor life since treated wood is not used.
 
The burner has 3 separate burner rings that are controlled individually.... That burner can be used for other stuff too.... Like a crab boil type thing or operating your pressure cooker....  Here is the thread that many followed for their smoke houses.....   Lots of explanations on how it works and what "extras" make it perfect for your type smoker.... 

Earlier you mentioned "propane consumption"....  at 5,000 btu's, and a gallon of propane having about 95,000 btu's, a full 20# bottle should last close to 4 days....  here that's about $4 / day.....

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/88853/found-a-burner-for-smokehouse

330973_lg.jpg
 
You rock I will read on that. If i can find the burner somewhere in stock im ordering it because i will use it to boil crawfish and when i brew beer also. I have a cheap banjo i used to do that with and this burner will outdue it.

I can't wait to build this in a few weeks me and my brother in law can do it in a day putting down beers.
 
Jackal, that burner should work well.... You are all set....  Take pics of the build....   and by the way, we have a home brew forum on this site also.....  [color= rgb(128, 0, 0)]http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/107/beer-ale     [/color]Click on that link....  This place is your "one-stop-forum"..... no need to go anywhere else.....      Dave
 
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