Tips for making jerky in smokehouse

shrekastac

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Nov 30, 2013

109

15

Hampton, Va

• Jul 28, 2014

• #1

Howdy all,

I'm looking to make jerky in my smokehouse. Any tips on getting the temp/airflow just right? I am making a smokehouse with a 55 gal drum for a SFB. Also attaching a mailbox for a future AMNPS.

 

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

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Nov 12, 2010

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Jul 28, 2014

• #2

YEP...... have an air inlet to adjust the fire..... and an air inlet to let in ambient air to control the temp.....

 

rob sicc

Smoking Fanatic

May 5, 2008

725

26

new jersey

• Jul 29, 2015

• #3

Dave,  Can you please explain what you said here in a way someone that has no idea what you said would understand?  lol  I'm laughing but serious.  I have the offset smoker in my profile picture and when I make jerky the temp goes up to 275 and I normally burn a few pieces on the botton 2-3 racks.  the top 3 racks some out great.  So if you could try to expalin what you men, I would really appreciate it.   

 

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

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Nov 12, 2010

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Jul 30, 2015

• #4

Upper and lower air inlets... upper inlet to allow for the addition of cool air, it moves the heat from the FB to the CC and also cools the CC...... Lower air inlet to control the air to the fire....

FB Inlets.jpg

• daveomak
• Jul 30, 2015

.. ..

Smoker Exh and Intakes 2.jpg

• daveomak
• Jul 30, 2015

 

rob sicc

Smoking Fanatic

May 5, 2008

725

26

new jersey

• Jul 30, 2015

• #5

Hey Dave,  That was excellent.  I'm still a beginner so I'm learning all of the time.  This was a big help.  I didn't realize the air inlets (didn't know that's what they are called either) made a difference between high and low.  My first box has only a low air inlet on it.  I do have difficulties getting the temp to stay at about 160 degrees.  So in theory adding a high air inlet might help me?  I think my firebox maybe to small to fit an additional vent.  I will keep this in mind when I go to build my smoke house. 

I've seen a number of great smokehouse build threads here, like this one.  Do you recommend where a can get some building plans?

 

Last edited: Jul 30, 2015

daveomak

SMF Hall of Fame Pitmaster

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 12, 2010

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• Jul 30, 2015

• #6

Pictures would help.....