Smoker Build

walleyejason

Newbie

Original poster

Dec 23, 2009

9

10

• Dec 23, 2009

• #1

So, a few months ago I stopped into a local resturaunt supply company to see if they had any used sausage stuffers or meat grinders. I started talking with the warehouse guy and he showed me some old refrigerators that were kuput, and he had a list of guys who wanted them for smoker conversions.

I got my name on the list, and this morning he called and had my fridge for my smoker build.



I was stoked to see that it was a double door, one side was a freezer and the other a fridge. I wanted a double door, but this one is two seperate compartments. At first I was a little dissapointed, but now I have two smokers in one unit. I think this is going to work really well.

I gutted the freezer coils, and started gutting the compressor unit. I am recycling the copper and scrap alum.

Oh, by the way, I got this for no charge!!! He loaded it on my truck and away I went. I did give him a giftcard for Subway, seeing how I want to get my name back on the list.

The freezer compartment is 19x16 and the Fridge is 19x24.

I plan on putting a propane burner in the pull out drawer with a drip pan above.

I'm trying to figure out how big of a burner to get. If you all have any good suggestions let me know.

Thanks,
WJ

 

txbbqman

Smoking Fanatic

SMF Premier Member

Feb 3, 2009

715

12

Bryan, Tx

• Dec 23, 2009

• #2

Congratulations....Awesome Score.

Please keep us up to date, I can't wait to see this

 

etcher1

Master of the Pit

Sep 3, 2007

1,154

10

Fayetteville Arkansas

• Dec 23, 2009

• #3

Wish I could find something like that!

 

nwbhoss

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 11, 2009

336

51

Arlington Washington

• Dec 23, 2009

• #4

Sweet deal!!!!!!!!!
I would love to stumble onto something like that

 

chefrob

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Sep 13, 2009

3,627

42

az

• Dec 23, 2009

• #5

that thing has huge potential.

 

randya

Meat Mopper

SMF Premier Member

Feb 8, 2009

251

26

Palmetto, Florida (Tampa Bay Area)

• Dec 24, 2009

• #6

I not sure I wouldn’t look at putting an electric type element for the heat and add a wood chip dispenser for the smoke.

This is very nice, please keep us all posted on your progress.

 

cheapchalee

Smoking Fanatic

Oct 25, 2007

361

11

Thailand

• Dec 24, 2009

• #7

I'm thinkin if'n it was me I'd look at electric and a PLC controller or two, one for each side. I can see a lot of potencial for that unit. I've got a friend that has a business making jerky and he has converted about 3-4 of the old units similar to this into dehydrators. His has the glass doors. Well good luck and keep us posted. We're addicted to Qview.

Charlie

 

walleyejason

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Dec 23, 2009

9

10

• Dec 26, 2009

• #8

I'm not 100% sold on Propane yet either, and an Electric element might be the better option. It would be nice if I could take it with me an not need power.

I'm still doing some research, any suggestions would be great!

Thanks
WJ

 

nickelmore

Smoking Fanatic

Feb 5, 2009

546

10

Lockport IL

• Dec 26, 2009

• #9

If that were mine, I would use the small section for storage, and use use a side burner off of a out door grill or a burner single burner at Northern. I would put it in the drawer so you can protect if from wind but still have enough air so you don't suffocate the flame.

Depending on what you want to smoke you can add a electric element for lower temps.

I picked up a electric BBQ at Wal mart at the end of the season for $20. It is adjustable to 1500 watts.

For lower temps I take our my propane burner and replace it with the electric.

I use an external smoke generator similar to a smoke daddy.

That unit is a great find, I have a friend of mine who owns a scrap yard sell me aluminum warming box for $40 and nothing compared to what you scored.

 

beer-b-q

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

May 1, 2007

10,099

40

• Dec 27, 2009

• #10

What about having the best of both worlds? Put a propane burner on one side and an electric on the other side. It would be Awesome...

Here would be a good electric element...
http://www.drillspot.com/products/51...trip_ss_heater

 

meateater

Legendary Pitmaster

SMF Premier Member

Oct 17, 2009

8,983

63

Hendertucky, Nv.

• Dec 27, 2009

• #11

Great find! Post up some pics when ya get it done.

 

smokingohiobutcher

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jun 21, 2009

1,185

34

The North Coast of Ohio

• Dec 27, 2009

• #12

awesome find!! if you need more racks you might be able to find what you need here http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/

the racks I bought work great...and cheap!
L8ter SOB

 

nwdave

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Dec 9, 2009

1,591

21

A stone's throw from Bellingham Bay, The Other Was

• Jan 2, 2010

• #13

Are you referring to the cooling racks similar to http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/...8/p363662.aspx

If they are, that's a real good price.