- May 3, 2013
- 19
- 10
I'm hoping to get some feedback on a new smoker build idea. I have 3 55gal drums that I'm looking to use. I have no welder and a limited budget. I built a 30gal UDS previously but need a larger smoking area, which is why i picked up some 55g drums this time. In order to eliminate cuts and potential areas for air to leak I came up with this idea. It's sort of a hodge podge of a UDS and Side Fire Box.
Essentially, I will lay one of the barrels on its side and cut out a door for access to build and control fire/temp. I want to use a length of steel pipe from the large bunghole on the first barrel to a hole I will cut in the bottom of the second barrel. I am hoping that because of the position of the steel pipe at the bottom of the vertical barrel I can fill that whole barrel with racks of meat. The top will be cut off the second one much like in a UDS build.
Correct me if I'm thinking incorrectly on this, but I was hoping that because the fire will be built in a full 55g drum with a 4-6" diameter steel pipe 12-14" long that a baffle/deflector will not be necessary.
Is this a terrible idea or what :-)?