55 gallong firebox. need help!

[golfpro2301]

I just purchased the vogelzang stove kit for the 55 gallong drums. I plan on using this for a firebox for my refrigerator. I needed something to use in competitions and didnt feel like building a new smoker so I decided to try this and have a universal fridge (electric, charcoal/wood). I got the barrel put together and it works perfectly. Put three oak log splits inside and it burned at 535*. I kept the door open the whole time but when I did close it, it killed the fire almost instantly. There is a small air vent under the cast iron door but it looks like it is not getting enough air to the fire. Anyone have suggestions on what to do or know of a place I can get a air vent to fit a barrel. I will try and post pictures when I get a chance. Still havent figured out how to attach it to the fridge. It seems like the only pipe made is galvanized.

 

[daveomak]

A muffler shop or a semi truck center will have pipe in all sizes....     What size stack is on the barrel ?? And how tall is it ??

A 55 gallon drum seems a bit large to heat a refer....  55 gallons is large enough to heat a 170 gallon smoker... 23 cu ft... and that is uninsulated...  When you install air intakes on the firebox, consider and air intake at the grate level to control the fire and one intake above the grate to allow for air flow through the smoker....  the 2 controls work together for a good control over the smoker... 

Dave

 

[golfpro2301]

Thanks Dave.

I know the drum is large but I plan on lining the inside bottom with firebrick which should brind down the volume a little. My fridge is 17 cu. Ft. I already had a previous hole cut in the back of the fridge but it is right at the top level of the barrel. So I mounted the 6IN flue that came with the kit a little on the side. I found a 6IN aluminum vent that I mounted on the inside of the fridge. I found some 6IN flexible aluminum pipe that I think would work but all the pipe connectors I have found are galvanized. The pit building calculator says I need two 6IN vents but I only have space for one. Do you think this would be ok?

IMAG0589.jpg

• golfpro2301
• Nov 3, 2012

IMAG0591.jpg

• golfpro2301
• Nov 3, 2012

 

[daveomak]

6" black stovechimney pipe will fit and work...  A single 6" exhaust on the smoker should work as the refer is insulated..  If the wood fire is too hot, a charcoal briquette heat source with chunks would be good also using the minion method to control the heat... 

 

[ribwizzard]

I agree with Dave, 6inch should be fine, just dont build too big of a fire that you think it might choke it down.

Have you fiqured out how you are attaching it to the fridge yet?

 

[golfpro2301]

I plan on having a 6" steel pipe welded up in the angle that I need. The problem is I dont have anything to measure the angle. I have no clue on how to weld but I think I can find a cheap welder on craigslist and with some youtube help I might be able to do it myself.

 

[ribwizzard]

Id be interested in seeing a better pic that helps explain how your designing this.