Barrel smoker question

[JC in GB]

I have been looking at the construction of barrel smokers and have a question about the air intakes.

On nearly all designs I have seen, the air intakes come out the bottom, turn toward the top of the barrel 90 degrees and then end a few inches from the top of the barrel.

Why is this done?

Wouldn't just a vent at the bottom achieve the same result?

Also, it would seem to me that the longer tube run and the 90 degree bend would actually hamper air flow.

I am trying to gather some information about another smoker. I love my Stump's Baby but it is always nice to have another rig to cook with.

JC

 

[William89]

Mine run out the bottom with no issues.

I had the same question about the 90° with the long tube would slow the air flow but it seems that there is a lot of them built that way with no issues. I think if I ran upright tubes I would run a larger diameter pipe.

 

[JC in GB]

Mine run out the bottom with no issues.
View attachment 401434
I had the same question about the 90° with the long tube would slow the air flow but it seems that there is a lot of them built that way with no issues. I think if I ran upright tubes I would run a larger diameter pipe.

I have been thinking it is done just so you don't clip your ankles walking by.

 

[krj]

I honestly think most of the reason it's done so you don't have to bend down to adjust your intakes and it also makes it easier to quick glance and see where all your intakes are set.

I know there has to be some air flow restriction, but it's probably not so much that you would ever notice.

 

[JC in GB]

I honestly think most of the reason it's done so you don't have to bend down to adjust your intakes and it also makes it easier to quick glance and see where all your intakes are set.

I know there has to be some air flow restriction, but it's probably not so much that you would ever notice.

That makes the most sense for manually adjusted vents.

 

[desertlites]

it's to keep one from stooping to adjust air. I think it looks like ^%*@.