Building my own cold smoker, what would be some good ideas for a cheap smoking compartment?

[regnes]

As in the compartment the meat/cheese/whatever are stored away from the heat. I saw a lot of DIY guides using metal garbage cans which I liked the idea of, but I was unable to find any around town, they're all plastic now.

I was almost thinking of buying a big plastic rubbermaid or something, it's cheap, lightweight, and with lots of space. Though, I'm concerned about it's general food safety, I know it's not going to be heating up at all, but I still want to make sure I'm being careful lol.

Any other ideas of something nice and easy?

 

[jp61]

Big cardboard box?

 

[daveomak]

:yeahthat:

 

[stickyfingers]

I bet you could find a food grade 55 gal drum you looked around. Paper, craigslist, trader post.

 

[kihler]

Build a box out of cedar fence boards. 

 

[bikerchef]

 
Build a box out of cedar fence boards. 

Good idea.

I won't use a garbage can, galvanize or plastic. 

A wood box is a very good idea.

You could use a wine barrel, or just build a simple box.