Cinder Block Pit - Air Flow

[jlafrenz]

I am working on a cinder block pit build for whole hog. I have the general layout and concept together, but my main question is about air flow. I am used to smoking where I have control of in and out. I see on most pits like I am thinking of (Meat Church and Amazing Ribs) that they don't have an exhaust. Does this type of pit not need an exhaust or does the gaps in the brick or lid provide enough air flow? I am going to try and stack things tight, but realize there will be gaps as is the nature of the beast. I was going to build an insulated lid, but try to use flat sheet metal and not corrugated so there may not be gaps in the lid to create an exhaust. Any issue with this or should I turn one of the blocks to make an exhaust?

 

[h8that4u]

Not sure if this will help or not but remember reading this awhile back.

Whole Hog Cinder Block Build / Function Questions

I turn 60 in January and I'm planning a whole hog roast. Thinking of building a design like below in terms of size for a cinder block pit. Seems like you don't want to be too big on the interior dimensions or else its too much work to try and maintain heat and if you go too small then the...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[smoking a fatty]

I am working on a cinder block pit build for whole hog. I have the general layout and concept together, but my main question is about air flow. I am used to smoking where I have control of in and out. I see on most pits like I am thinking of (Meat Church and Amazing Ribs) that they don't have an exhaust. Does this type of pit not need an exhaust or does the gaps in the brick or lid provide enough air flow? I am going to try and stack things tight, but realize there will be gaps as is the nature of the beast. I was going to build an insulated lid, but try to use flat sheet metal and not corrugated so there may not be gaps in the lid to create an exhaust. Any issue with this or should I turn one of the blocks to make an exhaust?

Hello, I just finished a whole hog block smoker. Here is a few answers to your questions.
You can see the exhaust chimney in this photo, bust a block , you only want one side of it. A piece 8x8x16.
Take that piece and install between 3 block
That gives you the opening you see in the image. Install a 1x1x 20 lintel over the opening to hold the weight
The chimney needs to be 3 block high to draw correctly