Custom smoker build

[96chevy]

I have been making summer sausage in oven and using a pellet grill/smoker to add some smoke to the meat. It's time for a change and would like some input before I get started.

I thinking about 20" x 24" x 36" tall interior dimensions. With a vent on the top of one side around 3" diameter or 3" square. 1 - 1" x 4" inlet on each side (2 total). And using the element from an oven I scored for free from an uncle (has a bad board). I thinking about getting a manual dial from a different oven to use for temp control. I would like to be able to smoke 25 lbs of sausage at a time. I do have 220v available.

Are the interior dimensions big enough for this quantity of meat?

I plan to use .090 thick 304 stainless for the interior (I can get new material for scrap prices). Is it necessary to have the inside solid metal? Or benefits to using metal vs plywood?

I was thinking about insulating it as well, but am not sure how thick is necessary.

Any input on the controls for the build as to if the manual control is a good idea or if digital would be better?

Will the element from the oven likely put out enough heat for this size unit?

 

[96chevy]

Image of the oven info.

 

[Moot106]

For the amount of money you would have invested why not get a MES 40?

 

[96chevy]

For the amount of money you would have invested why not get a MES 40?

I guess I'm not sure where all the cost will come from? I'm thinking based on some quick Google searches that 304 stainless weighs about 3.8 lbs per sq ft and I can get that material for about 23 to 25 cents per pound, and at the dimensions provided i figured about 30$. I have the element (free) and would have about 20$ in insulation and have to figure something out to skin the outside with. And then the only other cost would be the element controls? Or am I missing some parts? I'm definitely a newbie. I am not opposed to buying a smoker, but thought it might be cheaper for me to build one the size I'm wanting?

 

[Moot106]

There's some guys on here that have way more knowledge than I do on building a cooker. I'm in the process of building one myself.

You will definitely want to insulate it. It will be a lot more efficient. Once it gets up to temp it will stay there longer. You don't want to use ridged foamboard. For most of those they will start to deteriorate at about 200degrees. Rock wool insulation is your best bet.

Check out auberins.com for a controller. They have pretty much everything you need as far as that goes.

Check out the amazen products for a sawdust or pellets tray or tube to produce smoke.

Don't get me wrong I think it's awesome to build your own. All I'm saying is you can buy one ready to go thats about the same size as you were thinking for not much money

 

[Moot106]

This is what I'm in the process of building now. Should be able to give it a test run this weekend.

 

[96chevy]

This is what I'm in the process of building now. Should be able to give it a test run this weekend.

I like the idea of building my own, but the convienece of buying one sometimes takes the cake... At this point im more likely to steer in the direction that cost less, im not in a huge hurry for one, yet.

That's a pretty sweet rig you have going on there. I can't wait to see it in action.

 

[daveomak]

Stainless for 25 cents per pound ??? That Waaaaaaaaay cheap... mild steel costs me $1.05 per pound... SS is $5.61 per pound here...

 

[Moot106]

Not sure where you guys live but where I am a 5x10 sheet of 14gauge is $90

 

[indaswamp]

X2 Dave and Moot...
I too am wondering where he is buying this SS at. Stuff is high as hell here.

 

[indaswamp]

To the OP, If you are gonna build one, go big or go home. You can buy a small smokehouse already made.

 

[indaswamp]

If you want to go the inexpensive route-do a refrigerator smokehouse.

 

[96chevy]

I am able to get the stainless through my dad, he works in a factory where they sell metal at scrap price to the employees once a quarter. How much space do you all think is possible to heat with an oven element? I have 240v outlet that I plan to use. Inexpensive is the better route for me at this time. I thought about the refrigerator route, but I have not really come across anything lately.

 

[indaswamp]

Ah...well now that makes sense. You have a hook up. That's awesome!

 

[96chevy]

If you want to go the inexpensive route-do a refrigerator smokehouse.

After doing some more checking around I found someone who said they have a few old refrigerators that don't work. I'm not sure what any of them are yet, but looking for some insite on what to look for in a fridge for a smoker. Single door or would a double door be better like maybe one with a bottom freezer to use for replacing chips and such? Anything info on what works good would be a big help. Thanks in advance.

 

[96chevy]

I finally got some controls in the mail yesterday. I took a stab at the wiring diagram, can anyone tell me if this looks correct?

 

[hap12]

Looks like the ssr output on your controller is 12v. Where as your relay is 24-380v. That might cause some issues.

Was looking at the relay wrong. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be.

 

[hap12]

Oh wait, I was looking at the relay wrong.

 

[ernest_o]

I thought of converting a refrigrtator but from my research, most people that have converted refrigerators into a smoker have used vintage units with no plastic inside or foam insulation. Newer refrigerators will gasoff at smoker temps. Removal of the foam insulation is extremely labor intensive.

 

[96chevy]

Finally got around to getting some progress made on my smoker.