fire box position

[in. pred]

im going to build a barrel smoker. and was wondering if i should put the fire box under it instead of on end. i think it would be way more efficient in that position. what are your thoughts builders? anyone do that in the past? i just dont like the amount of fuel external boxes consume and am trying to tame that.

 

[Chasdev]

If you are building a smoker and not an oven then the heat source has to be as far away from the meat as is possible, no?
I say this because many offset smoker pilots spend time balancing/managing fire size to produce max clean smoke without exposing the meat to higher heat than what is wanted.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I cooked on one set up that way and I don’t recommend it or the design.

 

[1MoreFord]

Johnson Smokers makes some pits with fireboxes underneath.
I know of one guy who likes them.

Custom BBQ Pit & Charcoal Grill | Johnson Custom BBQ Smokers

New T-Reverse flow system, dual stacks at grate level, & added ability to be turned into a Charcoal Grill makes these pits one of a kind

johnsonsmokers.com

Southwest Smokers makes another style of pits with fireboxes underneath and I knew of another guy who really liked his.

Reverse Flow Stationary Smokers – SouthWest Smoker in Arkansas, USA custom smokers and custom barbeque grills

southwestsmoker.com