First smoker build! HELP! POLL!

[steven vlassis]

Hello!

so ive been planning to do a smoker build for a while now but havent been able to find the right size propane tank (southern Arizona isnt a common place for them) but now i finally came across a right size air compression tank. now i have to decide how i want to build it. ive always wanted to do a reverse offset smoker, i figure they popular and known to work design but my dad wants to try a design he saw on some TV show where the fire box is connected to the main chamber underneath by three large pipes (ill include a picture). since this is my first build i want to get some third party opinions

smoker.png

• steven vlassis
• Jun 3, 2017

sorry for the bad drawing

 

[noboundaries]

I've seen exactly what you are referring to and thought it was ingenious.  I am a huge fan of vertical smokers.  They are more efficient because they aren't fighting physics, but access is a challenge.  The design above allows access and takes advantage of the physics of heat rising. 

 

[kam59]

Either will be a fun build. I personally do not care for reverse flow cookers I prefer tuning plates but you could do a Hybrid and have the best of both worlds if you decide on a offset.

I have seen several builds like your dad wants they work fine but you need a shield over your pipes and have them come into the chamber about 1.5" to keep grease from entering the firebox.