Freezer Build

[mohlrich]

I have read a bunch of different posts about people converting old freezers into smokers. It just so happened that I got a call from my dad that his old upright freezer just died and he needed help getting it out of the basement. I took the opportunity and started my own reefer build. It's an older Whirlpool freezer with a porcelain coated steel inside. I want to use this as a cold smoker (with A-Maze-N Smoke Generator) and also a hot smoker (jerky, snack sticks, and multiple meats). I went out tonight and was just going to start a little demo but that went a little further than expected. I didn't get any pics of what it looked like originally but this is where I'm at now.

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• mohlrich
• Nov 28, 2012

The inside shell

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• mohlrich
• Nov 28, 2012

Door after removing the plastic liner and insulation

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• mohlrich
• Nov 28, 2012

Outer shell on the left drying out and my pile of junk to get rid of before the wifey sees it!!

You may be asking why I removed the insulation. I did this because I found that some of it was wet and had some mold on it. What type of insulation should I use to replace the old? The original looked to be unfaced batt maybe 3.5-4" thick. I also need to sheet the door. I have heard not to used galvanized so I was thinking aluminum or sheet metal. Sound like a good idea?

When I first started brainstorming this idea I was going to use parts from an old electric stove. I found out that it is hard to find a cheap and working stove. So I'm now looking into using propane. I found a website and really liked the idea of using a brownie pan cut into the bottom of the freezer. I think I'm going to use this idea but now I need to find a burner. Any ideas? I thought about buying a BBQ grill side burner kit and using it. I want to have a knob (needle valve) to control the temp. Well that is where I'm at now. Thanks for taking the time to read all my rambling lol.

 

[mneeley490]

For insulation, I used roxul on mine; I have heard that unfaced fiberglass is ok, too. It is easier to find, and probably a little cheaper.

I'm eager to see how your build comes out. Good luck!

 

[daveomak]

Matt, morning.....  I have done refer builds in the past.... There is one trick to putting a new skin on the inside of the door...  

I skinned the door with cold rolled steel... I think it was 26 gauge or somewhere close and veggie oiled and cured during break in of the smoker....  before applying the skin, lay the door flat in an area you can work...  using shims, shim the corners so the door is stable.... attach strings to each bottom corner of the door.... cross them in the middle and attach at the top corners.... You now have an X in the middle of the door.... make sure the strings are taught...  Adjust the shims so the strings "Just touch" in the center .....  This will insure the door is in "plane" so the sheet panel does not twist the door....   If the door is secure, insulate and recheck for being in "plane".... install the panel....   I used pop rivets.... If a door gasket is needed, High temp silicone works and wood stove gaskets work also...   Dave

 

[mohlrich]

I was hoping you would stop in Dave. I have read a bunch of your posts on different peoples threads and have been taking notes!! Funny how some things work out but probably as your were typing your response, I was reading the same technique that you were telling T Erwin. Hoping to get time this weekend to buy the insulation and sheet metal. Thanks for the tip and keep them coming!!

 

[mohlrich]

Well the Ohio winter is starting to come to an end and spring is around the corner. I haven't been working on the smoker because of the cold temps and unheated garage. Here is a pic of the door that I finished before the deep cold set in.

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• mohlrich
• Mar 3, 2013

Hope to finish the painting and clear coats soon and start putting it together. My plan is to buy a cabinet burner from www.gassmoker.com. I have made a different burner "pan" that will extend out of the bottom of the smoker for air flow. The inside will be insulated with Roxul insulation. I will have a 4" stack out of the top with a rain cap. I'm going to use 2x4's to make my shelf brackets and also drill half holes in the top to hold dowels. That's about it for now. Thanks for taking a peek into my world.