Hi and a few questions for a cinder block smoker build

[kiwi-q]

Hi

My name is Gordy and I'm an American living in New Zealand. I'm new to the forum. I have a few questions about building a cinder block smoker. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Last summer I built a concrete patio with an Argentinian Parilla on it.

My project this summer is to add a smoker. Ive decided to go with a vertical cinder block smoker similar to the one that was posted here a while back on a thread called "ugly build" ( I thought it was beautiful...). I'm going with cinder block because it will look perfect aesthetically with the parilla and patio ( and Ive got access to a bunch of affordable cinder blocks!).

I was wondering....

With NZ being so wet, how long do you think it will take to dry out the blocks every time I use it so as to get it up to temp? Ive got tons              of hardwood so fuel is not a problem. 

Im planning to line the firebox with fire brick. Should I also line the smoke chamber with firebrick?

Also, I'm thinking I should fill the cavities in the cinder blocks with something. Concrete, sand or some other sort of insulation?

Im sure I haven't thought of something........ any input would be great!

Cheers Gordy

 

[daveomak]

When building a smokehouse....  Controlling temperature etc., of the smokehouse is sometimes forgotten...   In the diagram below are several ways to control heat, smoke and temperature of the smoker body itself....

SMOKEHOUSE SMOKE PIPE TEE.jpg

• daveomak
• Jul 11, 2017

 

[kiwi-q]

Thanks Dave.

Gives me some ideas. I'm stuck with the vertical  ( smoke chamber over fire box) design due to space constraints. I think I should be able to use some of those features on my smoker though.....very helpful

cheers G

 

[daveomak]

You're welcome....  I'm here if you have any questions....  Dave