Making a Smoker but what kind...

[pne123]

I am thinking of making a UDS or a electric smoker in an old fridge or cabinet. I have a propane GOSM and I like it but it is a small one.

I am having a problem finding a decent and cheap drum. I like the idea of the drum but i also like the idea of set and leave of an electric w/ a hot plate and thermostat.
What are the pros and cons of each??

I have seen the electric w/ the smoke box external with a tube into the meat area. Is this just for cool smoking? Will the electric smoker still get hot enough for ribs and pulled pork or is it more for sausage, bacon and other cooler items?

 

[richtee]

Thought about using the GOSM as a smoke gen for the fridge/cabinet?

Slip a heating element into the base of cabinet for heat. Keep it off and lengthen the pipe from the GOSM for cold smoking.

I am liking the drum design... Bubba's impressed me. I need a bigger "smaller" smoker.

 

[bbq bubba]

Well, i'm partial to drum's now, building #3....but for price of build, fuel efficency and simplicity of use, you can't go wrong.

 

[fireguy]

I like my simple electric fridge smoker. I use an element out of my old brinkman. just to see what it could do I cranked up the themostat I salvaged from an oven in the junk yard, along with a bunch of oven racks for the meat, and it went up to 350 after a while. I have never tried ribs in it yet but I have no reason to think itwould not get hot enough.
hope this give you some ideas.

 

[gramason]

I'm with bubba. I'm on my 2nd drum build. They are easy to use, and hold a very consistent temp.

 

[pne123]

I found a place that has 2 drums. $5 each. Probably should get them both since they are so expensive. they get honey in them. Should burn out nicely. They are probably lined but for 5 bucks can not go wrong. I have to wait about a week till they bring them into town from their werehouse. Now i need to find the rest of the parts.

I have done some reading on different build ups....who thinks theirs is the best? I have some of my own ideas to make mine unique but want to start w/ the basics.

I guess i am going drum...can always do a hot plate to cold smoke..

 

[bbq bubba]

I think you've made a good decision, look forward to your build!

 

[pne123]

so am I but I seriously doubt my wife is.....

 

[bustedluckbarbq]

i was gonna let you know....we got a guy south of you here in MD called the barrel guy.... he has tons of barrels the good ones with removeable lids are 10 bucks.... had apple juice concentrate in em'.... i got 2 yesterday.... build will prob. go this weekend....

 

[travcoman45]

For my new smoker, I'm using the heating element out of a clothes dryer with an oven temperture control for hot smoke and a low temperature control for cold smoke. Thinking about building the smoke box seperate from the unit for better temp control during cold smoke. Gathering parts at this time, hope to start the build next weekend if the weather gets a bit warmer!

Using a 50's fridge for the box.

Had a gasser before, this one has to live in the shop so it don't walk away, thus the electrics.

Bought the heating element for less then $16.00 dollars new.

 

[richtee]

Dryer element? Don'tcha think like 5KW is a LEETLE extravagant? Or ya running it 110VAC?

 

[travcoman45]

Nope it will be at 220v. Never underbuild anything! Price was right and figure I will have plenty of capacity if I wan't to smoke in Iowa's below freezing temps. Don't want it to work to hard ya know.

This is the same wattage element as in many commercial 100 pound electric smokers, my cabinet will be similar in size as well.