Planning a Grill build, need input

[swechef]

Hi guys,

For those times when grilling is needed I woud like to build a proper, sturdy grill. I am thinking something suitable for garden parties when more direct/indirect grill surface is needed. Sure I can crank the smoker up to grilling temps but it'd be nice to have a proper grill for the job. Plus I'd just like to build something...

For the RFS there is the great pit calculator to help with dimensioning of everything to get a good airflow. Does anyone know if there is similar info available for grills? For example, smoke stack length is something that strikes me as something that might be important.

My thoughts are leaning in the direction of a Chargriller type thing. Something patio style, a proper tank with nice, thick walls, possibility adjust grate height, extractable grates, extractable charcoal box for easy refill, etc..

Anyone have experience of grill builds to share? Or even some do's and don'ts?

Cheers /Wes

 

[hambone1950]

I'm only chiming in because I feel bad that no one answered this and it's an interesting thought.
We have talked at work about building a big charcoal grill so we can cook for the guys once in a while , and we don't want to buy something expensive that will get used 2 or 3 times a year.

Having said that , what would you use for raw materials? And what style are you considering?
The one you described sounds pretty elaborate . We were just considering a flat uncovered box type like you would rent for a big outing. Just a big rectangle box with a grate on top. Plenty of grilling room for tons of chicken and burgers. Basic frame underneath , maybe put wheels on it.
We don't have a welding rig available to us so we would need something already in that shape. We talked about cutting a 55 gal drum in half....that seems like the easiest and cheapest.
If you use the search bar in this forum or any other , I'm sure you can come up with plans and photos.

It's a great idea , but if you're not a metal fabricator , it gets difficult .
Good luck , brother. :grilling_smilie:

 

[swechef]

TThis is the Smoking meat forum and not a grilling forum after all. :biggrin: I will share my buildning experience when I get the materials together. Maybe we learn something. One could envision this kind of grill as a SFB without the SFB.

It seems to me the main issue might be smoke stack volume. I'll probably start off using the pit calculator recommendations and then tweak it from there as we go along. I'll keep you guys posted when I have managed to gather required material. Tanks are hard to find around here plus I'd rather avoid cutting into propane tanks...

Cheers