Planning to build, want some input

[sdflavor]

Hey gang,

I am currently in the planning aspect of building my own little smokehouse (portable).  And I wanted some input from all you experts.

I was planning on making the frame out of 2x4's, but I'm curious about some of the other aspects of it.  I have read quite a few posts on other builds on here, and I don't really feel some of my questions have been answered, so here goes.

I live in South Dakota, so temp ranges are pretty extreme from winter to summer.  I am looking to do mainly hot smoking, but wouldn't say no to cold smoking.

Do I need to insulate it? 

If I am using mostly if not all wood to build it, what should i use around the heat source?  I have seen some "reflectix" stuff at lowes, and was wondering if that would work?  just line the lower portion of the smokehouse with that?

I was thinking of having my inside dimensions as 3x3x5 or 6. 

As far as air flow, is it better to have some holes in the bottom panel, or some sort of vent at the level of the heat source?  I was leaning towards hot plates, but not sure if that will work for this.

i'm sure i'll have more to add as i get further into my planning, but your input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[tennsmoker]

Hey SDFlavor,

I lined the bottom of my smokehouse with land scape bricks for safety, the hot plate is for cold smoking in the 60-70deg range.

The burner which numerous forum members have is for temp up in the 200 range.

You may have already seen my build, if not here is the link:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/127538/smoke-house-plans-materials-plus-1st-q-views/20

hope this gets you started and good luck on your build, show us your pic's

al

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• tennsmoker
• Oct 23, 2012