Really small UDS?

[jd1983]

I was thinking about trying to get a drum that used to hold 50 lbs of popping oil to use as a mini-UDS.  I can't seem to find the size of these things in gallons but I'd guess they are closer to 10.  Is this too small to make a usable UDS?  Let me know your opinions or experiences.

 

[coffee_junkie]

I was thinking about trying to get a drum that used to hold 50 lbs of popping oil to use as a mini-UDS.  I can't seem to find the size of these things in gallons but I'd guess they are closer to 10.  Is this too small to make a usable UDS?  Let me know your opinions or experiences.

I think if you try to use charcoal or lump your food would be too close to heat source. Are you having trouble finding a food grade drum? I have a source here in Helena if you are interested, there free.

You could mess with it and try to baffle the charcoal basket or you could use an electric element similar to the alton brown terra cotta smoker. The UDS design I used requires at least 24" from the bottom of the charcoal basket to the first cooking grate.

Let me know if you want a drum and can get to H-town and I will hook you up.

 

[meateater]

Here's about as small as you want, 30 gallon. It's my watt burner and will do a 10 pound bird max. Hope this helps.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/99211/sparky-the-uds#post_547705