Reverse Flow or ?

[beemerburner]

Hello all; Newbee here with an uncut 30" x 87" tank.
Is there a discussion anywhere regarding reverse flow vs "regular" air flow? I hesitate to ask questions if mine have already been asked & answered...... somewhere......
From what little I have read - Reverse flow is good for "one type of meat at a time" vs. regular flow whereby it is good for multiple types of meat at the same time due to different heat zones.

I am looking at these plans:
http://smokerplans.net/products/250...are-firebox-right?_pos=6&_sid=a696bd4fb&_ss=r

I guess I am asking as a ROOKIE; What type should I make for EASE OF HEAT MANAGEMENT and the ability to do tri-tip and perhaps chicken for the same meal?

Thank you all,

 

[pineywoods]

There are some threads with both types of smokers being built in the "Smoker Builds" section look in the sub forums for the types of builds.
You can cook multiple meats in either or any smoker for that matter.
I personally have a reverse flow.

 

[Discus39]

I have built a reverse flow and also an offset. I will never build an offset again. The reverse flow is the only way to go in my opinion. You can cook multiple meats its just the cook time will vary. All the information to build any type of smoker is on this forum. This is where I leaned everything I know from previous post and tons of knowledge from everyone. Feldons calculator is a must use for firebox and stack. Good luck on your build.

 

[radioguy]

I built a RF and love the way it cooks. Temps are even across the cooking grate. I control temps by the size of the fire

Felons or Alien is a good calculator but it has its drawbacks. daveomak did much to refine RF calculations.

Make it your own.
RG

Reverse Flow Smoker... How to calculate build tutorial...

This is a tutorial and you will need a calculator and paper to note desired dimensions... This tutorial has been proven to make an excellent operating Reverse Flow smoker... Here's to "Alien BBQ" and the folks that first put the calculator...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[JckDanls 07]

I agree with Dave Omaks Reverse Flow Calculator... I used it to build This ... It works so well... I never have to make any adjustments, just throw a split in every so often..

Whoever said you can't cook multiple meats on a reverse flow has no clue how to cook... IMO

 

[beemerburner]

TY for the quick reply. What is the "stainless" box on front?
Do you have wood storage on your trailer? Tables, etc?

 

[beemerburner]

There are some threads with both types of smokers being built in the "Smoker Builds" section look in the sub forums for the types of builds.
You can cook multiple meats in either or any smoker for that matter.
I personally have a reverse flow.

TY for the tip. Will start there.

 

[beemerburner]

I built a RF and love the way it cooks. Temps are even across the cooking grate. I control temps by the size of the fire

Felons or Alien is a good calculator but it has its drawbacks. daveomak did much to refine RF calculations.

Make it your own.
RG

Reverse Flow Smoker... How to calculate build tutorial...

This is a tutorial and you will need a calculator and paper to note desired dimensions... This tutorial has been proven to make an excellent operating Reverse Flow smoker... Here's to "Alien BBQ" and the folks that first put the calculator...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

TY for the reply. Math..... what a concept !

 

[beemerburner]

I agree with Dave Omaks Reverse Flow Calculator... I used it to build This ... It works so well... I never have to make any adjustments, just throw a split in every so often..

Whoever said you can't cook multiple meats on a reverse flow has no clue how to cook... IMO

TY for the quick reply. I'm learning alot already!

 

[beemerburner]

Thank you all for the replies.
Does anyone have an opinion with this design or have any experience/history with smokerplans DOT net ?

250 Gallon Propane Tank Reverse Flow Smoker With Warming Cabinet

250 GALLON PROPANE TANK Reverse Flow Smoker Plans are NOW With a Warming Cabinet! Full 10 page set of smoker plans drawn with AutoCad for you to build a smoker. This smoker is a 87" long by 30" diameter Reverse Flow Smoker with a Square Fire Box on the right side. Our Smoker Plans will help you...

smokerplans.net

 

[radioguy]

I used no plans at all. I had an old compressor tank that was my basis. What I built is what I learned here and Feldons calculator. I used what scrap I had on hand. Bought scrap 5/16 plate from the junkyard. I made it lefthanded so "Lefthanded" smoke is my claim to fame. I did modify Lefty and put him on a trailer when it was hard to move it around. Glad I did now I take it to various places for cooks.

RG

 

[seenred]

Thank you all for the replies.
Does anyone have an opinion with this design or have any experience/history with smokerplans DOT net ?

250 Gallon Propane Tank Reverse Flow Smoker With Warming Cabinet

250 GALLON PROPANE TANK Reverse Flow Smoker Plans are NOW With a Warming Cabinet! Full 10 page set of smoker plans drawn with AutoCad for you to build a smoker. This smoker is a 87" long by 30" diameter Reverse Flow Smoker with a Square Fire Box on the right side. Our Smoker Plans will help you...

smokerplans.net

Hello beemerburner!

First off, I've cooked on both direct flow and reverse flow smokers, and I prefer RF. It's been my experience that RF pits are easier to maintain temps, and seem to be more fuel efficient. I never heard anyone say you couldn't do multiple meats at the same time in a RF.

I built a RF a year or so back using a set of plans from that particular website. I thought it turned out great! The owner of that company is a guy named Frank Cox, who is becoming a pretty well-respected pit builder. The beauty of his plans is, he's already done all the math for you, so you don't have to worry if your calculations are correct. And he's also very friendly, helpful and accommodating. He's good about making himself available any time to answer questions, or provide guidance/advice. I never called him when he didn't answer his phone and take the time to help me out.

If you're interested, the thread for that build is here:

Red's 24x46 Reverse Flow Patio Build

Howdy SMF Brothers and Sisters! I started a RF patio smoker build several months ago...and kept meaning to start a build thread here. So I'm finally getting around to doing that! I started with this propane tank. It's 5/16" thick, and 24" diameter by almost 11 feet long. I plasma-cut the...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Good luck with your build! And I hope you'll take us along for the ride by making your own build thread!

Red

 

[Discus39]

500 Gal Reverse Flow Trailer

Plenum is an excellent choice... 6" exhaust AIN'T gonna be big enough... Run your numbers through the tutorial to get the right size... Standard Reverse Flow Smoker Calculator... by DaveOmak and others... Ready to use.. rev5.. 6/19/15. | Smoking Meat Forums - The Best Barbecue Discussion...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

here is the link to the 500 gal RF trailer i built