Smoker build - couple questions

[davenh]

I'm planning to build a vertical smoker out of an upright freezer, approx size 66"Tx26"Wx26"D (outside depending on freezer). Can get plenty of free freezers off the freecycle site. Going to strip out everything to the shell. Fiberglass insulation all around and use aluminum sheet to cover the interior walls. Strip/sand the paint off the shell and spray with black hi-temp paint. Do the same to the door.

My quest here is to build a dual fuel smoker, electric and charcoal. A 1300 watt heater and PID controller, and add a Chargriller offset firebox. Use charcoal to supply most of the BTU's and assist with the element to control temps. I'm hoping to be able to run this up to 325° for poultry.

Freezer is free and I've got a controller, ss relay, T/C wire, element, hi-temp gasket material and fiberglass insulation laying around. Planning on hitting some appliance junkyards for a bunch of oven racks (maybe have to cut them down), aluminum sheet will be $120, fire box is $55 and figuring at least $100 in misc. Should be <$300 out of pocket.

I'm guessing there will be 5 cooking racks 22"x22" (spaced at 8"), 2420 sqin of cooking area. Also an additional rack for a water/drip pan

Question: is aluminum the best way to go for the liner? I have a local scrap yard will sell me .062" sheets for $30, 3'x8'. I'm thinking I will need 4.

Question: do you think the 325 temp will be achievable.

Bigger question: Does this project make sense? Figured I post here for a reality check before I start

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I doodled up a little sketch, but will have to post when I get home.

Any suggestions are very welcome

 

[skygreenbud]

i read your post.For what it is worth, i built a smoker about the size of an old outhouse.It looks like one too.i have a propane double burner(appro.15000btu's each),a side mounted smoke box with a 1000w hotplate and cast iron frypan for wood.It is insulated and covered with tin.I have had it up to around 300 deg. and that is with both burners on high,outside temp around 60.I would think it would depend on the size opening going from the side fire box into the smoker.I have an 8" opening going into the smoker .if the wood chips burst into flames the temperature starts to climb.For what it's worth.

 

[davenh]

Hi skygreenbud...this thread was a while back. Smoker is built and and has a bunch of smokes under it's belt. Real happy with it

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I had a thread showing all the finished pics, but it is no longer.