Smoker build help. Opinions on a source

[rob989_69]

Ok, I'm working on a file cabinet build. I've got a large, 5 drawer cabinet, outside measurements are roughly 14"x30"x5.5'. I'm in process of cutting the drawers and mounting the expanded steel grates. What I need help with is the best heat source to use. This is primarily going to be a cold smoker, I'll be doing bacon, ham, locs (salmon) and cheese.

All help is much appreciated.

 

[reedwrite]

I made a two-drawer smoker and burnt up my electric hot plate that I tried at first.

I finally took a cheap propane 2-burner camp stove that I bought at Walmart and used tin-snips to cut the metal and mounted the stove into the base of the cabinet with the burner controls outside and the propane line outside too. I just drilled holes and used the existing mounting hardware that was used on the stove. I now have a great heat source that I can control down to very low and up way higher than I would ever need and not worry about burning up the plastic. Also - I don't have to plug it in. It smokes nice too.

 

[rob989_69]

Interesting concept. I was tossing around the idea of picking up a second small cabinet and using that as a "fire box" and then using some duct work to get the smoke over to the other cabinet. Your the second or third person now though that has said they've melted their electric burners. Me thinks I'll stay away from that.

 

[carpetride]

If you are going to use it for cold smoking then why not use a smoke pistol?

 

[tn_bbq]

I would tend to agree with this idea of using a ducting to get the smokin into the cooker. I'd also get a welding blanket to help hold the smoke in.

Regarding cold smoking: Have you seen that youtube video where the guy used a soldering iron and a soda can filled with chips/pellets to cold smoke on his existing propane grill wrapped in a blanket? Looked pretty cool.

 

[rob989_69]

To answer both your questions, I've considered a smoke pistol, only reason I'm not doing that is I'm trying to do this on the cheap. In the end I'll have roughly $60 invested total. The smoke pistol runs roughly $50 by itself. Plus you have to use their wood bullets. I'd rather stick to something a little more versatile. Although I have no doubts the pistol is an excellent product.

Yes, I've seen the youtube vid, great idea, but for what I'm looking for I don't think I'll get a long enough burn. That's good for a couple hours tops, perfect for cheese, but I'm looking at doing locs, and also ham and bacon. I'll need a burn that runs hours, and I don't think a soldering iron will stand up to that kind of use. Maybe I'm wrong.

Keep the ideas coming though. Sooner or later something will hit me. Right now I'm leaning towards a turkey fryer burner and a second cabinet as a firebox. The welders blanket is definately a good idea though, didn't think of that.