Smoker shelter/temp control

[pellet]

Hi Im new to the forum and making my first post. I didnt want to hi jack the thread about regulating temps. I have been trying to find ways to better control my smoker temps in the cold Iowa weather. I considered modifying my Smokey Mt smoker by wrapping a outer shell on the original case. But then I considered making a smoker out of an old fridge. Not sure I want to go that route. I began to wonder if I could just take that fridge and strip it out as if to make the smoker and simply place my Vert. smoker inside it to create a double wall. In addition, I could put a lean to on my yard shed and enclose it to keep the wind out.. I guess I am looking for input on the smoker inside the fridge idea with out having to put a lot of work into it. I would run the gas line in from the outside and vent it. Does this sound like reasonable idea or am I having a fantasy of something thats never going to work? 

 

[mballi3011]

First off welcome to SMF there Pellet. You'll like this place for there are alot of really good folks here that would just love to help you with just about anything to do with smoking meat. Now for your keeping your smoker warm in cold temp you can try using a welding blanket or something like that to aid in the insulating of your smoker. Now Ilive in Florida so we don't really worry about stuff like that here. But there will be alot of folks aroud pretty darn soon that can help you with this problem.

 

[sprky]

First off 

 to SMF. There is a huge wealth of knowledge here, and folks are eager to help any way they can.

I suggest you take the 5 day e-course on smoking http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html. 

Even if you are not new to smoking it's a great read.

Now your fridge idea. This may possibly work I can not say for certain, there are far too many variables here that are unknown. Please provide more details on this fridge. What is the inside lined with. How much extra room will you have around the smoker. How do you plan on venting. How do you plan on providing fresh air intake. post as many details as you can think of, Pics also help.

Your lento idea in its self may provide enough enclose to do what you are wanting, I use 4 sections of insulated duct work around my propane fired smoker to block wind and help retain some of the heat. I am pondering another idea of building a studded insulated wall wind break unit, to contain more of the heat loss. It's just in the thought stage though.

 

[SmokinAl]

I'm a Florida boy too, but there are plenty of guys up north that smoke all winter long. I'm sure they will be along with some suggestions.

 

[johnnie walker]

Pellet, welcome to the forum. As far as your smoker in a fridge idea, I honestly don't know how it would work. Somebody with more knowledge on this will chime in soon.  I have a Cabelas gas smoker, I really don't seem to have alot of problems with it in the winter. The biggest thing you need to do is block the wind, it will cause you all kinds of problems in the winter. I think your idea for the lean to on the shed might solve alot of your problems.

 

[fpnmf]

Welcome..

This site has tons of info.

I suggest you spend some time reading all the different forums and the WIKIs.

Ask questions and use the handy dandy search tool for specific interests!!

Take the awesome free E-Course!!!

Have a great day!!!

Craig

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/about-jeffs-5-day-ecourse
 
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