Vertical Propane Tank Smoker Build

[mac73]

I am building something a little different after about 15 years of use my Fridge smoker went up in flames.  This time I am building a smoker out of an old 500 gal propane tank.  Unlike everyone else I have decided to build it up right (Vertical) instead of horizontal.  I started with an old tank, shot blasted all the paint off of it, and welded some legs on it.  From there I went and plasma cut the door in it, and welded the hinges on them.  I cut an access door into the bottom to get to my heat source.  I had some shelve brackets made and welded them into the smoker, this way I can remove the shelves.  I have not decided what type of shelve I plan on using.  I am building it so I can heat it with either propane or charcoal.  The propane heat I am building a PID controller to regulate my temp.  I am also going to build a smoke generator for the side, but have not figure out exactly how to do this yet.  Can't wait for the first ribs out of it, my old fridge unit I could smoke 18 rack at one time, I'm thinking at least double that.  I have plenty more work and I will up date with pictures when I get more progress done, for now it's a weekend project. 

 

[qobsession]

More Pics More Pics. I love my UDS but I need more room in a small footprint, your Idea is golden.

 

[rubbin butts]

Mac, That is going to be one fine cooker.

Keep the pictures coming.

 

[krossphyre]

Great idea I like it!

 

[mac73]

Worked on the smoker a little more the last couple weekends.  I have all my removable shelves cut and in place.  I have my gas burner installed when I want to use propane.  I have my fire box done (an old grill).  I have my PID built for my gas control.  I still have to weld my fire box on run a pipe between the firebox and smoker.  Connect my gas valve, and PID to the smoker, weld on my chimney and paint.  I have 5 gallons of used peanut oil to do the first seasoning with, I am going to do it like an old cast iron skillet.  More pictures to come, and my goal is to smoke a turkey for Thanksgiving, if not ribs for the wife before.

 

[hj mccormick]

How has your smoker worked out for you?  Any finished pics?  I have a line on a 120 Gal vertical propane tank,  I was thinking about putting the firebox directly beneath the tank to save space.  Your build is the closest thing I've seen to my idea.  Thanks,  Jim

 

[twiztidnwicked]

I'm curious as to how this turned out. Any new pics or updates on this behemoth?

 

[michael ark]

Looks great so far.Thumbs Up

 

[cdldriver]

tell e about the propane set up? nice build.

 

[sskynrd]

I want to hear about the propane setup too

 

[meatjerker]

You are a monster. Get down. To me, a
'Fridge' sounds like a better idea. If you want even temps, an insulated box will outperform that steel radiator. I'd put a blanket on the bitch.

 

[4hisglorybbq]

Here are a few pictures of a Vertical build a friend and I are working on. I'm trying to figure out how I want to do my gas burner. I intend to use wood primarily, but if my wife wants to stick a roast in there I would like her to be able to fire up a burner and use it as an outdoor oven. I need to make one more rack. I also am going to add rods at the top of the tank so I can hang meat like a UDS. Thanks for sharing your pictures and great build! 

IMG_7088.JPG

• 4hisglorybbq
• Jul 13, 2014

 .

IMG_7407.JPG

• 4hisglorybbq
• Jul 13, 2014

 

[4hisglorybbq]

HJ McCormick, Here is a picture of a 100 lb. tank vertical build that a friend and I just finished. we put the firebox on the bottom. You can use a removable gas burner or burn wood. There is a 22 inch disk above the burner to act as a baffle and keep grease from dripping down into the gas burner. I have love cooking with my UDS, so I figured this would work out the same. This was a gift for  friend and he says it works great. His first cook was a rack of beef ribs and a couple of tri-tips and they came out nice and tender.

IMG_7023.JPG

• 4hisglorybbq
• Jul 13, 2014

IMG_6889.JPG

• 4hisglorybbq
• Jul 13, 2014

 

[michael ark]

Were did y'all get the gas burrner set up? Looks great!