Im thinking about getting the Weber Smoky Mountain Smoker.. Anybody ever used one of those? It seems to be pretty popular.
Got any project pics?I purchased my drum this past weekend and am now about half way finished.
Not yet. So far, I have sanded down the outside of the drum, and drilled my holes so that I can install the racks, temp gauge, and air vents. I bought the drum at a farmer's Co-op for $17. They left it sitting outside for a few days and it had a little surface rust on one side, but nothing a little sanding couldn't take care of. As soon as I get a chance, I'm going to do a "burn out" in the drum, which is basically just loading it full of wood and letting the wood burn to clean out the inside real good. I bought some high-temp engine paint at the auto parts store. I plan to paint it up Crimson and White for tailgating.Got any project pics?
Cool. I see the barrel sits upright. I thought you were talking about one of the numbers with the barrel cut in half long ways with a smoker box on the side. Never seen one like this.Here is a link to a forum that has all the information you would ever need to build one of these things:
Pics! Our UDS Cooker (and How to Build One) - Part 1
Yeah, there is really very little to do to build it since it sits upright. The great thing is that the lid of a 22 inch Weber Kettel grill will fit right over the top, and the grates fit perfectly inside. I'm still building mine, but from what I understand, there is really no need to constantly refuel as a single load of charcoal will usually last 12 hours or more...some claim 24 hours. The temperature is mainly controlled by the vents at the bottom. Most people drill 3 holes at the bottom for vents, and then partially close one or two of the vents to keep the temperature at a constant 200 - 250 degrees for low and slow smoking. With this method you are cooking directly (although at least 24 inches above the coals), and it allows the juices from the meat to drip back onto the coals which provides extra flavor.Cool. I see the barrel sits upright. I thought you were talking about one of the numbers with the barrel cut in half long ways with a smoker box on the side. Never seen one like this.
Horizon Smokers are another good choice and the price is not too bad. I looked at the 16" Ranger yeaterday at the Bass Pro Shop here in Orlando and was impressed. Very well made and HEAVY. The 16" Classic is 325 pounds and the 16" Ranger is 570 pounds. They also make both in a 20" sizeI remember when this little unit cost $1500 and you pick it up in Houston or they would deliver for shipping cost.
Backyard Chef