55 gallon drum smoker

[2006PSDSD]

Anybody ever built one? I have two smokers, but I think it would be fun to build my own out of a 55 gal drum (my welder is just collecting dust right now). I want mine to sit horizontal, with a fire box on the side. Doesn't have to be real mobile, it will stay in the yard, but if we move, I don't want to leave it

Any pics would help for inspiration

[symbols]

Well you can buy them $50 so unless you just want a project I wouldn't even bother with it. IMO they are so light weight that they don't last long enough for me to spend the time making one when they are readily available for so cheap.

[2006PSDSD]

We used one once for hunting camp, as a stove. Had that thing glowing red one night and as far as I know, its still in service I don't talk to that hunting party anymore, so I could be wrong. I just want something to do with the welder, and smoking a bunch of goodies for the 4th would be fun

[symbols]

This guy put some time into this one

55-gallon drum smoker | design & make

[Rohan]

They burn out too quickly imo. metal isn't really thick enough

[2006PSDSD]

Originally Posted by symbols

This guy put some time into this one

55-gallon drum smoker | design & make

I saw that one too when I googled the 55 gallon smoker, pretty cool . He did a great job on it, loks like it was made by a professional

Originally Posted by Rohan

They burn out too quickly imo. metal isn't really thick enough

I don't see them burning out too quickly because of their size, probably bad wood or too cool of a fire to keep it going

After thinking and taking a trip tp HD to see what they have for smokers, I'm gonna use a 30 gallon drum instead. I don't 'need' all that room, unless I plan to smoke a whole pig. And if I did, I could rent one I suppose

[JJFLASH]

You are wanting to build a smoker, not a grill/high temp bbq right? The temps will be way lower in a smoker so I think it should last awhile. I use 55g drums as trash incinerators as I usually get about 2 years out of them before they are shot and they sit out out in the Canadian elements all year long and have raging infernos in them a couple times a week.

[2006PSDSD]

Originally Posted by JJFLASH

You are wanting to build a smoker, not a grill/high temp bbq right? The temps will be way lower in a smoker so I think it should last awhile. I use 55g drums as trash incinerators as I usually get about 2 years out of them before they are shot and they sit out out in the Canadian elements all year long and have raging infernos in them a couple times a week.

Yeah, the temps will be below 300*, for low and slow cooking

[JJFLASH]

I've never built one so I don't have any good insight to share...sorry dude lol.

I think it's a cool idea though. Being able to say "I built this" is always worth it

...unless it turns out to be a total piece of crap, then you say someone else built it

[2006PSDSD]

Taht's what I'm sayin. After you hear peoples accolades for the food you cooked on it, and say that you built the smoker, I like that