Smoker test 4-4-09.1

Testing ability of our new home built UDS barrel smoker to maintain temps, high & low.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• UDS
• Barrel
• Smoker
• Toni
• Anola
• Grieshaber

[Tonigz77]

I didn't. The barrels had removable tops. I wouldn't suggest using any that you would have to cut off, unless you have a clean way of mating the 2 back together and maintaining the needed seal.

[HARPOMAKER]

Thanks for your quick reply- Yeah, that's pretty crazy to get that much good heat out of charcoal- I get the part about sealing the barrel and I will make sure air only gets in at controllable points; Do you ever let the fire run wild in the beginning to get it soata settled in, then start the temp control, or are you on top of the temp right from the start? I'm determined to make this thing cook for me!

[Tonigz77]

@HARPOMAKER

I do let the chimney coals get really hot so I can get the others caught.

I do also let the heat get up there for maybe 10-15mins to make sure it's all going. Stir it up once hot & pile the coals too. It'll keep 'em goin' and not let them fizzle or not catch at all. Chunk of wood on top.

Now, "snuff" the heat down to what you want it, watch it off & on for about 1hr to make sure, kick it (to knock the ash off the coals) & walk away for as long as you want.

[HARPOMAKER]

Good looking smoker- I made one very similar, but I ran 2 vent pipes down the side entering the bottom below my charcoal box- looks pretty cool but I can't keep the heat down- tell me about your fire- how much charcoal do you start with- are you able to adjust the heat quickly with that ball valve- how much cook time do you get out of a batch of charcoal

I appreciate your advice!

[Tonigz77]

@HARPOMAKER

The barrel HAS to be sealed. Loose fittings, even capped, will allow extra airflow that makes it too hot. The lid & the vent tin have to be pretty sealed too, not as much for the vent tin.. sometimes I run the 1.25" plug off the flat lid too. Mostly 2 caps off, adjusting ball valve until right.

I start with a chimney full, use rest of a 18lb bag in firebox waiting for chimney. It'll run (last time on 24lb turkey) 16hrs, 1 bag, & 1 chunk wood with a bit left over.

CRAZY right?

[daveob94513]

did you cut the barrel tops off yourself, and if you did can you tell me how you did it

[MikeyRFresh]

how did u make this one?