DIY Convert an old refrigerator into a meat smoker or smoke cooker

I picked up this old frig and the parts that I used in this video at our local scrap metal yard for nothing. At most scrap yards they will only charge you for the weight of the scrap. Please rate the video and let me know if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Thanks for watching.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• home made
• simple
• smoking meat
• smoking fish
• recycle
• green
• cookingcharcoal

[margosdad]

Hi and thanks a bunch for sharing your project! Looks great. Just wondering now that you've had your unit for a while, what temperatures low and high can you maintain with the two burner unit. I believe I've the same fridge that I just picked up.

Thanks Al

[excalibur440]

@margosdad to be honest I never took it over 230 degrees, which was my target. With the burners set at High under the chip pan and Med on the open burner. My results where: 15 min=150 degrees, 45 min=215 degrees. As stated my target was 230 which it would hold with the pan burner on med and the open burner turned off with a cap(spray can lid) over the top vent pipe. You should be able to maintain and hold any temp below 230 with only 1 burner and playing with the side and top vents.

[margosdad]

@excalibur440 Thanks for the quick reply. On your air vents down on the bottom, do you find that those were adequate or would you add more?

Those are the temps that I want to deal with as well. I've got my Fridge gutted out and whatever rust on the exterior removed. Ready for paint, and setting up the inside of the smoker. You've really encouraged me to get going. I've been wanting to upgrade my little unit for some time. Thanks again!!

[excalibur440]

@margosdad yes, they did appear to be adequate. The inside of mine was a baked on enamel...I would not worry about painting the inside once you get the rust off of the panels..for fear of toxic fumes, or at the least tainting the taste of the finished product your going to cook in it. I know it might not look as good but I would just give the bare metal area's you have from removing the rust a good coat of cooking oil. that will seal the metal. IMO....good luck

[excalibur440]

@excalibur440 to do my smoking and cooking on, so I havn't used the fridge for sometime now. but, it was still working like a champ when I parked it. For other modifications and issues I ran into see my past replies. Thanks

[excalibur440]

@Hellitsme66 The inside door skin is made from something like a compressed wood pulp for lack of a better word. it did not melt nor did it catch on fire. However from the steam from my water soaked wood chips, it did warp. I would suggest replacing the inner skin with sheet metal. The trim was weather rotted and only lasted two or three firings. I replaced the seal with a piece of cheap rubber garden hose by screwing it onto the sheet metal. I have since bought a Traeger grill

[Hellitsme66]

I have a question for you. What happened to the door? Did it melt and also the trim on the door opening

[79minister]

dude this is cool, got to make one!!

[jollytoken]

This is so cool! I'm very encouraged to try this now.

[bantyhenrants]

Nice video. I want to convert an old stove into a smoker. It won't hold as much, but its already made for high temps.