Smokers - Gas, electric or woodfired?

[Admin]

I been thinking about building a smoker for a long time now and hashed over ideas of diffrent materials to use and I think I'm going to build it out of a metal trash can. I can buy racks from Weber BBQ brills that'll fit into the trash can, attatch legs, vents etc and have the whole deal be weather and fire proof. So far I think I'm onto something.

Since I've never built a smoker before and I'm starting from the bottom up, I can use any type of heat source I want and customize the rig to whatever source I choose.

So for those of you that have smokers, please share your ideas as to the pros and cons of the different burner choices.

If I use an actual wood fire, I could have a separate firebox and import the smoke through a pipe. Or, I could insert a gas or electric burner to the bottom of the barrel.

Lets hear your ideas and I'll get this project underway.

[flyguy]

JC are you looking for Hot Smoke or Cold Smoke?
Hot Smoke the temp. are from 85 -250 where cold smoke does not get over 85 degrees..

I have seen some smokers that had hot plates in them for a heat source
As for the smoke going through a pipe yes you can do that

I do have a good book about smokehouses that explain about cold smoke and hot smoke plus how to build them....I can send it up to you to read it if you like.

[TRAPnHUNT]

JC,

I've used all types of smokers throughout the years. The two that I find most dependable are propane & electric. The main reason for this is that they are easier to regulate the temps over the wood fire / charcoal smokers.
In my own humble opinion... Cold smoking is best if you plan on keeping your product for a longer amount of time.

[Admin]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm thinking the cold smoking method would be best. I've always wanted a smoker but never took the time to acquire one. I think building it would be a fun project.

[kkbait]

Check out this link. This smoker can be used as a hot or cold smoker and the temps are very easy to maintain

www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/199/uds-builds

[wolverine]

I made my smoker out of an stainless steel food cart.

It works well. but to cold smoke, I need to have my wood burner farther away from the smoker.

I can get it down to about 100 degrees , but it's not cool enough for cold smoking.
It's good for cooking ribs and things, but still needs a colder smoke.

[TRAPnHUNT]

Aug 9, 2012 11:42:54 GMT -5 wolverine said:

I made my smoker out of an stainless steel food cart.

It works well. but to cold smoke, I need to have my wood burner farther away from the smoker.

I can get it down to about 100 degrees , but it's not cool enough for cold smoking.
It's good for cooking ribs and things, but still needs a colder smoke.

Have you considered a cold smoke generator?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUsnyVcd05g&feature=autoplay&list=UUEiSpiLXGFySmEXecw5mlnQ&playnext=2