In a perfect world, we would all have the ability to customize random things to serve our creative and practical needs. In this case, our friend Van Diep had the need to create a Barbeque smoker out of a 55 gallon steel drum. Impossible? No. Practical? Yes of course, especially when you live in San Antonio, Texas!
Parts list: Drum Smoker
(1) 55 gallon steel drum (preferable un-lined and new with a removable lid)
(1) 3/4″ ball valve for the main intake
(1) 3/4″ ball valve for the main intake
(1) 1/2″ ball valve for the secondary intake
(4) Stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers to hold the food grate. The bolts are 5/16” x 2.5″
(1) 22.5″ Weber cooking grate
(1) 2″ black nipple screwed right into the bung hole in the lid for exhaust. (May need to drill this hole)
(1) Thermometer
(4) Stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers to hold the food grate. The bolts are 5/16” x 2.5″
(1) 22.5″ Weber cooking grate
(1) 2″ black nipple screwed right into the bung hole in the lid for exhaust. (May need to drill this hole)
(1) Thermometer
Note:
My charcoal “basket” is made from the bottom of a generic portable grill. I just drilled 1″ holes all in the bottom and sides. This already had 2″ legs on it.
My food grate is mounted 27″ from the bottom and gives me 6.5″ of room to the lid. If I need more room I can use the lid from my 22.5″ Weber kettle.
My intakes are mounted 2″ from the bottom of the drum.
If you have a Unibit it really makes drilling the holes for the intakes very easy.I seasoned it by spraying it down with Pam and getting it good and hot for a few hours before my first cook. Add some wood to break it in.
Quick Directions:
If drum is a used food-grade, you MUST burn out the epoxy liner and grind down to pure steel
Place 2” black nipple into top of lid, this will be used for the exhaust. If there is no bung hole, drill 2” diameter hole and screw in nipple.
Drill (4) 7/16” dia. holes at cardinal compass points and install bolts, nuts and washers. Grate location must be close to 24” from charcoal basket.
Drill (1) 1” dia. hole 2” from the bottom (must be below your charcoal basket) and install the ¾” ball valve stem
Drill (1) ¾” dia. hole 2” from the bottom (must be below your charcoal basket) and install the ½” ball valve stem on opposite side as the ¾” valve.
Drill and install Thermometer at grate level
