I sat on posting this for a few weeks because I didn't want to get into a debate about using Galvanized Metal in a smoker. This mod uses galvanized metal, and either you are afraid of it or not. If you are afraid of it stop reading now, and please no lectures on galvanizing smokers.
I think I have $60 into this smoker because of the Target sale... I actually bought two Jumbo Joes and two of the 18" flip grate racks. I used the included racks for the smoker, and use the flip grates for when I grill.
For the cooking chamber I used 20"x 10' galvanized steel flashing. I put the two handles on the sides and put screws to hold the grill grates at 6" from the top and 6" from the bottom. I used rivets to hold it together, but think I will just use screws in the next one I make. For the lid I used nomex around the lip, and bought one of those cheap bbq thermometers. And in the bottom I placed two concrete bricks wrapped in Aluminum for a heat sink, along with a disposable drip pan.
I did have some concern about the zinc/etc so I did a 2 hour burn in with smoke wood, to see if there were any leaks, and the smoke did smell funny for the first hour, but soon there was no smell but hickory. I did a second burn in later to test to see if I could hold 225 degrees, after some fiddling it held.
So for my first cook I did two chuckies and 3 st. louis ribs. Prior to this I could only do two chucks OR 3 racks of ribs, with this baby I can do both. I loaded up the bottom chamber with lump charcoal and hickory. I burned about half the load in eight hours and except for when I foiled my meats, the smoker held temp at 225 the entire time.
Some caveats:
1. This chamber is flimsy so always keep a great inside.
2. The handles are a must.
3. I suspect that the smoke chamber will not hold its shape for long but it should make it through a season (year) of cooking.
4. Use washers to make sure the metal doesn't give when installing the grill support screws.
5. Make at your own risk (my family thoroughly enjoyed the food off this great cooker).
Two Chuckies
Ribs on top
Action Shot
If this is of interest ask questions...
J
I think I have $60 into this smoker because of the Target sale... I actually bought two Jumbo Joes and two of the 18" flip grate racks. I used the included racks for the smoker, and use the flip grates for when I grill.
For the cooking chamber I used 20"x 10' galvanized steel flashing. I put the two handles on the sides and put screws to hold the grill grates at 6" from the top and 6" from the bottom. I used rivets to hold it together, but think I will just use screws in the next one I make. For the lid I used nomex around the lip, and bought one of those cheap bbq thermometers. And in the bottom I placed two concrete bricks wrapped in Aluminum for a heat sink, along with a disposable drip pan.
I did have some concern about the zinc/etc so I did a 2 hour burn in with smoke wood, to see if there were any leaks, and the smoke did smell funny for the first hour, but soon there was no smell but hickory. I did a second burn in later to test to see if I could hold 225 degrees, after some fiddling it held.
So for my first cook I did two chuckies and 3 st. louis ribs. Prior to this I could only do two chucks OR 3 racks of ribs, with this baby I can do both. I loaded up the bottom chamber with lump charcoal and hickory. I burned about half the load in eight hours and except for when I foiled my meats, the smoker held temp at 225 the entire time.
Some caveats:
1. This chamber is flimsy so always keep a great inside.
2. The handles are a must.
3. I suspect that the smoke chamber will not hold its shape for long but it should make it through a season (year) of cooking.
4. Use washers to make sure the metal doesn't give when installing the grill support screws.
5. Make at your own risk (my family thoroughly enjoyed the food off this great cooker).
Two Chuckies
Ribs on top
Action Shot
If this is of interest ask questions...
J
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