UDS Build From The UK

Hi, Thought I would make a thread for my UDS build I am doing.

It all started when I started watching ManVFood then I went on the watch DDD. (I have watched every episode of MvF :shock: ) I then wanted to sample BBQ food, so I went to Bodeans in London, which was tasted good to me! I then thought it must not be anything like american style BBQ as the food was most likely reheated and not fresh and I thought i could give it a go myself and maybe produce better results.

That got me thinking what i could use, I then searched online for smokers and saw the ProQ range and WSM, both of which I couldnt justify the price of, so I started to look at smoker forums and found this amazing place! I then saw the term UDS being thrown around so done some research and decided thats what I wanted to build!

Which lead me to other forums and plans for UDS'.

I then purchased a 45 Gallon barrel. After receiving this I ordered a step drill bit and drilled my intake holes, grill holder, thermometer and also exhaust holes ending up with this.




I drilled 8 1/2-3/4 inch exhaust holes as recommended on one forum. It was stated that this gave the users a more stable temp.

I also drilled three 1 Inch holes for the intakes and will control the air flow with fridge magnets as I wanted to keep this as simple as possible for now.

I then sourced a wooden pallet from my GF's dad and spent a good hour breaking it up sweating like a pig in this ridiculous weather and then proceeded to burn the barrel out. This was good fun but I don't think the neighbors were best pleased! :lol: :twisted:

Looked a bit like this.




GET READY FOR IT!! :twisted:




That was good fun!

Its all burned out and cleaned up now just waiting for my paint to arrive so I can tidy this bad boy up.

Today my washing machine drum arrived which ill use for my coal basket and it was bigger than i thought it would be! :shock: but it still fits, I'm going to have to drill holes in the bottom for air flow.

This is where I need some advice, shall I drill bigger holes in the side of the drum? Pics to follow. or is it okay as it is?

Also shall I cut off the bit on the top to make the top portion wider?





Once I've got the paint and basket ready and received my pit thermometer I'll update this thread with more pictures and info. Looking forward to my first cook on this!

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for the replies, looking forward to getting her finished.

As above I tried to get some expanded metal but found it hard to source where I live in the UK so opted for a washing machine drum with a few modifications.

Have an update.


Gave my UDS a lick of paint today, must say shes looking a lot nicer than she was. Heres some pics.




Nice and black.

Then I set to work on the washing machine drum, firstly I decided i needed to remove some of the top of the drum. This was the end result, compare it to above.



Much better! Will be better for those temps.

Then I went on to drill some extra holes in the bottom of the drum.


Looking better already. Then went on to drill extra holes in the side, done about 30 holes when my drill decided to stop working :evil: :evil:



This is one side then I have the same in two other places evenly spaced.

Now the question I have is, do you think I should borrow someones drill to make even more holes round the side or will it be okay as it is?

Thanks for reading brothers.

Eggtastico said:

something I bring home from a nightclub

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:clap:ound:

Eggtastico said:

looking good.
I managed to track down some Expanded metal for a decent price. http://www.fhbrundle.co.uk/ Delivery is + £10 though. Maybe you have a branch near you? they have a few around the country.

Click to expand...

Yeah I had a look at that site and was going to order it then found this washing machine drum cheap so thought id give it a go.

After all a UDS is supposed to be bits thrown together from what you can find :razz:

esselle said:

Nice UDS there Tyrone1Wils, and nice to see another fellow Brit on here. I am half way through a build myself. I don't know where you are based but if you fancy a beginners class we (the UK BBQ Association) have one planned for Nottinghamshire second weekend in August (no charge as it is for Help for Heroes). Send me a pm if you want more details as I don't want to hijack your thread.

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I actually live in Peterborough, so not that far from yourself actually. That would be awesome but unfortunately I'm at a family wedding in Kent that weekend!

Sounds like it would be a good day and a good cause (HFH and BBQ )