Steel Drum & Weber 22.5" Silver ?

So I got this brand new steel barrel which i believe is a 30 gal.
I got it for free on CL from some body shop that was closing down and this was one of the unused solvent disposal units. Looks clean and un-coated inside,Has a removable lid with collar and a 2" inlet with screw in plug. I have had it for about 3 years and just pulled it out of storage.
I also have this brand spanking new Weber silver 22.5".
So I have been sitting around, thinking of what to do with them.
Use them together? Stack the weber on top of the barrel and turn it into a smoking chamber? Or shall I just use them separately and use the drum as a firebox for a larger 55gal drum? hummmm I have been thinking about buying a Stainless Steel 55gal drum and using it in conjuction with the 30gal steel drum, they go for about $300-$450. Options humm.
Which drum will retain more of my heat in the smoking chamber? Stainless Steel or Regular Steel?

A little to small for me to do a UDS but I keep seeing a nice roomy firebox for a larger barrel :idea:

Loki's Mistress said:

BBQpower, is this basically what you had in mind when you mentioned using the kettle as a smoking chamber?

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Yes! I was thinking about this but instead using a 6" pipe to connect it to the bottom of the weber and use a adjustable chimney vent? Would being farther away from the fire do anything bad? I keep seeing this at least 24" away but would being further cause any issues? I doubt it but maybe people have experience with this.

El Ropo said:

Make a a mini UDS, go spend $30 on a new weber smokey joe, the lid and grates from the lil' joe will fit on that drum. Perfect for small, fuel efficient cooks.

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I just measures 18" since I didn't know either.

colonel00 said:

Actually, it looks more like an 18" kettle would fit it nicely. What is the diameter of the drum?

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Spot on!

El Ropo said:

Assuming that's a 22" kettle in the pic next to the drum, it doesn't look 4" smaller, more like 8", which would work for the 14" smokey joe.

Till we see an actual measurement of the barrel, it's hard to say from a pic.

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Yep I been meaning to figure it out and it was 18" I am thinking a 26" weber would look nicer on top of this but omg! I just remembered I found a weber lid on the side of the road let me go find it and take a pic. It might be from a 18"!:becky:

Lookie what I found!!!! :shocked: haha

The lid is a little dirty but looks like it could be a mini UDS?:roll: IDK. I keep thinking a mini UDS is not something I need since I have a BBQ about this size already, hummmmmm options:crazy: Sorry guys "ADD" here :laugh:
I do not think the fire would be 24" away from the food, maybe too close but it would be good for small 2-4 hour burns with less fuel?
I never built a smoker before but I want my first one to be Fantastic and somewhat pro looking! haha
I do have a 220v & also a 120V MIG with gas welder, I also have grinders and everything to cut sheet metal. Maybe I can use this as a smaller smoking chamber since it is so clean inside! I would hate to ruin it with fire, I keep wanting to take it further then just a UDS. On the other hand, I do have a brand spanking new Weber 22.5" silver I can throw on top of the drum then again i want a 26"!!! man! why can't weber just make a 36"!!!!!!! How big is a ranch kettle?