Concrete Smoker, Grill, Pizza Oven...???

JD McGee · Jul 19, 2008

Ok...so I'm cleaning up the back yard and as I'm rolling this heavy concrete culvert pipe to a new location (it's been here for 12 years) I suddenly had a brainstorm. I noticed the recess in the top and wondered if a BBQ grate would fit...the grates from my smokey joe fit perfectly!

I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

I'm headin' to Home Depot to see about a flower pot for a lid (ala Alton Brown). Do you think the concrete (2 1/2 inches thick) will handle the heat? Thoughts and suggestions welcome!

CajunSmoker · Jul 19, 2008

the worst that could happen would be it would break into smaller, easier to move pieces

Grumpy's Q · Jul 19, 2008

So it's been decoration all this time?

Smokin Gator · Jul 19, 2008

That looks farkin awesome. I think as thick as it is it will be fine. Some firebricks for a bottom would be sweet.

JD McGee · Jul 19, 2008

Grumpy's Q said:
So it's been decoration all this time?

It's been uder the deck...I guess it was leftovers from when the house was built.

swamprb · Jul 19, 2008

You've been looking at too many Kamado restoration pics! I'll throw you a lid on my potters wheel, the therapy is working!

Smokin Gator · Jul 19, 2008

^^^^^ LMAO.... What is it over 80 out there today and you guys are getting a little punchy???

BBQ Grail · Jul 19, 2008

If you are able to find one of those cheap 26 inch Sears kettles, I'll bet the lid will fit all the way over that.

What a score? Now I've got another think to keep my eyes peeled for as I drive around town.

swamprb · Jul 19, 2008

We've got a bunch of them at work that used to be outdoor ashtrays-now that smokings banned 25' from a doorway they are headed for the rockpile!
I'll bring a few home for you JD and you can do a Stacker mod to it!

SmokeWatcher · Jul 19, 2008

Looks like it has a lot of potential. Let us know how well it cooks.

Norcoredneck · Jul 19, 2008

Coat it with furnace cement. If it absorbs moisture and it heats too fast it could explode. If you "seal it" it might be safer.

Hook_Line_and_Sinker · Jul 19, 2008

yes some long small fires in it to drive out the moisture would be a good idea

cowgirl · Jul 19, 2008

That's an interesting set up JD, can't wait to see how it comes out.:-D

swamp...that looks cool!

QansasjayhawQ · Jul 19, 2008

swamprb said:
You've been looking at too many Kamado restoration pics! I'll throw you a lid on my potters wheel, the therapy is working!

That is really cool that they let you throw pottery out in the middle of the road like that . . .

Norcoredneck · Jul 19, 2008

Must be a Washington thing!:biggrin:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fxOTZFDLSD8

Thawley · Jul 19, 2008

CajunSmoker said:
the worst that could happen would be it would break into smaller, easier to move pieces

Rodger made me laugh.

JD McGee · Jul 19, 2008

CajunSmoker said:
the worst that could happen would be it would break into smaller, easier to move pieces

That'll work...:biggrin:

Smokin Gator said:
^^^^^ LMAO.... What is it over 80 out there today and you guys are getting a little punchy???

77 and sunny...Life is Good...

swamprb said:
We've got a bunch of them at work that used to be outdoor ashtrays-now that smokings banned 25' from a doorway they are headed for the rockpile!
I'll bring a few home for you JD and you can do a Stacker mod to it!

Cool...hook me up! :razz:

Norcoredneck said:
Coat it with furnace cement. If it absorbs moisture and it heats too fast it could explode. If you "seal it" it might be safer.

Hmmmm...not a bad idea! I'm doing a test burn tonight...one chimney of Rancher using a WSM lid.:wink:

Just back from Home Depot...no luck on a flower pot that size. I'll keep my eye open for something to use as a lid. I'm thinking about trying a nursery center or place where they make the cement statues. :idea:

1_T_Scot · Jul 19, 2008

Pretty cool, I've wondered about making one from concrete. I would agree on the heat it slowly and I also don't think I would cool it very fast.

JD McGee · Jul 19, 2008

The Verdict Is In...

"Cracked"...!!!

Oh well...it was fun while it lasted. One chimney of Rancher and 30 minutes in to the burn @ 475 degrees and she cracked on both sides...

You can see from the cracks that there was a LOT of moisture in it...I tried to go low-n-slow...but the temp kept climbing on me. No Brian...I am NOT going to try to restore it! :twisted: You're more than welcome to give it a shot...but at this point I'm thinking I've got nothing invested other than one chimney of charcoal...it's headed for the rock pile...:sad:

Lesson learned...get a "Big Green Egg"...:biggrin:

Hook_Line_and_Sinker · Jul 19, 2008

never under estimate the power of steam ! heating it with too big a fire drove steam through the walls looking for the fastest way out

Concrete Smoker, Grill, Pizza Oven...???

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Babbling Farker

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is one Smokin' Farker

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is One Chatty Farker

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