TableTop Smoker aka Micro UDS????

I noticed my old Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer pot in my garage today. Last time I used it, it looked as if oil was slowly dripping from the bottom but I couldn't be sure. I took it off the shelf, put some water in it and placed it on some newspaper. Sure enough, it must have a tiny pinhole in the bottom somewhere.



Anyway it is useless as a cooking pot, so I was thinking about trying to turn it in to a Micro UDS. Not sure it is really big enough to work properly. Maybe just something to use for ABTs, Fatties, maybe a very small butt. I'd probably have to fab up a custom grate out of expanded steel - can't seem to find a round grate that small. Probably also have to use the lid that came with it.

What say the Brethren, is t big enough to even give it a shot? If it didn't work, I really wouldn't be out much more than a little time.







Just for reference, this is a 6.5lb butt

Since I'll have to use the original flat lid, there won't be much room between the cooking grate and the heat source so yes it will definitely need a diffuser of some sort. How tall should I make the sides of the charcoal basket? How far off the bottom can I get away with and still have enough airflow?

cashew said:

Need a gas can anyone? It looks like Toney Marconi might be able to loan you one.

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When I was much younger, and much poorer I ran out of gas quite a bit.

mbshop said:

ss and a hole in it ? what was in it ? ss can be welded. i think you are going to go through a lot of hassle to get this going. might wanna do some planning before going much further.

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Nothing in the pot but hot oil and turkeys. I don't know how the hole got there and it is too tiny to find. The Turkey Fryer served me well for 5 or more years, it's time to either find a new life or go out trying.

Giving it a test burn in right now




The thing shot up to 375 in no time. Closed off everything but the valve. I've got the valve about 3/4 way open and it seems to have settled down to about 250 or so. Might throw a Nekkid Fatty on there if I can keep the temp steady.

rondini said:

There have been many post on here by fellow members making "Mini-UDS" using tamale pots in the I believe 30 Quart size. So yours I think will work fine .

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Hmmmm, I searched and couldn't find one this small. Most of the Mini UDS seem to be made from either a 16 gallon drum or a tamale pot with the bottom cut out stuck on to a Smokey Joe.

I am pleased how well it held temps once I got it dialed in. Put a Nekkid Fatty on, but fell asleep and it got a little overdone on the outside and slightly dried out but still tasty.

This is what is left after about 4.5 hours or so after shaking the ash out - not bad.




I may have to tweak and clean up the exhaust a bit. I really don't have anything that will drill properly through stainless steel.


:becky: