View Full Version : How "good" is a double barrel smoker?
Bamabuzzard
12-31-2009, 10:07 AM
Though I don't need one I am considering building a double barrel smoker. But when did "need" really become a part of the equation when wanting a new smoker?
I would like some of the Brethren's thoughts (pros & cons) regarding this type smoker?
Ashmont
12-31-2009, 10:23 AM
It will cause an insatiable want of more BBQ.! Go for it.....
BBQ Bandit
12-31-2009, 10:34 AM
Have built one.. from a kit... with alot of mods to it.
Was my second smoker... now has been replaced by the Lang.
Its a great learning tool on multiple levels.... burn times, temp controls with dampers and intakes, large capacity... very versatile. Here's a few build threads...
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=681890&postcount=18
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=690130&postcount=1
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/album.php?albumid=176&pictureid=1177
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=75&pictureid=600
Captain Dave
12-31-2009, 10:45 AM
Need is the result of the severity of your addiction. I was working away from home for three months. when i got home, I fired up the uds before I unloaded the car. (except for the two racks of ribs I picked up on the way) I NEEDed some Q.
KnucklHed BBQ
12-31-2009, 11:37 AM
:icon_sleepyHave built one.. from a kit... with alot of mods to it.
Was my second smoker... now has been replaced by the Lang.
Its a great learning tool on multiple levels.... burn times, temp controls with dampers and intakes, large capacity... very versatile. Here's a few build threads...
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=681890&postcount=18
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=690130&postcount=1
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/album.php?albumid=176&pictureid=1177
I'm kinda in the same spot as buzzard... I'm looking for a way to get UDS burn times and efficiency with a more even and larger cooking surface... i like the idea of the DBS but never known anyone that had one to play around with.
Bandit, you got any more pics to share? especially interested in the 3D ones... looks like that link points to pic 4 of 14... any of the other 14 have more detail?
What did you use for grates & racks in the top?
Were you able to get all the air gaps sealed up? seems like it might be a bit of a fuel hog (compared to a UDS) but prolly way more efficient than my char-griller... Any words of wisdom for us?
Bamabuzzard
12-31-2009, 11:47 AM
My Stumps is a fuel efficiency camel. I just want a double barrel smoker because they look cool and I'm addicted to bbq. I'm wanting to know the pros and cons to them before I invest the time and energy into building one. If it gets similar burn times as a UDS it would be worth it. But if it needs fuel every hour then I'm not interested.
:icon_sleepy
I'm kinda in the same spot as buzzard... I'm looking for a way to get UDS burn times and efficiency with a more even and larger cooking surface... i like the idea of the DBS but never known anyone that had one to play around with.
Bandit, you got any more pics to share? especially interested in the 3D ones... looks like that link points to pic 4 of 14... any of the other 14 have more detail?
What did you use for grates & racks in the top?
Were you able to get all the air gaps sealed up? seems like it might be a bit of a fuel hog (compared to a UDS) but prolly way more efficient than my char-griller... Any words of wisdom for us?
Bbq Bubba
12-31-2009, 11:50 AM
Same burn times as a drum? I think not.
BBQ Bandit
12-31-2009, 12:20 PM
:icon_sleepy
I'm kinda in the same spot as buzzard... I'm looking for a way to get UDS burn times and efficiency with a more even and larger cooking surface... i like the idea of the DBS but never known anyone that had one to play around with.
As Bubba stated... there is no comparison... the burn rates were no where as efficient as a UDS ... burned the same as my BSKD... just a larger capacity with the same amount of fuel. Used a charcoal basket with k and fruitwood chunks for flavor.
Bandit, you got any more pics to share? especially interested in the 3D ones... looks like that link points to pic 4 of 14... any of the other 14 have more detail?
The 3D model was a different direction I went with... before cutting any metal.... the numbering is "4 of 14" within my photo album. I'll see if I can hunt down more.
What did you use for grates & racks in the top?
The grates where off my old gasser... just laid them down flat until the edges rests against the sides of the barrel... instant height. The piece cut out for the upper chamber opening... cut 1" holes like swiss cheese and laid down over the damper openings... smoke/heat diffuser.
Were you able to get all the air gaps sealed up? seems like it might be a bit of a fuel hog (compared to a UDS) but prolly way more efficient than my char-griller... Any words of wisdom for us?
The doors were closed by using door toggle clamps pulling closed and sealed with fireplace/stovedoor gaskets. I "retired" the smoker... just wanted to tinker with a larger capacity until I found the replacement... the Lang 48 will do more... with less fuel... better design and materials. Building the DBS was a stepping stone and another learning curve... a larger, multi-faceted smoker on a budget... just not very efficient.
HumboldtSmokeBBQ
12-31-2009, 01:01 PM
I have wanted to build one for a while now, but I opted for the UDS...From everything I have read here the UDS is more efficient. I am still need a DBS, but the expense...and having to have a third party ship the wood stove parts into California for me, just seemed like a hassle. Also, I figured i would have to break down and buy a welding unit, but, with my UDS, a 4.5inch angle grinder is all i needed.
If you decide to build the DBS, please take lots of photos and keep me/us posted...good luck!
bocephus
12-31-2009, 01:27 PM
refuel every hour it is, I built one, then build a stumps clone not to long after, thenn I scrapped the dbs after like 4 cooks... got a uds and a HUGe stumps clone, no need for that thing... I do want a lang very much baddly though, that will come soon
KnucklHed BBQ
12-31-2009, 01:34 PM
The doors were closed by using door toggle clamps pulling closed and sealed with fireplace/stovedoor gaskets. I "retired" the smoker... just wanted to tinker with a larger capacity until I found the replacement... the Lang 48 will do more... with less fuel... better design and materials. Building the DBS was a stepping stone and another learning curve... a larger, multi-faceted smoker on a budget... just not very efficient.
Thanks for the info!
I was considering using a smaller 15 gal drum that I have and instead of using 2 connecting pieces of pipe with dampers, cutting the bottom of the top barrel and the top of the 15 gal bottom barrel (on their sides) and mate/weld them together so that the fire box is directly below the cooking chamber and not as much fuel is needed to heat the fire box and the cooking chamber...
Of course tuning plates/baffles would be needed to redirect the heat, but I figured they could also double as my grease tray. I was thinking that I would model the baffles after the Traeger design since that works so well... just ideas right now! :biggrin:
It looks like the most difficult part will be getting the doors to seal up airtight to control the burn.
stiffy
12-31-2009, 04:31 PM
Thanks for the info!
I was considering using a smaller 15 gal drum that I have and instead of using 2 connecting pieces of pipe with dampers, cutting the bottom of the top barrel and the top of the 15 gal bottom barrel (on their sides) and mate/weld them together so that the fire box is directly below the cooking chamber and not as much fuel is needed to heat the fire box and the cooking chamber...
Of course tuning plates/baffles would be needed to redirect the heat, but I figured they could also double as my grease tray. I was thinking that I would model the baffles after the Traeger design since that works so well... just ideas right now! :biggrin:
It looks like the most difficult part will be getting the doors to seal up airtight to control the burn.
This sounds interesting, I like it for sure.
Mo-Dave
12-31-2009, 04:46 PM
Remember its the cook not the cooker. Well someone had to say it, I am just sayin.
Dave
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