Ugly Drum Smoker

rainy day today. the uds was nice and dry on the inside . I do like the exhaust coming out the side

el luchador said:

rainy day today. the uds was nice and dry on the inside . I do like the exhaust coming out the side

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I've never seen that before. It seems a valid alternative is rain is an issue.

dadsr4 said:

I've never seen that before. I't seems a valid alternative is rain is an issue.

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I borrowed the idea from the pbc.

my uds lives outside so rain or shine it is protected.

Blue Kettle said:

Thanks. I was THIS close to ordering a BBQ guru party Q one day to get the set it and forget it thing, but I'm a bit unsure of drilling a hole in the kettle. It has sentimental value to me even if that sounds sort of nuts also.

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Build a UDS and a DIY temperature controller. Set it and forget it.

bakerk7 said:

Build a UDS and a DIY temperature controller. Set it and forget it.

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Please tell us about your DIY temp controller.

thanks,

Robert

I cooked an ungraded brisket last night. Came out great! $1.68 per lb.

I also rigged up a humidity sensor and the drum was purring along at 10% humidity at 225 degrees.

Well, I got my barrel this weekend from Big R as a brand new drum and there were a few unexpected things. It looks painted on the inside but luckily I believe it is paint as it comes off with very little work with a screwdriver and shows bare metal. I was not planning on burning it but this way I get to play with fire. The second unexpected surprise was that the lid from my ancient Weber kettle which I was planning on using (when needed) damn near falls into the barrel I don't think there is any modification that can be done to fit it except making the lip completely flat which I'm sure will make it have air leaks for days, but also I would like to use it on my grill still. My question is Could it be that the lid comes off a very old kettle and maybe a newer kettle would have a bigger lid? From reading over 557 pages of this post it sounds like the Kingsford 22.5 grill might have a bigger lid. I own a 2 door sports car and it is not as simple as driving the thing around to test fit lids. I'm honestly ok with only having the flat lid but it would be nice to have a domed lid for big cooks. Oh, and I did check to make sure that my kettle is not the 18" variety. I am slowly acquiring parts and don't have a junk pile to grab from unfortunately to make this faster or cheaper. Hope to have everything I need in a month or 2. Will post here when I am done and hopefully provide some worthy pron.

Measure the I.D. below the top lip of your drum. Then measure the seal area of your Weber type lid. I'm guessing the lid will fit perfect. The drums I have cut (different types/brands) the lids all fit very well after removing the rolled lip. Different brands of lids also.
Or you can put a piece 2" wide aluminum strip around the inside sticking up enough to support your lid. Lots of those have been done and posted in this thread.

I'm not talking negligence here... but how long does a garage kept, 16 gauge drum usually last with general maintenance after cooks?

Czarbecue said:

I'm not talking negligence here... but how long does a garage kept, 16 gauge drum usually last with general maintenance after cooks?

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9 years

I've heard the bottom Rusts out in 8-10.

Then turn it over and use it upside down and just change lids.

Or I imagine a stainless drum would last a lot longer

My completely neglected UDS and by that I mean, left outside 24/7 365 with ash on the bottom, lasted 5-6 years before it developed a hole in the bottom center. Four years later the hole is roughly 12"x12" but I still use it all the time.

You could paint the interior bottom and it would delay the rusting much longer. Still a decade is pretty good given the low cost of ownership.

Hi all, I just joined the forum and wanted to share my first smoke experience. I decided to build a UDS after trying to decide on a smoker. I've never smoked anything in my life but I wanted to start. My first smoke was Memorial Day. I've done a lot of research online and decided on doing 4 pork spare ribs. I was more than happy with the results. So tender, one broke in half taking it off of the pit. I am excited to finally be able to start smoking.

welcome aboard. you built a super affordable smoker that will serve you well for years to come. congrats. :thumb: :rockon:

if you want it even easier, add a heater meter with a fan for automatic control and wifi access to and control of your temps.

using splits now in my charcoal basket

Im finding it gives a more robust, present flavor. and still thin smoke rolling out of the cooker



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o7t9foZnfk

Just did my first degreasing cleanse of my 110 gallon UDS. Holy chit. Some people do this after every cook? I am exhausted... started at 7 pm and worked well past 9pm with the flood light on. Getting it ready for perhaps an extended long term shelving while the stick burner get some attention.

el luchador said:

using splits now in my charcoal basket

Im finding it gives a more robust, present flavor. and still thin smoke rolling out of the cooker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o7t9foZnfk

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Looks blue to me, mango.

Czarbecue said:

Just did my first degreasing cleanse of my 110 gallon UDS. Holy chit. Some people do this after every cook? I am exhausted... started at 7 pm and worked well past 9pm with the flood light on. Getting it ready for perhaps an extended long term shelving while the stick burner get some attention.

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I think you are blazing the trail with the 110 gallon. The 55 gallon is far easier to clean

I've never cleaned the UDS. Just the grates. I think of it as next cook flavour