Ugly Drum Smoker

I would not want to go any smaller than a 55 for my personal uses, and honestly wish it were bigger when cooking certain meats for more than 6-8 people. Looks like you're off to a start with a clean straight drum. Can't wait to see the finished product
 
KC; cannot disagree. Just a POV caution...

Me rarely chefs for more than four.
Just stuff. Charcoal costs...have me own apple trees/wood, I trim.
 
Gents... What I was looking for input on was the "straight" drum (pictured), vs the traditional barrels that are all over CL.

This is a new, unlined 55 gallon straight drum with removable lid . $88.
Seems like it would make a really nice UDS

Stats:

PART# 551A2NSM150
UN RATED 55 GALLON OPEN TOP SMOOTH SIDE STEEL DRUM
- NEW
- UNLINED
- BOLT RING CLOSURE
- SOLID LID
UN1A2/Y1.5150 - UN1A2/X400/S
DIMS: 24" X 24" X 34.5" Tall
WEIGHT: 44LBS.
 

Attachments

  • uds1.jpg
    uds1.jpg
    50.6 KB · Views: 402
Last edited:
I like the look of the straight sided, open head drums. All of mine have been the normal, ribbed ones- that's all I could scrounge up.
 
Here is alternate exterior view of 30 gal machine... I might mention chimney square inch size has a bearing on smoking efficiency.
 
I just built my first Ugly Drum Smoker

Hey all you UDS experts.

I finished my first build. I've been cooking with it a ton and I love it.
I made a video of the build...

https://youtu.be/Ai-CwUaOs9s

I'd love to get some thoughts and feedback from the pros on this forum.

I doubt this will be the last one I build.

Thanks!
 
Swine-Enshrined said:
Gents... What I was looking for input on was the "straight" drum (pictured), vs the traditional barrels that are all over CL.

This is a new, unlined 55 gallon straight drum with removable lid . $88.
Seems like it would make a really nice UDS

Stats:

PART# 551A2NSM150
UN RATED 55 GALLON OPEN TOP SMOOTH SIDE STEEL DRUM
- NEW
- UNLINED
- BOLT RING CLOSURE
- SOLID LID
UN1A2/Y1.5150 - UN1A2/X400/S
DIMS: 24" X 24" X 34.5" Tall
WEIGHT: 44LBS.
Click to expand...

crevice free / smooth sided barrels are what they use to make one of the best drum smokers on the competition trail - Hunsaker Smokers

Go for it. I don't think you'll regret it!
 
jstromme said:
Hey all you UDS experts.

I finished my first build. I've been cooking with it a ton and I love it.
I made a video of the build...

https://youtu.be/Ai-CwUaOs9s

I'd love to get some thoughts and feedback from the pros on this forum.

I doubt this will be the last one I build.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

nice looking UDS. your commentary was pretty funny through the process. good of you to look out for your hands and your friends hands with regards to sharp edges. really like your firebox solution!
 
Hey all, I posted this in the Q-talk general forum. Decided to post in the UDS sub forum.(forgot about it) My question is, do you see this on your UDS exhaust? I run 275 for all my cooks and only one 1 exhaust is open at a time depending on wind. Had an issue with to much airflow back feeding into the drum when both were open the entire cook and I lost the temp I was trying to achieve and the temp got out of control. So since then I run one exhaust and my intakes open a smidge and can hold 275ish for a long time. I guess I just want to make sure I’m ok with this seeping out of my exhaust stack? It hardens up after everything is cooled down and have to moisten it to get it off. See pics of set up and issue. Thanks
 

Attachments

  • 25AF24B9-0CFA-44EF-AEED-C7043A598C21.jpg
    25AF24B9-0CFA-44EF-AEED-C7043A598C21.jpg
    51.3 KB · Views: 244
  • DBA1977E-08A5-4227-AE2A-495756FF633B.jpg
    DBA1977E-08A5-4227-AE2A-495756FF633B.jpg
    120.5 KB · Views: 244
  • B272A843-6CD8-4DC2-9363-FCBBBFE6079F.jpg
    B272A843-6CD8-4DC2-9363-FCBBBFE6079F.jpg
    64.4 KB · Views: 240
onemanlan said:
nice looking UDS. your commentary was pretty funny through the process. good of you to look out for your hands and your friends hands with regards to sharp edges. really like your firebox solution!
Click to expand...

Just now saw this! Thank you for the kind words :)
I've loved cooking on it. I've posted some more videos recently!

I managed to fit 6 pork shoulders on it! Here's the video for that https://youtu.be/mocdFvsLMqk

Most meat I've ever cook on a UDS (or anything for that matter).
 
Swine-Enshrined said:
Gents... What I was looking for input on was the "straight" drum (pictured), vs the traditional barrels that are all over CL.

This is a new, unlined 55 gallon straight drum with removable lid . $88.
Seems like it would make a really nice UDS

Stats:

PART# 551A2NSM150
UN RATED 55 GALLON OPEN TOP SMOOTH SIDE STEEL DRUM
- NEW
- UNLINED
- BOLT RING CLOSURE
- SOLID LID
UN1A2/Y1.5150 - UN1A2/X400/S
DIMS: 24" X 24" X 34.5" Tall
WEIGHT: 44LBS.
Click to expand...

Where did you find that deal?
 
I have been using mine for some time and I love it I just never got around to figuring out how to use the hinge that the original grill used, I figured it out a few years ago and it's probably the best lid setup (for me) as I don't have to look for a place to put the lid!
BMvJtCbl.jpg

I just bought the Vortex charcoal basket for it so I am excited to try it out!
https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/vortex-charcoal-baskets
 
1911Ron said:
I have been using mine for some time and I love it I just never got around to figuring out how to use the hinge that the original grill used, I figured it out a few years ago and it's probably the best lid setup (for me) as I don't have to look for a place to put the lid!

I just bought the Vortex charcoal basket for it so I am excited to try it out!
https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/vortex-charcoal-baskets
Click to expand...

I just bit the bullet on a Hunsanker basket as well. Did first test burn with it over the weekend. The thing holds a lot of charcoal and I might have to modify my vent settings. But I was impressed with the weight of the steel. Only minor complaint I had was it looks like the basket was tack welded up the seam in only 3-4 spots. I'm sure it will hold, but surprised me a bit.

Previously I was using a standard expanded metal basket, followed by the BCF firebucket basket. My BCF started to rust out and I figured it was time to replace.

I wasn't sold on the "vortex" actually doing anything, but will have to admit that the smoke seemed to roll out of the basket differently. Will it really impact anything during the cook, who knows, but so far I'm glad I made the jump. Will be trying some ribs and butts this weekend for the real test.
 
Last edited:
Stainless Steel drum score

I have just scored a ss drum too after years of searching for a deal.
Do you know how to search this forum for SSteeal drum builds?
Thanks in advance
Rockyathabaska
Many Weber’s
UDS
Cobb
 
I’m about to start my first ever drum builds. I located two free drums and plan to build two side by side and gift one to my brother. I have a couple questions.

1. The drums had a heavy plastic liner in them and inside the liner/bag was grease. I don’t see any grease at all on the inside of the drum. Should I do a full on burn out or could I just steel wool and soapy water scrub it? If I need to burn it out would a weed burner work or should I do a full on fire?

2. They are gloss black on outside. I’ve read here that the gloss paint holds up pretty well but I want them flat black. Can I just rough up the outside and go over the gloss with a high temp flat black? Will that hold up over time?

Any and all advice appreciated!



cclEo58.jpg

Edb3aIY.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
How to fire WSM/UDS/Drum smoker [PDF]
Replies
5
Views
413
Nuco59
N
T
Pitts & Spitts adjustable charcoal grill. Reviews?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Nuco59
N
BruceB
Outlaw patio smoker giveaway
Replies
5
Views
2K
BruceB
BruceB
J
Billows on a Drum Smoker
Replies
4
Views
473
JoeGuitar
J
cayenne
FIRST COOK on the new Offset Smoker!!! Pictures and comments...
2
Replies
22
Views
931
Bury Me In Smoke
B
Back
Top