Ugly Drum Smoker

Mojo-Que · Apr 15, 2019

Did my first packer brisket and 3rd cook on my UDS. Used Kosmo hot and fast method but no injection. Extremely happy with the results. 5 hours start to finish including the burnt ends. Thanks to all in this thread I enjoyed learning about drum smokers and am extremely glad that I went this route!

R5Ryder · Apr 15, 2019

For upright intakes - does it matter one way or the other if you use standard 90-degree black-steel elbows that are secured from the inside by bushings, or if you use the "street" elbow which threads in and then would be secured from inside by a conduit nut?

I think the bushing would reduce the size of the intake, but then again so does a ball valve so it probably doesn't matter. I notice that the image grosen84 posted shows the standard elbows, but I've seen it both ways.

standard elbow:

90-degree-elbows--black-pipe-fittings-malleable-iron-det__99681.1527098485.png

street elbow:

PursuitSS · Jun 21, 2019

Building my first UDS

I’m going blind reading this thread :mrgreen: BUT, there’s a LOT of great information here.

My thoughts....

I’m ordering a new 55 gallon polished 16 gauge stainless steel open top drum.

Apparently they are 24” in diameter (slightly larger than most?)

Then I going with the Big Poppa Smoker Kit, I’m also ordering 3 of their heavy gauge grates.

I’m also ordering a 30 quart stainless steel mixing bowl to convert the drum lid to a dome lid.

I’m at this time planning on using a BBQ Guru DigiQ Temperature Controller.

If I don’t have enough “smoke” I’ll throw it one of my pellet smoke tubes.

I know this will be an expensive build (north of a grand) but I want a quality, nice smoker.

Thoughts?, Comments?, Criticisms?

Devin · Jul 1, 2019

I would think the hardware for the grates might not work if your drum is a bit bigger than a standard, should be easy enough to sort out though.
I would probably consider a diffuser as well thinking that if its still a 55 gallon drum but about two inches bigger around its also going to be a few inches shorter which will either make the grate closer to the fire or take away a bit from your height.
I just got a Smartfire controller that I really like so far. can't speak on the BBQ guru but they seem pretty popular.
I like the idea of the SS drum, even with a good paint job on mine it is still getting some rust spots as it lives outside under an awning but a cover for it would probably fix that.

PursuitSS · Jul 30, 2019

Thanks for the thoughts, I have been looking into diffusers, I thought I was going to have to make my own but I’ve found several available.

Oracle00 · Feb 24, 2020

Hello everyone, here's my first post.

I came across this forum researching smokers. Like many, I started smoking on a Weber Kettle. I'll be moving from Miami, Fl to Central, Fl in a month and decided I should break in my new house in with a proper smoker. After tons of research, I decided on a UDS because of cost and the fun of building something fun with my pops.

So far, all I've got is a burned and primed drum, but once the parts come in, it should all come together nicely.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread over the years. For anyone looking to build a UDS or any smoker, this thread is as important as any of the tools necessary to get the job done.

Here's a few pics with updates to follow.

BKING! · Feb 24, 2020

Lookin good!

OferL · Feb 25, 2020

Lots of fun and good meats in your future!

Oracle00 · Feb 26, 2020

Here's the final product. I'm extremely pleased with this build. It was never my intention to actually build my own smoker, but I'm glad I took on the project. My pops and I haven't spent time together like this in a while, and that alone was worth it all.

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

tom b · Feb 26, 2020

Awesome, enjoy!

BGEChicago · Feb 27, 2020

Franky,

Nice looking rig, even cooler your Dad helped! I look forward to you posting your maiden voyage cook on this guy!
Thanks,
Greg

rifraf · Feb 27, 2020

Very nice!!

jazzbert · Mar 2, 2020

Wow, beautiful job. Kudos on being wise beyond your years in taking advantage of time with your dad. The are with us for such a short time.

93civEJ1 · Nov 9, 2020

Any others building since march? I am looking to modify mine and like all the ideas I can get.

Nuco59 · Nov 9, 2020

886 pages- in the mother of all UDS threads- and you are looking for "more" ideas?

ok

Sid Post · Nov 10, 2020

Nuco59 said:
886 pages- in the mother of all UDS threads- and you are looking for "more" ideas?

ok

:rofl:

Swine-Enshrined · Dec 17, 2020

I have trolled this site quite a bit over the last few days... I'm gonna do it !
I guess ill start a build thread when I actually get to work on it.

But First... The Drum itself
I've seen plenty of used ones on Craigslist etc that I could burn and clean out. ($25-$50) Just seems like such a PITA. Then I found a drum company near my house that sells new ones. I can get a 55 GALLON straight drum for $88. I cant find any straight drums used. I kinda like them better.

Thoughts?

BobBill · Dec 17, 2020

Caution UDS barrel Bigger is NOT Always Better

Biggest thing is barrel size...30 gal vs 55 gal...latter is huge, uses lots of fuel, too fast for me.

I think most people will admit smaller drum is as good and is way cheaper initially and in use...

Plus, smaller 390 gal drum can be used to grille.

Also get new drum! Easier/maybe safer!

Basket for coals is not easy to do right and is important. Welded steel mesh "expanded metal" is fine, with attached bottom pan set inch or two below. Allows for lots of coals and wood, which means no refills needed...measure well. Long metal wire (1/8) is handy, as are gloves.

Topper is inverted SS salad mixer owl, and a SS chimney which I ordered on line for domed Q top...would put up another pic, but am on spare laptop.

BTW, Do not scrimp...

Use three solid SS bolts not coated, for each layer and use expanded-metal grates (3), at top center and over coal basket for

Planter base (fired-terracota) flower-pot base, covered in foil to use over basket as water-filled deflector.

Measure!

Swine-Enshrined · Dec 17, 2020

Its a 55 Gallon Drum :nod::nod:

BobBill · Dec 17, 2020

S-winey, if you are referring to the above photo; No! It's a 30...count the pavers...2-years, last April."

And I do more smoking in my Weber...old 23" from 1973.

Doubt you could find a SS salad bowl that is 23" in diameter...

Ugly Drum Smoker

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

Attachments

Found some matches.

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

is Blowin Smoke!

is Blowin Smoke!

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

somebody shut me the fark up.

is one Smokin' Farker

Knows what a fatty is.

Well-known member

Is lookin for wood to cook with.

Babbling Farker

is Blowin Smoke!

Found some matches.

Attachments

Knows what a fatty is.

Attachments

Found some matches.

Knows what a fatty is.

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