Chimney Wall Thickness

[gmbbq]

Does chimney wall thickness have an effect on exhaust flow? Initially, I wanted to use 6" x 20" x 3/16" wall pipe, I have access to a 5" thin walled chrome exhaust stack, which I'm guessing to be 14 -16 gauge in thickness. I do understand the chimney will need to be longer if I go this route. I know chrome has the tendency to retain heat, is this a good characteristic/feature for a smoker chimney? Or should I just steer clear and stay with the initial 6" pipe?

To further add to this I have a 4" x 6" rectangular box available for this build if I choose to go this route. What would you guys choose and why?

Your ideas and suggestions are appreciated.

[Smurf]

I’ve used thin wall chrome stacks on several smokers and it doesn’t seem to be a problem. I think I just like shiny stuff.

[temurf]

I don't know anything about what effect it will have on the air flow, but I think it would look really really cool.

[Big T]

Any of them will work but the rectangular or square tubing doesn't flow as well as pipe. The tubing is more turbulent so it'll need to be a little larger than the pit calculator recommends.

[Dirtytires]

I don’t think it would matter on the thin wall vs heavy. The idea of a chimney is not for heat retention but for airflow.

Something to think about is longevity. Crome only looks nice when it it is properly maintained and kept clean. A heavy wall pipe will not ding or dent but, admittedly, is not as pretty as Chrome.

[Cole]

More good ideas, Chrome exhaust! Isn't there a Country song about Chrome being the favorite color, (Trace Adkins - Chrome).

[Rodcrafter]

Have fun with it either will work just don't go too small when using squared tube like BigT said.

[gmbbq]

Thanks for the information guys.

That settles it, Chrome it will be!

[bswisher]

Chrome makes everything go faster lol

[Dirtytires]

Dang, I new I screwed it up.

[Hogpit]

I might be wrong but im sure i read somewhere that chimney wall thickness should be thin, the theory, if i remember correctly was the thinner material heated up quicker, that heat in the chimney then creates the draw through the cook chamber. Maybe this is more effective with reverse flow than standard offsets. I use car/truck exhaust pipe on my smokers, generally around 2mm thick, I make my exhausts removable so if they are damaged or eventually rust out can be easily replaced.