14in Dia Mini UDS for $150 Build List

JPinSTL · Post by **JPinSTL** » June 20th, 2019, 9:43 am

14 in Mini UDS finally finished up for Dad's day!! I've had the pieces forever. Less than $150 to build. Could be done WAY cheaper if you wanted to scrounge. The only thing you use from the MiniGrill is the hinged domed lid and the grill grate to hold the diffuser. Handles are $3 corner angle brackets and some scrap dowel rod. It held 250º for the 6hr trial on 4lbs of lump running empty.
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14in diameter 15 gallon drum $15 - C’List
Knock-off Weber Mini Grill $15 - WallyWorld
2-Weber "Smoky Joe" Cook Grates $8ea - WallyWorld
Dollar Tree Pizza Pan Diffuser $1
SmokerBuilder MFG Draft Tube $35
SmokerBuilder MFG Charcoal Basket $35
SmokerBuilder MFG Thermo $25
Misc Hardware and Paint $10

Use 3/4in long 1/4-20 or #8 screws as anything longer is a hassle for getting the grates in and out, maybe 3/8in of clearance
A UniBit is great for making the diffuser pan, but the metal is crazy thin, my bit was not very sharp, and melted its way through

The lid hinge is pretty flimsy, but seemed handy, so we will see how long it holds up.

I put the top grate 2in down. I put the 2nd grate at 8in down to avoid the barrel rib, but I think above the rib would be better. 3rd grate is about an 1.5in above the charcoal box. The spacing is tight, you only have 24in to work with and the charcoal basket is 12in tall. The diffuser is critical to cut the radiant heat down. I think on v2.0 I will mod the legs on the charcoal basket so they are an inch shorter and move the bottom cook grate an inch higher. The goal is to cook 2 small butts or chickens. I have a 55 gal UDS, but the little guy would be handy for small cooks or camping out.

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » June 20th, 2019, 9:48 am

Handy dandy info thanks for the awesome write up. Might just make a couple of these for Christmas presents for the kids this year

- The Blue Mule

Post by **Pete Mazz** » June 21st, 2019, 3:44 am

Nice!!

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » June 21st, 2019, 9:16 am

That is supercool....I like the idea as it would pack nicely for camping.

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » June 21st, 2019, 10:27 am

And they’re small enough to teach the youngsters the fine art of cooking. I’m trying to get my grown kids to show some real interest in learning the craft.
My youngest son wants to open a bbq food truck but only wants to handle the financial stuff and grocery orders. He wants me to cook his wife and his stepsister to serve. Idk bout some of this stuff. He’s never been in the food/restaurant biz.
But back on topic...
I think these would be awesome to use as a beginner’s first smoker.

Maybe OP and Frank can put a kit together for resale. Shared profits.

- The Blue Mule

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » June 21st, 2019, 11:39 pm

I’d like to find a couple of those barrels.....no luck so far.

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » June 22nd, 2019, 9:54 am

Dirtytires wrote:I’d like to find a couple of those barrels.....no luck so far.

I might have a lead on some. But it’ll be the middle next week before I can get over there to check it out.
If they’ve got some how many do ya think ya want?

- The Blue Mule

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » June 22nd, 2019, 10:07 am

I’d take 2 but I’m not sure I’m willing to pay shipping on a barrel. Appreciate the offer but I will keep looking here locally. I have so many projects going on right now I don’t need them for a while anyway.

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » June 22nd, 2019, 10:09 am

Dirtytires wrote:I’d take 2 but I’m not sure I’m willing to pay shipping on a barrel. Appreciate the offer but I will keep looking here locally. I have so many projects going on right now I don’t need them for a while anyway.

[emoji1303][emoji1303]

- The Blue Mule

JPinSTL · Post by **JPinSTL** » June 24th, 2019, 9:45 am

Dirtytires wrote: ↑
June 21st, 2019, 11:39 pm
I’d like to find a couple of those barrels.....no luck so far.

These are an approx 14in diameter drum, 24in tall, and 15/16 gallon in size. The ones I found had peppermint oil in them from an air freshener factory, but I bought them off Craigslist. This size is also popular for grease/oil drums so maybe check with your local Valvoline/Jiffy Lube place?

They were closed head drums, but the air hammer zipped that off fast. Those cheap air tool kits always come with an air hammer and bits, never had much use for one, but its just the thing for cutting a drum head off. I cut the inside flat portion of the lid off and left the rolled rim. With a little work I think the flat portion of the drum head could make a nice diffuser plate.

I'm on the hunt for 18in diameter 30 gallon drums. But this size is not popular at all. This seems to be what the "Pit Barrel Cooker" brand is made from.

McBroom · Post by **McBroom** » June 24th, 2019, 10:39 am

[emoji1303]

- The Blue Mule

Dirtytires · Post by **Dirtytires** » June 24th, 2019, 12:00 pm

Thanks for the info guys...it seems I have a local distributor for new barrels here in the area. They sell all sizes, smooth wall/ribbed wall, sealed/clamp-on top and in every color imaginable. Probable is they want $75-$100 apiece. Even worse is it looks like they only sell the smaller ones by the pallet.

I’ll keep my eyes out....

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