Don’t restrict yourself to just used tanks. Big pipe is super versatile and you can always custom build a pit out of plate in whatever shape and size you want. Those oil old oil tanks make a great pit but, as all tanks, can be a lot of work to make them usable.
Welcome aboard!! There have been a few guys over the years that used water pans in their cookers but it hasn't been that common of a build on the forum. When I first set out to build a smoker several years ago I planned to build a MM style cooker but the more I read about the reverse flow smokers and the lack of a need to add a water pan, the, more I strayed from a water smoker. I decided to build a RF and see what all the hype was about. I figured that I could use the baffle plate as a large water pan if I needed to add moisture to the cook chamber. I soon found that the meat that I cooked on it was always moist and I didn't have a need to add water. You could go RF and add water if you wanted or you could design a pit that closer resembles a MM cooker either way, good luck and post plenty of pictures.
Thanks a lot. i have 2 tanks so maby some day i'll try one of each. if i get to it this year, it will definatly be a winter project. I am currently working on some designs.
one question i had was how close together can you put the cooking grates and still get good air flow? the reason i ask is i do alot of appitisers and they dont take a lot of height
Probably wouldn’t go closer than the 3 inch range..maybe 2.5 at a minimum. Could always put in a lot of guides and then adjust shelves as needed to suite your cook.
Thank you all for your input. I live in a part of the world where most people think good bbq is burgers and tube steaks so talking with people that know what they are talking about is refreshing.
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford