First vertical smoker build

[nick9one1]

Hi ,

I'm from the UK and looking to build my first smoker.
I plan to use a 47kg gas bottle to build an all in one vertical.

There are some good calculators on here, but as far as I can tell they don't cover the vertical smoker.

My only questions are,

Is there an ideal firebox/cook chamber ratio
Ideal exhaust size
Ideal intake size

The gas cylinder is 50 inches (1290mm) x 15 inches (375mm) and 92 lites

Thanks!

[Big T]

Welcome aboard! There's not a calculator for a vertical anywhere on the internet that I know of. The FB size on a vertical really depends on what you intend to use for fuel. Charcoal doesn't require a very large FB where as wood will need more room. Verticals are very efficient so in my opinion a small vertical would be better suited for charcoal. Exhaust on a vertical just requires an opening, I would use 3'' with a damper. Intake size depends on the fuel, wood will need a lot more air than charcoal.

[Pete Mazz]

[nick9one1]

Welcome aboard! There's not a calculator for a vertical anywhere on the internet that I know of. The FB size on a vertical really depends on what you intend to use for fuel. Charcoal doesn't require a very large FB where as wood will need more room. Verticals are very efficient so in my opinion a small vertical would be better suited for charcoal. Exhaust on a vertical just requires an opening, I would use 3'' with a damper. Intake size depends on the fuel, wood will need a lot more air than charcoal.

Thank you! I think you've answered all my questions in one go

Yes it will be charcoal with a small chunks of wood added.

Does a 25% firebox class as small?

[Dirtytires]

That should be a really compact and efficient smoker. Do a quick search for ‘minion method.’ I’ve found it a great way to maintain a long burn time with charcoal. Pretty easy idea but will require a basket for your charcoal.

Your firebox needs to have enough room to put a basket for the charcoal. I would say 7-8 inches high. Will need 3-4 inches of headroom and say 2 inches underneath for airflow and ash to drop. So, yea, 25% is right in the ballpark. Your door doesn’t have to cover the whole thing, just big enough for your basket to be removable.

[nick9one1]

Thanks. The minion method looks perfect! I'll definitely try that.

What is the preferred firebox inlet type?
I like the 'slide-gate' type. Although not sure they would be easy to connect up to a pit controller (if I get one).

Would a 90 degree elbow into the bottom be better, maybe with a ball valve?

[Big T]

A simple slide will work fine as long as it seals off well. You can always drill a hole and add an adapter for a controller at a later time if you wanted to.

[Dirtytires]

I also am a fan of the slides. Had a pit with a pinwheel damper once and it was always sticking, warping and rusting between the two surfaces making it difficult to use sometimes.

[nick9one1]

I think I'm going to go UDS style damper, which seems the best of both worlds.

I've got a spare length of 2" pipe with a 90 degree elbow which I'll drop directly out the bottom (smoker is on legs) then the elbow will turn the inlet horizontal.

[Big T]

[Rule Hard]

Nice plan. If you look at my build it's very similar to what your building. Maybe a touch smaller. I'm doing a 3" exhaust.

[nick9one1]

Nice plan. If you look at my build it's very similar to what your building. Maybe a touch smaller. I'm doing a 3" exhaust.

Thank you!

I've just had a good read through your thread - Its looking great! Definitely given me a few ideas

I've gone for a 3" exhaust too.

inlet will be 2" (probably oversized for what I need). Dropped straight out the bottom, 90 degree elbow and some sort of valve.

[Dirtytires]

You will need to build in a way to prevent ash from dropping into your pipe....

[nick9one1]

Would this work ok?

the inlet would raise 2 inches inside the smoker with a cap on top.

[nick9one1]

I've been thinking about the fire box.

Is there a scenario where I would need to take it out while cooking?

As it's vertical, it will be possible to remove it from the main cooking door (when not cooking).
this means the firebox door can be quite small, and just used for topping up charcoal.

Would there be any problem with this?

[towtruck]

I would make it's own door that you can get the fire basket through... but the UDS's don't always run a door....it you can control your burn time for every kind of cook you are gong to be doing then that will work....cleaning it out might become an issue though.

[Saskattak]

Welcome! I would add a door for ease of access for adding more fuel (without opening the chamber door) and for easier clean up after a cook.

Can't wait to see the build.

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[nick9one1]

Welcome! I would add a door for ease of access for adding more fuel (without opening the chamber door) and for easier clean up after a cook.

Can't wait to see the build.

Sent from my SM-A715W using Tapatalk

thanks!

I'm still planning on having a door, just considering making it small.
When I'm cleaning up or setting up for a smoke I can access it from the large main door.

I made a little more progress today;

[Saskattak]

Are putting in a diffuser plate?

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[nick9one1]

Yep, a nice thick one, removable with an inch (?) gap around the sides

I dont have it yet, so feel free to advise if the gap should be smaller/larger

[Dirtytires]

Looks like you have this under control. Keep at it.

[tinspark]

Normally, a removable ash pan under the fire helps immensely for cleanup. I attached my ash pan directly to my fuel basket. it all comes out together. I take it to the trash can and dump both at the same time. I do this before each cook. Also I give the basket a good shake to drop the ash to the pan below, which allows more oxygen to the fire. I do this about every other time I reload it with fuel. This is for my stick burner, but its the same for any fuel that creates ash. It may be a chore to clean that thing out after each cook.
If you feel an ash pan would restrict your air inlet, which it might based on your inlet design (BDC) your clean-out door idea is a good one, I would place it as low to the bottom as possible below the fire grate, that way it'll be easier to scoop out the ash. The less clean-up work the better IMHO

[Saskattak]

Yep, a nice thick one, removable with an inch (?) gap around the sides

I dont have it yet, so feel free to advise if the gap should be smaller/larger

I used a 3/16" plate and added holes, but i wanted option of hot and fast cooking. I welded 4 pcs of round bar to the bottom plate that were 1.5" taller than the basket. The plate sits on there. I have 3/4" gap all around and can move the plate if the back side (where exhaust vent is) get too hot. Done ribs and wings in it so far and it has worked great. Crispy wings in about 60 mins.

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[nick9one1]

thanks, thats a good idea. I may do the same!

[nick9one1]

I added the handles/door locks today.

Has some spare 8mm stainless rod and oilite bushes so though t I might as well use them!

I also 3d printed some solid plastic feet in PETG so it doesnt scratch up the floor