55 gal drum desugn

[chvojka]

Hello,
Looking to build a smoker from a 55 gallon drum on its side. Will be making propane burners from black pipe possibly 3 to go length wise in the bottom of the barrel. I will have above the burners 2 stainless steel wood boxes that are 8" x 8" x 2" deep with covers for smoke. I was considering putting water pans just below the grill grate and have it vented around the sides for the smoke to come up. The part I'm not sure about is the water pans. Is this a useless addition? I just don't want the burners to flare up with grease plus I have heard the moisture from the waterpans keeps the meat moist and tender.

Any and all thoughts would be great.

[Frank_Cox]

If you got a drum the best thing in my opinion to build is a UDS! way easier and safer to run! cheaper and safer to build too!

[The Czar]

......Or build a double barrel smoker if you want to keep a drum on its side.....

viewtopic.php?f=46&t=1148&hilit=double

[Smokeone]

Gotta agree with Frank. I am not a gas fan.

[chvojka]

But I do not have any experience with wood/charcoal. Although I agree wood would be better.

What about building a side box on the barrel and running a temporary burner that smokes chips in the stainless smoker boxes then later I can transition to wood?

[Frank_Cox]