Rookie Help

[The Bax]

I have been smoking for 4 years and have been using a small offset and a small bullet. I am really wanting to up my game and know I need a better smoker. I am looking for feedback on what everyones thoughts are for the best designs (offsets, verticals, etc.) to make killer bbq. Also, I would love to make my one. I have been looking into some designs and some sites say offsets are not good unless you are using a large main barrel with a bottom chamber to create a constant flow of smoke and heat. I have also seen this one that is a wood burner called big baby, it is two 55 gal drums stacked on top of each other using a wood stove kit. Thoughts on those? Ideally, I would like to build something for around $100-200. Any rookie help is greatly appreciated. And if anyone is in the Detroit area and knows where to get supplies to make one would be great help.

[alleyrat58]

Hey Bax - have you considered a UDS?

[Gizmo]

Definitely UDS

If you've been using a small bullet then it might not be what you had in mind but you will not be able to beat it on that budget.

UDS's have their own department so look them up on this site and you'll get some more ideas.
Frank has a video or just plans that would get you through building it.

[The Bax]

I was looking at the UDS but can you fit a whole wrack of st louie ribs with out cutting them?

[The Bax]

skip the object of price. what kind of smokers do you use and how much roughly did it cost to build. what has been the best type of smoker you have had? Would love to hear from everyone that would like to put in 2 cents.

[maccas66]

Thats what we like to hear, forget the cost!, so are you looking at a home size cooker or a comp size cooker?, if it`s a patio size a 25 gal LPG tank out of a car/pickup would be the go in reverse flow off set

[Rodcrafter]

Reverse Flow Offset, IMHO is the way to go regardless the size.

[Frank_Cox]

Reverse flow is a great way to go for sure. I also really like the UDS Smokers. Here is a link to that section of the site. I recommend you start there since this is your first build and you can build one of these for little over $100.00 UDS Smokers

[Smokeone]

Reverse flow is a great way to go for sure. I also really like the UDS Smokers. Here is a link to that section of the site. I recommend you start there since this is your first build and you can build one of these for little over $100.00 UDS Smokers

[The Czar]

welcome and I LOVE MY UDS!!!!!!!!!!!! For about 100 to 150 bucks it can't be beat.....

[The Bax]

Thank you for the input fellas. I am looking to put together just a small home cooker. I almost bought a brinkmann trail master yesterday. I am thinking I would get more satisfaction with making a smoker. Is there a section for the reverse flows?

[Gizmo]

Yep - under smoker designs I think...

[maccas66]

Thats the spirit Bax!, you don`t need no stinking Brinkman!!

[The Czar]

viewforum.php?f=11

Here you go buddy....happy reading....

[The Bax]

Thank you for the input fellas. Are there any sections for the reverse flows?

[Gizmo]

Think of Reverse flow as a technique.
Everything at the link DC lists above is a reverse flow design - but with variances.
It'll take some reading but I'm sure you'll see a version in there that appeals to you.
In most of those designs a simple scale-down could be the patio size cooker you want.

[Frank_Cox]

Here's a blog page I started a long time ago.... I need to finish it someday. this will help you...
How To Build a Reverse Flow Smoker

[The Bax]

Awesome. Thanks guys

[TuscaloosaQ]

Reverse flow all the way baby!!!!!

[Gizmo]

So guys...
... is an end-fed actually a forward flow?

DANG! ... I just lost a button hole off my shirt ... where am I gonna find a button hole?



sorry ... was that out loud?

[maccas66]

So guys...
... is an end-fed actually a forward flow?

DANG! ... I just lost a button hole off my shirt ... where am I gonna find a button hole?




sorry ... was that out loud?

Don`t tell me your not completely dress on here!!!..................

[Gizmo]

Yeah - underneath all these clothes I'm naked...

[maccas66]

just checking!!!

[Rodcrafter]

Rick, do you always ask the hard questions?

[Gizmo]

Only if they NEED asking ... it's just one of my many services ...