New builder question

Tanner01 · Post by **Tanner01** » January 19th, 2014, 5:30 pm

New to building a smoker. First post before I build it. I found the calculator page and I think I understand it. I have 3/16 inch steel and plan on doing a reverse flow. Plan on building it rectangular shape.
My question- what would be the smallest size cook chamber recommended? is there a height, width, length ratio to go by.
Thank you. Cool website and I have learned a lot by going thru the forum. Hope I can build one half as nice as the ones posted.

Post by **Big T** » January 19th, 2014, 5:39 pm

First

I would consider what type of food I would normally be cooking and how many people on average I would be cooking for and base my size from there. I have seen RF's on this site small enough to cook 2 hamburger patties (no joke) all the way up to twin 500 gallon cookers. I think if you're cooking for a small family 5-6 people that a 36''-40'' CC will be plenty big enough. It probably wouldn't take one quite that big but I like to have that little extra room if needed as it doesn't take that much fuel too run it. This is just my opinion and I'm sure others will be along to help you out pretty soon.

DUAYNE B · Post by **DUAYNE B** » January 19th, 2014, 5:45 pm

Welcome and howdy, cook chamber size is a decision you make. The rest is calculated to the cook chamber size. If it is a family size, say ten to twenty people, you would want it big enough for acfew racks of ribs, or a couple good size pork butts, a brisket packer will take up a bit of real estate,. Do youwant a single rack, or doulble rack, that will determine diameter, so 18 x 40 makes a good patio or 24 x 40 makes a good get together smoker, hope this helps

bluecatfish · Post by **bluecatfish** » January 19th, 2014, 5:47 pm

Welcome to Smoker Builders, you have came to the right place for good information! The size of the CC depends on how many you will be cooking for. I would suggest making it 16" x 16" x 32" as a minimum size. It also depends if it is to be trailer mounted or patio type. Just my thoughts and there are many others here way more qualified than me to say and I am sure they will jump in with good suggestions.

Tanner01 · Post by **Tanner01** » January 19th, 2014, 6:20 pm

I was thinking a single rack about 36" long 24" wide and 20" tall. Patio sized, cooking for about 6 people.
I was planning on a sloped back top similar to a regular grill

DUAYNE B · Post by **DUAYNE B** » January 19th, 2014, 7:16 pm

Thats a nice size, you can put some meat on that

Tanner01 · Post by **Tanner01** » January 19th, 2014, 7:45 pm

Thank you, I start tomorrow

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » January 19th, 2014, 7:47 pm

Awesome, can't wait to see the pics.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » January 19th, 2014, 8:38 pm

Welcome aboard!!!

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Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » January 19th, 2014, 9:04 pm

Welcome !

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » January 19th, 2014, 9:39 pm

dwwantasmoker · Post by **dwwantasmoker** » January 19th, 2014, 9:47 pm

Rev.Mike · Post by **Rev.Mike** » January 19th, 2014, 10:51 pm

Tanner01 · Post by **Tanner01** » January 21st, 2014, 3:56 pm

I did not start cutting metal yet, but I have laid out the design. One off the other guys in my shop started building one and I helped a little. Makes it easier to figure out what I want to do by watching him build his. He is starting to cut up the oak pallets for his first burn, before he paints it.

Rev.Mike · Post by **Rev.Mike** » January 21st, 2014, 4:15 pm

jaybird302 · Post by **jaybird302** » January 21st, 2014, 5:56 pm

Plasma table..... Someday....

Puff · Post by **Puff** » January 21st, 2014, 6:02 pm

Great looking cook chamber.... Nice work!!

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » January 21st, 2014, 7:06 pm

Nice work! That rig is coming along FAST!

Post by **Big T** » January 21st, 2014, 8:29 pm

SmokinFF · Post by **SmokinFF** » January 21st, 2014, 8:59 pm

Post by **Rodcrafter** » January 22nd, 2014, 9:05 am

dwwantasmoker · Post by **dwwantasmoker** » January 22nd, 2014, 7:30 pm

My question would be is that the CC had a round hole, but the stack manifold was square wouldn't that cause a problem with flow?

Puff · Post by **Puff** » January 22nd, 2014, 8:48 pm

It was explained to me that the key is flow volume and that the smallest restriction dictates the flow. If the intent is 6" , for example, then anything less regardless of shape commands the flow. Subsequently anything larger has the same result, it is still dictated by the circular hole in the side wall which is still the smallest restriction.

Hence the validity of the algebraic equation If A=B And B=C then A=C......

Tanner01 · Post by **Tanner01** » January 22nd, 2014, 10:18 pm

The stack was going to be 6" but he wanted it to be taller so we switched it to 4" now it should help keep smoke out of his eyes.

Puff · Post by **Puff** » January 23rd, 2014, 12:41 am

That too !

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