how many BTU'S for my smoker/BBQ?

[RHG]

I am building a smoker/bbq and need some help on what propane burner size will be needed. the box is 30x18x72. I will need temps as high as 350 or 400 and as low as 100 deg. Thanks in advance. Randy

[Rodcrafter]

Are you going to insulate it or not? Many people have thought about this and then decided on something else, because of the safety issues that come into play with gas. If you go forward with this idea I would recommend (2) things.
1. Place the burner under the cabinet and allow the sides around the burner to be open, well vented.
2. Read this: http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... f=31&t=689

jm2cw

[DUAYNE B]

[RHG]

Are you going to insulate it or not? Many people have thought about this and then decided on something else, because of the safety issues that come into play with gas. If you go forward with this idea I would recommend (2) things.
1. Place the burner under the cabinet and allow the sides around the burner to be open, well vented.
2. Read this: http://www.smokerbuilder.com/forums/vie ... f=31&t=689

jm2cw

What I have is a SS cabinet that was used for sterilizing medical instruments. It is insulated already I just need to put some kind of burner system in it. it is real nice and will be sweet when I am done. I also need to find somewhere to buy build supplies for this project. Thanks Randy

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Randy, I know you are just looking at adding a burner, but as already stated it can be very dangerous. If it were me, I would go with a firebasket in the bottom where you can add charcoal and wood.

I know this is not what you want to hear, but you need to think of safety for yourself and anyone who might be around this thing.

Check out Click here : BBQSMOKERSUPPLY.COM for everything you could ever need for your build.

[RHG]

I would rather put a off set fire box with propane assist instead of using cooking space in the smoker do you guys think that would be a better option? Thanks

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Add propane to a home made smoker is never a good idea unless you are ready to pay a large amount of money to put the safety controls in place. I've head it can cost a guy $500+ to do it safely. You will notice 99% of the people on this forum are against propane assist.

I guess the real question is why are you looking to add propane? A pit that is built correctly doesn't need it.

[Rev.Mike]

another idea, may be to go to a pellet feed, would be a lot safe than gas! JM2C

[RHG]

another idea, may be to go to a pellet feed, would be a lot safe than gas! JM2C

Would a single pellet unit put out enough heat to do the job??

[SmokinFF]

Absolutely. It would run that size cabinet just fine.

[RHG]

Absolutely. It would run that size cabinet just fine.

Just ordered a Pellet Pro from Smoke Daddy...I will post pics...Thanks Randy

[Big T]

[The Czar]

Out of curiosity do you mind sharing how much you paid for that pellet Pro?

[RHG]

Out of curiosity do you mind sharing how much you paid for that pellet Pro?

295.00 shipped

[The Czar]

Hmmm....I think that's a good price...Smokerbuilder has one on the shelf but I don't know the cost....

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

yep, that is a great price. Looks like he's dumping inventory to make room for some new stuff (according to his website).

[The Czar]

It looks that way don't it

[RHG]

Ordered three 3 inch thermometers today got some pipe for the exhaust I think two or three inches from the top of the smoker should be good. exhaust will go through the side into the middle of the smoker located a couple inches from the top. What do you guys think?