You’ve seen them at neighborhood cookouts, tailgate parties, and food festivals. You’ve tasted the delicious, smoky flavor they impart to meat and veggies alike. They are the drum smokers, and they’re an essential tool for any serious backyard barbecue aficionado. These unique cooking apparatus, often crafted from standard 55 gallon drums, bring a distinctive taste and tradition to outdoor cooking.
At the heart of this culinary tradition lies the 55-gallon drum. It’s the perfect size for a smoker, providing ample space for racks of ribs, brisket, or even a whole turkey. The metal conducts heat well, creating a consistent and controlled cooking environment.
Double drum smokers, made from two 55-gallon drums, are the next step in this exciting journey. They offer more space, more versatility, and more smoking possibilities. If you’re ready to take your smoking game to the next level, a double 55-gallon drum smoker is the way to go.
Advantages of Double 55 Gallon Drum Smoker
Increased Capacity
A double 55-gallon drum smoker is a game-changer for those large family gatherings or neighborhood parties. With two drums, you can cook twice as much food at once. This gives you the ability to smoke large quantities of meat, which is perfect for those big family reunions or any other large event.
Versatility and Control
Double drum smokers offer enhanced versatility. You can smoke different types of meats at different temperatures simultaneously. Moreover, having two separate chambers gives you the freedom to experiment with different types of wood or charcoal, opening up a new world of flavors.
Improved Efficiency
With a double drum smoker, you can benefit from shared heat between the two drums, improving efficiency and saving on fuel. The shared heat also ensures a more even temperature, leading to a consistent smoke and more predictable cooking times.
Detailed Double 55 Gallon Drum Smoker Plans
Building your own double 55-gallon drum smoker can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you get the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, but you’ll also have a functional tool for preparing delicious meals. The key to a successful build lies in careful planning and selection of materials, and adherence to safety guidelines.
Selection of Materials
Choosing the right materials is crucial for building a durable, safe, and efficient double drum smoker. Here’s a list of the primary components you’ll need:
- Two 55-gallon drums: These will form the main body of your smoker. It’s recommended to use new, unlined drums to ensure they are safe for cooking. Alternatively, if you’re using reclaimed drums, make sure they were used for food storage or were otherwise free of harmful chemicals.
- Steel grates: These will be used for the cooking surfaces inside the drums. It’s best to use food-grade stainless steel grates.
- Hinges, handles, and fasteners: These small but vital components are crucial for the functionality of your smoker. Choose sturdy, heat-resistant hinges for the lids, and durable handles and fasteners.
- Thermometers: Invest in high-quality thermometers to ensure accurate temperature readings. You’ll need one for each drum.
- High-heat resistant paint: This will be used to coat the outside of your smoker, helping to protect against rust and wear.
Importance of Safe 55 Gallon Drums
Using safe drums is the cornerstone of your double drum smoker project. As these drums will be used for cooking, it’s crucial to ensure that they haven’t previously contained toxic substances. It’s recommended to use food-grade drums or ones that previously held harmless substances. If you’re not sure about a drum’s history, it’s better to be safe and not use it.
Necessary Tools
Building a double drum smoker requires several tools. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Drill and metal drill bits: These are essential for creating ventilation holes and attaching hardware.
- Metal cutting saw: You’ll need this to cut out the lids of your drums.
- Welding machine: This will be used to weld the two drums together and attach any additional structural supports.
- Measuring tape and marker: These tools are vital for accurate measurements and markings.
- Safety equipment: Protect yourself during the building process with safety goggles, gloves, and a mask.
Step-by-Step Construction of Double 55 Gallon Drum Smoker
Preparation of the Drums
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the drums with a mixture of hot water and dish soap to remove any residues. Allow them to dry completely.
- Using a metal cutting saw, cut out the lids of your drums. Be sure to leave a small lip around the edge for the lid to rest on.
Assembly of the Smoker Base
- Decide on the design of your double drum smoker. You can place the drums side by side or stack them on top of each other.
- For a stacked design, you’ll need to weld supporting steel bars onto the bottom drum. Then, place the top drum onto these bars.
Installation of Grates and Lids
- Measure and mark the height for your cooking grates inside each drum. Install the grates at your desired height.
- Attach the lids to the drums using hinges. Make sure they open and close smoothly and seal well when closed.
Adding Temperature Control Features
- Drill holes and install a thermometer in each lid at a position where it’s easily visible.
- Create adjustable air vents in the drums by drilling multiple holes and covering them with a sliding metal plate or a rotating disk. This will allow you to control the amount of air entering the smoker, which directly influences the burn rate and temperature.
Safety Considerations for Double 55 Gallon Drum Smokers
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for efficient and safe operation of your smoker. Good airflow helps to control the burn rate of your fuel and maintains a consistent temperature inside the smoker. Ensure your air vents are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the smoker’s temperature.
Heat Management
Remember that your double drum smoker will get very hot during operation. Position your smoker in an area where it’s unlikely to be touched accidentally, and away from flammable materials. Using high-heat resistant paint on the exterior of the drums can help to minimize heat radiation.
Safe Usage Guidelines
Never leave your smoker unattended when it’s in use. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. When adjusting vents, adding fuel, or handling food in the smoker, use long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns.
Maintenance Tips for Double 55 Gallon Drum Smoker
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your smoker is essential. After each use, allow the smoker to cool, then remove the ashes. Occasionally, you’ll need to perform a deep clean to remove grease and soot build-up from the interior surfaces and the cooking grates. You can do this with a mixture of hot water and dish soap.
Paint and Rust Management
Check for peeling paint or rust on your smoker regularly. If you find any, use a wire brush to scrape off the rust, apply a rust converter if necessary, and repaint the area with heat-resistant paint. This will prevent further rusting and prolong the lifespan of your smoker.
Replacement of Parts
Over time, some parts of your smoker might need to be replaced due to wear and tear. These could include the cooking grates, thermometers, or hardware like hinges and handles. Always use high-quality replacements to ensure the longevity of your smoker.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double 55 Gallon Drum Smoker
Can I use any 55-gallon drum for building a smoker?
No, not all 55-gallon drums are suitable for building a smoker. You should use drums that are food-grade or have only contained harmless substances. Drums that have held oil, chemicals, or other potentially hazardous materials should be avoided due to the risk of toxic residue contaminating your food.
What kind of paint should I use for my double drum smoker?
You should use high-heat resistant paint for your double drum smoker. This type of paint can withstand the high temperatures that your smoker will reach during operation. It will protect the drums from rusting, while also giving your smoker a clean, polished look.
What’s the best way to control the temperature in a double drum smoker?
The temperature in a double drum smoker is primarily controlled by adjusting the air vents. Opening the vents allows more air to flow into the drums, causing the fuel to burn at a higher rate and increase the temperature. Conversely, closing the vents reduces airflow, slowing the burn rate and decreasing the temperature. A high-quality thermometer is also essential for accurately monitoring the temperature inside your smoker.
Conclusion
Building your own double 55-gallon drum smoker can be a gratifying DIY project. With careful planning, the right materials, and some elbow grease, you can create a highly functional smoker that’s perfect for cooking delicious smoked meats and vegetables.
Safety should always be a priority when constructing and using your smoker. This includes choosing safe, food-grade drums, and following safe usage guidelines such as proper ventilation, heat management, and never leaving your smoker unattended while in use.
Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, rust management, and occasional parts replacement, will ensure your homemade double drum smoker serves you well for years to come. So why not give it a try? Fire up those drums and get ready to impress your friends and family with your smoking skills!
