UDS Smoker Build

After seeing every type of smoker used during the competition circuit this year, we have decided to build a UDS type smoker, and are documenting the process for all to follow...

Parts:

• 55 gallon drum - straight sided with lid, no liner (only the rust inhibitor on the inside)
• Exhaust Stack with Floating Hinge
• Side Intake Vent Slide from Big Poppas Smokers
• Lid Handle
• Grill Grate with hardware (~1/4 x 2" bolts)
• Vortex Fire Basket from Hunsaker Smokers

First, we burned off the outer paint and inner rust inhibitor of the drum and lid with a propane torch.

The propane burner gets to ~3,000 degrees F; when burning the paint and rust inhibitor off of the lid, it warped a little bit... We are in process of ordering a new lid.

After the barrel cooled off, we measured and drilled the holes for the side intake vent, grill grate, and floating hinge in the drum, and the holes for the handle and exhaust stack on the lid.

Next all pieces were assembled and bolted on.

After bolting everything on, we did an initial burn-in of the drum to burn off the machining oil and any left over residue.

Finally, we rubbed down the inside of the drum/lid and all internal components with vegetable oil to season everything.