Newbie Questions...

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halfpassed

Newbie
Original poster
Aug 29, 2013
5
10
So, I really like the idea/do-it-yourself-ness/flexibility/customizability of the UDS, so I'm going to attempt one. I think I have the basics - coal basket, air holes around the bottom to control temp, vent hole(s) on top, an ash pan if you want, etc. I do have a couple questions still - 

1 - Is the burn out to remove the lining, or to heat the metal and get it used to high temps and prevent warping, etc.?

2 - I've read talk of a diffuser plate - is this totally necessary?

3 - Do the wood chunks just mix in with the coal?

4 - Has anyone done a propane UDS with good success?

5 - Is there a list/post of bare minimums for a UDS? Like a sticky of "The Beginner's Guide to UDS Building"?

Thanks in advance - I appreciate any input.

Dave
 
Here are my opinions.  Your mileage may very.

1. To remove the lining

2. For indirect cooking - yes.  For direct cooking - no.

3. I lay them on top after my fire is burning clean.  All visible smoke is from the wood I add.

4. Never seen one.

5. I've not seen one but maybe there is.
 
Bama has you covered.

I don't use a diff plate ( want to try one)

I mix wood chunks in.
 
I bought my drum food grade unlined ready.. it had olive oil still in it.. but I still did a burn out just incase

My opinion is why need heat diffuser.. its over direct heat but if your bottom intake vents are properly maintained... there is no flare ups.. and you really want those juices to hit the coals.. thats your moisture creator. .and flavor you get from the UDS...

I mix my chunks in with the coals really depending on what I am going for a long haul cook...mix in top and bottom..or a quick 6 or 8 hour cook on top of coals. .

No need for propane.. you want the juices hitting the vemt controlled coals..
 
I cant post outsite links but if you google UDS smoker builds..
I followed this material list and I only had to dk some minor mods after ..


how to bbq right ... its a great starter list for what you'll need.

Got any more questions just ask away and ill post some links to my build and others I know here on SMF here that work just great!
 
I cant post outsite links but if you google UDS smoker builds..
I followed this material list and I only had to dk some minor mods after ..


how to bbq right ... its a great starter list for what you'll need.

Got any more questions just ask away and ill post some links to my build and others I know here on SMF here that work just great!
WB, evening..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
So, I really like the idea/do-it-yourself-ness/flexibility/customizability of the UDS, so I'm going to attempt one. I think I have the basics - coal basket, air holes around the bottom to control temp, vent hole(s) on top, an ash pan if you want, etc. I do have a couple questions still - 
1 - Is the burn out to remove the lining, or to heat the metal and get it used to high temps and prevent warping, etc.?
2 - I've read talk of a diffuser plate - is this totally necessary?
3 - Do the wood chunks just mix in with the coal?
4 - Has anyone done a propane UDS with good success?
5 - Is there a list/post of bare minimums for a UDS? Like a sticky of "The Beginner's Guide to UDS Building"?
Thanks in advance - I appreciate any input.

Dave
Howdy dave.. i apologize .. here are a few pictures of the plans I used for my basic UDS BUILD.


I hope this helps you on you UDS journey.
 
I guess your a yahoo or bing guy. .. I personally like google.
Try ixquick, or even start page...they're both meta-search engines for Firefox (if you're still using IE8 or whatever other incompatible and vulnerable version they now have, you're way behind the curve), combining the results of multiple search engines with the most hits from all engines listed at the top in sequential order according to the number of times it appeared on the engines used. And, best of all, it's PRIVATE, unlike google, which keeps a record of everything you search for and can be traced back to YOU. Google's search is behind the times, as well as many others.

I haven't used anything to do with google for years...except google maps/google earth...which is maybe twice a year, but probably less than that...google's privacy policy is a joke...don't like bing (choose my results for me??? REALLY???), yahoo, etc. Why use one search engine when you can combine a broad-range of search engines for the most accurate and complete search, and do it anonymously without using an IP blocker for pirvacy?

Just sayin'...it doesn't matter what you search for on the web, it's nobody's business to know what you searched for but you...google (among others) seems to think they just have to keep records of this info for "better personalized searches"...yeah, right...just read up on what they do with that info sometime when you get a chance to dig through the pages of articles you'll find...then decide if you still like google or not.

Eric
 
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