Smoker finished and "smokin"

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
What craftsmanship!  Very nice indeed!
Looks-Great.gif
 
Brett,

Thanks for the concern.  That is ceramic tile that I have the AMTS mounted on.  The tile is over Hardie backer board so the heat is a couple layers away from any wood.  Even though there are a lot of wooden smokers out there I was a little paranoid about heat vs wood.  I think fire wins every time.  So my whole smoker is lined with Hardie backer then covered with either aluminum sheet or ceramic tile.

Wazoo
I love the set up as well.  One problem you might or might not run into where the AMNTS is mounted is getting good smoke when you're hot cooking ...  smoke generators typically have to be well above the heat source.  The reason being is the heat from the burner actually burns up the smoke before it can rise to smoke your foods.  It's fine for when you're cold smoking but hot is another thing especially propane burners which is what i typically use....this is coming from personal experience.   Hope that helps. 
 
I love the set up as well.  One problem you might or might not run into where the AMNTS is mounted is getting good smoke when you're hot cooking ...  smoke generators typically have to be well above the heat source.  The reason being is the heat from the burner actually burns up the smoke before it can rise to smoke your foods.  It's fine for when you're cold smoking but hot is another thing especially propane burners which is what i typically use....this is coming from personal experience.   Hope that helps. 
Brett,  Thank you for the input. I appreciate your suggestion.  I knew that could be a concern with hot smoking.  The way I configured it there is a 2" gap right above the AMNTS so the smoke goes straight up into the smoke chamber and hopefully does not get pulled over into the flame from the burner.  That is also why I have the deflector on the vents.  The AMNTS produced a really nice amount of smoke for some sausage that I ran at 120 degrees up to 170 degrees.  I have not tried it for really hot smokes (225 degrees +).

I knew that propane burners can eat the smoke so I had always planned on using big wood chunks in the frying pan.  I used that method for a chicken that I did a couple of weeks ago.  I smoked it at 275 - 295 and added one to two chunks to the frying pan every hour or so.  It took a bit of trial and error but now I know about how much wood to add to produce TBS rather than too much wood and thick white smoke.  This is a case of too much of a good thing is not the best solution.  Less wood = better smoke.  I think this method is also more cost effective. I can get a lot of wood chunks pretty cheaply compared to wood pellets.  It takes a little more baby sitting but I don't plan on using a propane burner in a box unattended for too long until I add the pilot light and thermocouple option.  I like blowing up things more than most people.  I just do want it to be my new smoker.  
th_crybaby2.gif
 
I'm Keith...but let me know how the pilot light w/ thermocouple works out for you when you do it... i've been kicking around the idea of doing that myself. 
 
I'm Keith...but let me know how the pilot light w/ thermocouple works out for you when you do it... i've been kicking around the idea of doing that myself. 
Sorry about the name.  I have never been accused of being able to read much without pictures.  
hit.gif
  I hope to check out the thermocouple option later this summer. I will let you know how it goes.
 
Wazoo,

 That's a really nice looking smoker you have there. Many years of fun and good eats are in your future. Can I ask what type of insulation you used.

Thanks

 Chris
 
Wazoo,

 That's a really nice looking smoker you have there. Many years of fun and good eats are in your future. Can I ask what type of insulation you used.

Thanks

 Chris
I had some leftover yellow fiberglass batt that I used.  I think it is the same as pink batt insulation just made by a different manufacturer.  Several other builds on this site have used the pink fiberglass batt.  I did take the paper backing off.  I have both aluminum sheet and Hardie backer board before the insulation so I really wasn't worried about it getting too hot.  It works great for hot or cold.
 
Thanks for the info. If the money is there this summer I want to build a smoker similar to yours.

Chris
 
 
I know recently there are some concerns with using hardie backer  inside of a smoke house.  I think they are very valid concerns if steps aren't taken to compensate for it not being fire rated.  If anyone is using this build as a basis for designing a smoke house please notice that the entire fire box is lined with ceramic tile over top of the hardie backer.  There is also .040 aluminum over the backer in the smoke chamber so the hardie board is not directly exposed to heat.  I still think hardie backer is okay for a smoke house with the proper precautions.  It has to be more fire resistant than plywood and there are a lot of plywood smokers out there.

Just some thoughts. Be safe and happy smoking.
 
Nice build! I'm looking to finish up mine this weekend - very similar to your build in shape and construction. It looks like you used oven racks for the grates, what is that you used to hang the racks on?
 
Nice build! I'm looking to finish up mine this weekend - very similar to your build in shape and construction. It looks like you used oven racks for the grates, what is that you used to hang the racks on?
Yes those are oven racks.  I went to a local appliance recycler and picked them up for $2.00.  I used their size to determine the final inside dimensions of my smoker.  I know this sounds crazy but I don't know what my shelf racks were originally.  I got them when I was helping my neighbors family clean out his garage after he passed away.  They were U-shaped aluminum racks that were machined included threaded bolt holes.  Nobody had a clue what they were for and they were about to be tossed in the dumpster when I snagged them.  I cut them to fit taking advantage of the back flange and the bend to match up with the wall.  They worked perfectly.  I had planned on using aluminum angle with a couple of washers to space them out from the walls a bit.  Needless to say these are fabulous and free.   
yahoo.gif


Good luck with your build.  Hope to see some photos.  If there is anything other questions that I can answer please don't hesitate to contact me.
 
Ya, I was planning on using aluminum angle and then I saw yours ... I'll go back to my original plan on using angle :) I need to make some measurements and then order my racks ... If can find something just under 24" I'll be golden. Still looking locally for a good set of locking clasps to keep the doors shut, might have to order those online.

Thanks,
Eric

Here is a link to my build: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/141127/another-smoke-house-build
 
Last edited:
I had a hard time deciding on racks.  I looked at new ones from the big box stores but for 4 racks I would have ended up spending more than I was really wanting to.  I also looked at fabbing custom racks out of expanded metal and small aluminum angle but again I wasn't thrilled with the cost.  The recycled oven racks were a great option.  They come in a wide variety of sizes with most being around  24" wide.  I am planning on buying a couple Q mats to put use on top of the racks if I need something with smaller spaces.

Thanks for the link to you build.  It looks great.  There are a lot of different types of latches that are out there.  I went cheap from the local hardware store.  They are okay but I think I would step up and buy a better latch that has a little bit of adjustment from on line.  KCK.com has the draw latches that I was considering.
 
Hey wazoo, i was wondering if you used a special thin set to adhere your tiles and did you grout them in or just butt them against each other? BTW it's a nice looking set up!!
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky