Old Fridge to New Smoker w/ Pics!!!!

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brohnson

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Jan 11, 2010
351
10
Michigan
Ok well here's the latest with my build, I'm pretty happy with this so far!!!

Here's what it looked like when I got it.



To this!!


I cut out the little stand that was in there.


Building a new floor to go in its place with the element.


Now with it in place.


I'll be able to adjust the heat from the back of my smoker and will not have to open the door.


And the newly painted outside.



All I've got left is to make the metal for the inside door, make a metal drip frame for the element and she'll be ready to fire really soon!!
 
Itr looks like you have done a great job with your build. Now I would like to see it full of meat and a bunch of hungry Fire Figthers ready to chow down too. You guys are great and Thanks.
PDT_Armataz_01_37.gif
 
Keeps that big old thing outta the landfill and in a place where it has new life! I love it! Where's you get your element and how accurate/stable is it?
 
The heating element is from a "old smokey smoker", I got them both from ebay for around $60 all together. I have not ran the temp yet to see how close they are but I will very soon.
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Updates!!!!!

The inside door with the sheet metal installed.


The gasket installed.


My drip shield installed.


My element with my cast iron pan and drip shield.


I'm going to test this thing out Sunday by breaking it in and putting some chickens in on Monday for my first smoke, I can't wait!
 
What about a water/sand bowl or will this be a dry smoker without some form of heat sink?
 
Do I need a water bowl, I can put one in do I just set a bowl of water in there or what and does it help.
 
I'm liking this build of yours. Looks like its going to do the job! Not sure about water - my current smoker is sealed so well its very moist inside anyways and I've never added water. Gas, charcoal need it I think.

Where does your excess drippings go?
 
they'll fall to the bottom of my fridge but my element is covered and an 1 1/2" off the bottom.
 
Looking very nice! I don't know if your drippings will drip down with the plate that close to the heat source, might flare or sizzle and smoke, depending on your temps.
 
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