Question on the coal container

[stevesp]

Has anyone tried a coal basket with solid material and not expanded steel?  Would seem that the draft from the bottom may lend a more steady burn but not sure.  I have a 20# propane tank with the valve out.  I was thinking of cutting the top and bottom out, putting expanded steel on the bottom.  Anyone try anything like that?

 

[joe black]

To me it would be just like a huge chimney. It would burn hot, but all the heat would be coming out of the top and not a very good heat distribution. That's my $0.02. Be sure to let us know how it works.

 

[motown-n00b]

I agree with Joe. You want evenly distributed heat, not hot pockets. Plus, the airflow will be restricted by design to control temp. If you charcoal can't breath what little oxygen you're giving it, it will likely go out. It needs to be exposed to what air it has access to in order to burn. I built my charcoal basket very cheaply without any welding. Here's my build thread if you want some ideas: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/150304/my-uds-build-and-first-use-two-chuck-roasts

 

[stevesp]

I had another reply that you've probably seen that agreed with you.  I may fool around with the tank sometime, but for now I'm going to heed your advise and build one out of expanded steel.  Thanks for your time, appreciate the input.