Used Fuel Oil Tank Smoker

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michael kyek

Newbie
Original poster
Jan 8, 2007
6
11
Stamford, Conecicut
Can anyone tell me........Is it ok or "SAFE" to use an old "used" home heating oil tank to make a smoker.
I talkin from a health point of view and fuel oil odors.
 
Michael,

First, Welcome to SMF!

Second...a very emphatic NO to your question.

That tank was meant for one thing only. Once fuel was introduced into it the tank's pores began to absorb fuel oil. You will not be sick the next day from eating food prepared in it. The danger comes from prolonged exposure both to the smoke it produces and to food cooked in it. A pregnant woman's fetus and young children are especially vulnerable.


If you want to make that style of smoker by a new unused tank. In this neck of the woods (literally!) they go for about $270.

Cheers!
 
Don't do it.
Don't do it.


I have a lawyer friend who was trying to defend their company against someone who got very sick and died from barrels who previously held non-food grade products. Fuel, heavy metal, etc... no good!

Don't do it!
Don't do it!

If you are near Chicago, contact me! I have access to drums...
 
Ohhhh Mannn ..... I just checked out those threads.
Know I'm really confused, please God send me a sign on what to do, ok?

Monty & Dovid
Yah That's what I'm gonna do, buy a new unused tank in the spring. For now I'll just finish the metal cabinet smoker I'm workin on. Thanks!
 
Thanks for asking your question and a bigger thanks for taking some good advice!

Cheers!
 
if there is ever a question of health safety... the safe answer is NO- bds can help ya find good brand new barrels for the expressed use of making a smoker. i didn't see the links but being in the oil field & hazardous waste business i'm sure you'll find my post & explanation there under those.
 
Hey thanks for the info. I was at a small comp. last week and a guy had one he made from a deisel tank. At the time I thought it was a good idea, but now I understand.
 
I had no idea that the oil, or other harmful stuff, actually would seep into the metal like that.

Good info, I bet others would not have thought about that either. The guy I saw said he packed it full of wood and burned it over night. It may have done the job, but I am not willing to take the chance after what I have read here.
 
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