What type of steel can I use to line the inside of my smoker?

[jeffesonm]

I'm planning construction of a rectangular, vertical smoker. Approximate dimensions are 25" x 20" x 48". I'd like to line the inside with some sheet metal, surrounded by hi-temp insulation, and then wood on the outside. Heat will be either electric element or propane, not sure yet.

So, what type of metal should I use? Stainless would be great but I'm trying to do this on the cheap... can I just use regular, mild, non-galvanized sheet steel?

 

[jirodriguez]

Is this a cold smoker? If you are planning on smoking at temps above 100°'ish I'm not sure if I would use wood on the outside. Just from a fire safety stand point.

But if it is a cold smoker then you should be OK. If you know of anybody who is buying a new refridgerator ask them to check the packing box. My neighbor bought one and there are two nice thin stainless steel sheets that were protecting the coils. According to the delivery guys most new fridges have those in the box. Would make a great liner for an insulated cold smoker!

 

[rbranstner]

How big is the smoker? A lot of guys have been making the plywood smoke shacks and appear to be having great results. I have two big pieces of sheet metal in my smoker.

 

[jeffesonm]

I was planning to use it as a hot smoker too... was thinking the high-temp insulation would keep the wood from getting too hot, but maybe not? That is a good suggestion about the fridge box, thanks.

 

[jirodriguez]

You would also have to be concerned with loading hot coals into a wood clad smoker.... or having a real hot burner. Personally I would keep it as a cold smoker box and use a seperate for long hot burns.