Let's Build A Smokehouse

[Fueling Around]

I got some input from Adam about heat source.
I wanna go with 220 but so dang expensive to run, I have to go out 100' from where the 220 plug is in the basement.

So

100 feet requires a double upgrade so 8 gauge to provide a 20 amp circuit. Voltage drop sucks every 50 feet.
Price 6 gauge aluminum for a 240 volt feed.

 

[JckDanls 07]

Price 6 gauge aluminum for a 240 volt feed.

Same thing I was gonna mention... Aluminum is cheaper than copper... just need bigger

 

[BGKYSmoker]

My smokehouse volume is too big for that table top pellet pooper. So back to my first thought by just getting a hopper assy. 220 is out for now. My Auber wifi will handle 1800w so tossing around the duel smoking it element also.

 

[Fueling Around]

My smokehouse volume is too big for that table top pellet pooper. So back to my first thought by just getting a hopper assy. 220 is out for now. My Auber wifi will handle 1800w so tossing around the duel smoking it element also.

Your Auber will handle as many watts you want to heat the house.
A 40 amp double pole relay is under $20

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Calling quits for today.

 

[SmokinEdge]

Yup, that’s going to be a fine Smokehouse.

 

[JckDanls 07]

She's a tall one... I hope that heat element's gonna be big enough....

 

[Winterrider]

Looking good !

 

[indaswamp]

Looking good. Gonna insulate the walls?

 

[BGKYSmoker]

I might insulate for winter smoking.

Undecided yet on heat source.

 

[civilsmoker]

Looking good!!!

I’m really interested in the heat source as that is a lot of volume…… what is your top temp goal?

 

[babydocsmoker]

I am absolutely no expert. I'll start by saying that. I've never built anything like this...so there's that too. Just have a general question.

Is it possible to increase the temperature retention in a structure like this (make it more heat / air flow efficient) and in turn decrease the size of the heat source?

It might not be practical, but for arguments sake??? I'm asking because if I'm thinking of a kamado vs. a simple kettle, volume wise they are similar. They use the same kind of fuel. But the kamado uses substantially less fuel because its very insulated and efficient. I can get a kamado significantly hotter for a longer time...because again its super efficient.

Could you insulate the crap out of this, seal it up and make a small heat source work?

 

[indaswamp]

Undecided yet on heat source.

I'd go propane, but that's just me...

 

[civilsmoker]

I'd go propane, but that's just me...

This makes a lot is sense to me. Add a safety gas valve with a pilot w/ pid control……

 

[BGKYSmoker]

I'd go propane, but that's just me...

I do have a burner that I'm going to do the season with. May have to put a temp probe in there to watch the temps.

 

[BGKYSmoker]

This makes a lot is sense to me. Add a safety gas valve with a pilot w/ pid control……

I have a brain cramp with this

 

[SmokinEdge]

These guys have everything you need for gas. You can also get a long delivery pipe so the air venturi stays outside the smokehouse.

https://tejassmokers.com/Low-Pressure-Burners/543

 

[JckDanls 07]

Rick.. I strongly agree with civil... If you go gas make it a fail safe system... If flame goes out it automatically shuts the raw gas off and doesn't create a time bomb...

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Rick.. I strongly agree with civil... If you go gas make it a fail safe system... If flame goes out it automatically shuts the raw gas off and doesn't create a time bomb...

I dont know how to do that. We dont have nat gas so I would need to go with lpg.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I dont know how to do that. We dont have nat gas so I would need to go with lpg.

They have thermal couplers/pilot systems as well. They run about 300 bucks but you can plumb your own burner to it, so that saves some.

https://tejassmokers.com/Gas-Pilot-Safety-Valves/545