Homemade Barrel Cookers

swamprb · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:56 am Post subject:

I lurkalot! But I had posted a few pics of early drum builds on this thread, and even got a lot of support from members here.

Kenny 13 · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:17 am Post subject:

burgers · rare Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 45 Location: Tulsa

I keep reading how you can just shut down the airflow and choke the fire to save the fuel when you're done. I have no problem doing that with my drum, but I have moisture in the drum everytime I go to use it. I assume it is from condensation. So--two questions:

1. How do you keep condensation out of the drum? When it's 90 degrees and hunid, then drops cooler at night, condensation form inside the drum.

2. Since there is condensation inside the drum, the left over fuel gets damp, and then doesn't bur properly. How do you store the remains in order to keep it dry and ready to go?

Thanks.
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TANSTAAFL

Kenny 13 · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:07 am Post subject:

ronnyvous1 · medium-rare Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 56 Location: WNY

Question: When you folks do a no weld UDS, how do you add the vents and valves to the sides?Once you have drilled the hole, I assume that you just thread them in through the steel with a pipe nipple, or maybe use a jam nut on the inside to draw them tight?

One of our freight accounts is a large container company, and they have new, unlined heavy guage drums with removable top and ring clamp for $25. I already have my first Weber still in the treasure pile (thank heavens it missed the last rip to the scrapyard when I replaced it with another one) and the grate and dome are in good shape. Heck, as long as a new drum is cheap, and I have a bunch of the fixin's sitting here, I probably should build me one of these critters for the sake of experimentation.

Kenny 13 · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:01 pm Post subject:

ronnyvous1 · medium-rare Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 56 Location: WNY

Thanks for the info, it seems like 3/4" is the common size used on the lower vents, right? I noticed some with an elbow and a riser going up the side of the drum. Is this to enhance draft? The object of the game seems to be to keep the vents below the fuel. Also, what is the consensus of a good spacing between racks if I want to do two surfaces for cooking?

Kenny 13 · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:40 pm Post subject:

I actually used 1/2" pipe nipples for intakes - 4 of them. One has a ball valve and the other 3 have pipe caps in case I need a little extra air.

As far as your cooking grates, make sure you lower one is at least 24" above your charcoal grate (not the top of the basket, but the grate itself). The way mine worked out, that gave me around 7" of space between the 2 cooking grates, using a weber kettle lid. I've never actually used mine with 2 cooking grates yet though.
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Large Big Green Egg
CG Super Pro w/SFB
Weber 22.5" One Touch Gold
UDS

Michigan Fats · well done Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 729

lostarrow · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:03 pm Post subject:

I can get a nearly new 26 in char- broil kettle ( a tree limb fell on it ) I don't need it as a grill but was thinking of making an UDS . I can also get some tin roofing to use as a center section . If I do it I'll be making for hunt camp so I'd like to do for little$ . Any help or suggestions appreciated
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charbroil cb940 (RIP)

vermont castings gas grill
new braunfels el dorado
Charbroil double chef smoker

Murman · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:53 am Post subject:

Wow. A lot of great information.

Murman

Murman · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:31 pm Post subject:

$16.97

This 55 Gallon Open Clamp Bolt Top Steel Barrel is a Reconditioned Food Grade Barrel.

Features: *Used *Food Grade

I will pick one up this weekend.

I need a mentor...

Murman

Murman · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:08 am Post subject:

I am going to Reno to pick up a few drums.

More to follow...