How to Build a Flowerpot Smoker

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Creating something from nearly nothing is always a treat, and a flowerpot smoker comes about as close as it gets. With items already found around the house, a simple yet effective little smoker can be assembled and fired up to deliver a wonderful, smoky delicacy in no time.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Large terra-cotta flowerpot with tight fitting lid or second flowerpot
Hotplate
Grill grate
Pie pan for wood chips
Wood chips for smoking
Instant read thermometer
Extension cord

Step1

Purchase a large, unglazed terra-cotta flowerpot approximately 16 to 18 inches in diameter. Larger pots can be used depending on the size of the items to be smoked.

Step2

Find a tight fitting lid for the flowerpot. A pot bottom may be used as long as it forms an adequate seal with the pot itself or another flowerpot with the same diameter opening set atop the other pot is also an option. Use the drainage hole on top to insert an instant read thermometer.

Step3

Purchase a hotplate for the heat source. This item need not be an expensive buy, as it will be exposed to grease and water drippings. Place hot plate at the bottom of flowerpot, and allow the cord to pass through the hole in the bottom of the flowerpot.

Step4

Locate a small grill grate to place into the resting flowerpot near the top of the pot.

Step5

Purchase smoking wood desired. Soak for an hour in room temperature water.

Step6

Create a small wood chip holder with a pie pan and place on top of the hotplate. Place soaked wood chips into pie plate and let smolder. Replace wet wood chips every 1 to 2 hours or more frequently for heavier smoke flavor.

Step7

Purchase cut of meat desired. Pork shoulder, ribs or brisket are common choices.

Step8

Adjust the hotplate to remain at a constant 210 to 225 degrees F for the duration of the smoking cycle.

Step9

Add meat to grill grate in flowerpot smoker and cook according to the particular meat's required temperature.

Tips & Warnings

Consider placing bricks or spacers under flowerpot smoker to provide proper ventilation and airflow.
Use an extension cord to allow unit to be placed far from any flammable material or structures.
Never place flammable objects near hotplate!
Always cook meat to proper temperature to prevent bacterial contamination.
Never leave flowerpot smoker unattended for any reason.