How to Make a Smoker out of a Trash Can

Remake a 20-gallon galvanized steel trash can into a BBQ smoker.

Many people find barbecuing and smoking meats appealing. Food that is slow-smoked gains a rich flavor, so everyone in the household benefits from this hobby. Turning a metal trash can into a smoker is a project that will make even the most DIY-phobic individual smile. The project takes about an hour, and requires few tools. The result is a smoker that you can enjoy at all times of the year for a very low cost.

Things You'll Need

• Clean galvanized steel 20-gallon trash can
• Drill
• 1/2-inch drill bit
• 7/8-inch drill bit
• Electric burner
• Pie plate
• Discarded or new round grill grate
• 4 bolts and nuts with washers, 1/2-inch
• Grill thermometer
• 3 bricks
• Weed burner (optional, if the trash can has been used)

Instructions

1. Inspect the steel trash can for imperfections or debris and stains, if it has been used. Using a trash can that has been used is not ideal, but it is still possible. Set the trash can up on three standard-sized bricks and soak any stains or debris that cannot be removed with a small amount of lighter fluid. Toss a match in and let the fire cleanse the metal for you. If any debris remains when the fire dies down, use a weed burner to scorch the inside of the can and lid. All in all, it's best to start with a clean, new trash can, if you are able.

2. Drill a 7/8-inch hole at the bottom side of the trash can. Make sure the electrical plug you have from the hot plate fits through the hole you drilled, and then set the plug aside. Drill two more holes on the same height as the first one. These will act as vents to draw in the air and keep the smoke rising up and over the food.

3. Make a mark with a permanent marker about 18 inches from the top of the trash can. If you plan on smoking large turkeys or hams, make it 22 inches from the top. Make three more marks on that same level, all the way around the trash can. Use a 3/4-inch drill bit to drill a hole at each of these marks.

4. Test the size of the grate you're planning to use. It should sit in the center of the can. If the grate gets stuck on the sides of the can above the 18-inch mark, it is too big. If it falls all the way down to the bottom and there is more than a 1-inch clearance on all sides, it is too small. If you need to compensate for a smaller grate, use longer bolts in the next step.

5. Insert 3/4-inch bolts from the outside of the can. Secure the inside of the bolt with a washer and a nut for each bolt. Tighten with a wrench until the bolt is secure. These bolts will serve as support for your grill grate. Begin working on the trash can lid.

6. Check the size of the grill thermometer that you purchased. Depending on which model you purchased, you can drill a small hole of roughly the same size as the temperature probe into the center of the lid. Secure the thermometer to the lid with the provided screw assembly.

7. Drill four 3/4-inch holes into the top of the lid in a circular pattern. Set the electric burner into the bottom of the trash can and guide the electrical plug through the hole you drilled earlier. Turn the burner on medium heat and set the pie plate on top of it. Add some pieces of hardwood, like hickory, apple, pecan or mesquite, into the pie plate. For longer smoke times, try soaking the wood pieces in water for a half hour. For a little extra flavor, try smoking them in a little Jack Daniels; make sure you shake off the extra before inserting the wood into the smoker.

8. Set the grate inside the can on top of the bolts. Shut the lid and plug the burner in. Watch the thermostat and wait until it gets up to about 220 degrees, if you are slow-smoking your food. When the smoker reaches the desired temperature, set the food inside on a small container. Shut the lid firmly and wait for dinner.

9. Add new pieces of wood every hour. Remove the lid. Carefully lift the food from the can and set it on a clean surface. Lift the grate using oven mitts. Drop new pieces of wood into the pie plate, and then replace the grate and food. Fasten the lid tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Some creative DIY individuals add small doors in the side of the can just above the pie plate to toss wood in without removing the food or the grate. You can do this quite easily with a metal snipper and a hinge.

• Galvanized steel trash cans from China or Mexico may contain lead traces at the solder points. Find an American-made one to avoid this problem.

References

• Cruftbox: How to Make a Smoker From a Trash Can
• Boing Boing: How to Make a Trashcan Meat-Smoker for Less Than $50