How to Put a Smoker Together

Ribs cooked on a smoker capture the essence of the wood.

A smoker is a handy piece of equipment to have when creating certain meat dishes. Brisket and ribs just can't be done their full justice in a household oven. Putting together a smoker from parts obtained from your local hardware store can be simple, inexpensive, and of high quality.

Things You'll Need

• Terracotta pot
• Terracotta bowl
• Metal grate
• Metal pie tin
• Electric hot plate
• Meat thermometer, probe style
• Bricks

Instructions

1. Make sure the pot and bowl each have a hole in their respective bottoms. If not, drill one in each.

2. Center the pot on top of the bricks, with the bricks located at the edges. Ensure the balance of the pot for safety.

3. Place the electric hot plate inside the pot, stringing the cord through the hole. Double check there is adequate ventilation around the electrical cord.

4. Place the metal pie tin on top of the hot plate. This pie tin will hold your wood chips for proper smoking.

5. Place the metal grate just inside the pot. It should rest securely and snugly against the sides of the pot. This is where you will rest your meat for smoking.

6. Place the bowl upside down on the pot, matching lip to lip. Insert the the meat thermometer in the hole of the bowl.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you choose an outdoor location for the smoker that is safe; a concrete pad is ideal. Have a fire extinguisher is also a good idea when cooking outside. Make sure that the hole in the bottom of the pot is never blocked; air flow is necessary for a good smoke. You will not get a smoked flavor, if you do not allow your contraption to make smoke.

Resources

• Barbecue FYI "Homemade Smokers"