- A BBQ pit is perhaps the simplest method of creating your own outdoor cooking space. Find a location in the yard that is safe for an open flame and dig a hole for the charcoal or wood to burn in. Surround the pit with bricks, which can be temporarily placed to hold the BBQ grate, or they can be built up with masonry, whichever approach you prefer. Then find a grate from an old BBQ, or purchase a new one cheap at a home center or department store. Lay the grate edges on the bricks that encircle the pit and you are ready to go.
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Those large barrel-type BBQs and smokers that are found in department stores can cost a great deal if they are purchased new. However, you can make your own barrel-BBQ out of an oil drum with a little effort.
Start by locating an old oil drum that is not rusted out and that has its metal ends intact. Use an electrical saw to cut the drum length-wise and as even as possible. You can create a stand for the drum out of scrap wood or metal and rest the bottom of the drum on the stand.
Next, place the top of the drum on the base that rests on the stand and attach hinges to the bottom and top. Attach a handle that is wood to the top of the drum and open it.
At this point in the project you will have to purchase a grill grate that fits into the BBQ or smoker that you are making. You can always place bricks inside the bottom of the contraption to raise the grate to the desired height.
You can also include a smoke stack on the top portion of the grill by cutting a hole in the top of the creation and inserting a metal pipe. This should be welded in place, as the use of most glue will create a fire hazard.
Now paint it with a metal paint that can withstand high temperatures and that is made for use on BBQs and smokers. - A simple method of creating a homemade smoker is to use a metal trash can with a lid. You will need wood chips and charcoal, as well as a grill grate that fits inside the can snugly. Simply fill the bottom of the can with charcoal and light it. Pack wood chips into the can around the charcoal, wrapped in foil. Near the top of the can place your grate and items to be smoked and close the can. You can also alleviate the use of charcoal by using a hot plate that is inserted at the bottom of the can, with a space cut in the bottom of the can for the cord to exit and be plugged in. Once the wood chips, grate and cooking items are in place, plug in the hot plate and begin smoking the food.
