Creating Your Own Barbeque Smoker To smoke foods yourself, you could use a bbq smoker box that is designed specifically for this purpose. However, all you really need is something to contain the smoke, a source of smoke, and something to smoke. In fact, you can transform your charcoal grill into a barbeque smoker very easily. Here's how to do it: Remove the cooking grate and build a fire on one side of the grill with charcoal, hardwood, etc. Airflow is very important when smoking so be sure the fire is on the side that any wind will blow against. Place a drip pan in the grill, opposite the fire, and replace the cooking grate. When your fuel source is hot, you are ready to add the meat. Place a water pan, about 2/3 full, directly over the fire to keep air inside the grill moist during the cooking process. Place your meat directly over the drip pan and a thermometer next to the meat. Shut the lid to keep the smoke inside. The ideal temperature for smoking is 200-250 degrees, so you will need to adjust the vents on your grill to achieve this. The airflow needs to come in under the fire and exit through a vent above the meat. The air needs to be drawn through the fire, over the water pan and over the meat. Keep an eye on the temperature and the fire as you will need to add more fuel periodically, but keep the lid closed as much as possible.

Thanks, Kim. My research beyond Houzz showed that the ThermoPro consistently got much better reviews, so that's what I purchased - Model TP20, which has 2 probes. I've used it thrice since it arrived and it performed as promised each time, though one of the probe sockets is a bit temperamental. The probe wants to pop loose from a firm connection and give a bad reading. Once everything is set up and the sending unit situated so it doesn't get jostled, all seems to work very well. I did an overnight low & slow smoke of a 12 lb brisket over the weekend, pulling it out of the grill when the internal temp read 195*. If it wasn't my first brisket, I'd be inclined to say it was perfect, but I'll wait until I have a better basis for comparison to risk sounding like I'm boasting (the grill deserves the credit, not me). I know one thing, I wouldn't trade the Kamado Joe for a dozen of the best gas grills. Since I moved back to charcoal by way of the Kamado after at least 20 years of using top of the Weber gas grill line, I do have a good basis for comparison between the two. Plus, it's great fun learning all the different techniques you can use to grill, bake, smoke ....... An artisan bread and pizza will be my next endeavors. Thanks again for the reply. Al

2Many, I was thinking about how to use the 12" tube for shorter smokes. First thought was to loosely crumple some aluminum foil and stuff in as a space filler and then add pellets to fill. (Except getting foil out would be a bit of a pain.). Thinking that a partial loose fill might cause the pellets to burn too fast? After I ended up with that huge 40# bag of pellets decided not to worry about it; I'll just fill it up and let 'er burn out past the time I remove the food. With pricier pellets, yeh, I'd try conserving the fuel. Course this then strengthens the argument for adding a 6" tube...for shorter smokes and adding part way thru longer smokes. Then again, I was pondering last night why something like a tomato paste can or two with a bunch of holes punched in it wouldn't work... (from a brand with a removable paper label.) Pulled a couple of chicken halves out of the freezer last night. Going to brine overnight and smoke 'em tomorrow. Thinking I'll try to confine the smoke a bit better with the chicken going on what you learned with your bird. I bought the chicken already halved (was in the reduced 'Use today or freeze' bin--perfect, I thought for experiments!) so the halves may be a little more receptive to smoke than a whole bird? Also, more prone to drying out but brining ought to help offset that... This is actually kinda' fun to do. Needed that cause I get burned out on cooking!

Here is Steve’s page on grills and smokers.I didn’t see it there. https://barbecuebible.com/product-type/grills-smokers/ If you lived around me, I’d let you used my smoker. I got is for free off CL about a year ago. Used, in good condition. Even bags of wood chips. It’s not the same model, but sort of like this. We have it outdoors, covered I saw someone selling a smaller electric Masterbuilt smoker, new looking for $50. As for reviews — I usually peruse the most negatives first, then move up to midlevel. I look at photos from users. However, you often have to keep perspective. Sorry if I seem cynical, but some people don’t take care of things, or they are numb and dumb acting, or do not even glance at directions. Some people would try using a Kitchenaid mixer for an outboard motor in salt water. I love the color of this thing: I think I asked you before: would you like to primarily grill or smoke? Do you have a place to keep it out of the rain or bad weather? And it sound like the meat eating, game watching, testosteroners would not be likely to help you move it, tend it, clean it? I’m sorry if that is the case, but I bet you’re not alone. If that’s the case you can treat yourself to something convenient, even if pricy ;) You can drive over to Texan Tex’s BBQ and Smoke Take Out and fill up. But, I bet you want the freedom to develop your own recipes. My DH can be unwenthused about my extensive projects. (I admit, I’m a bit of a handful and we have different styles). I have set about having him feel an emotional and problem solving interest in a couple of areas. I have B**ching back pain and it cramps my stlye and limits my ”on” time. If not fo that, I’d be eager to fiddle with the smoker. But staying bent over ain’t my thang. So I did the marinade/rub and as I was doing that asked if he’d check out the smoker — function, temperature accuracy and go over the manual. If I am uncomfortable (pain), I have little patience. I usually need to get other things done as well’ So, by default and by some design, he became the pit master (whatever). Maybe you could confiscate the cable bill. Let is go unpaid for a few months. Maybe service will be cut off (right around the time your guys are searching for methods todo you in). So, you’ll be wanting to grill and smoke? For yourself plus at least two grown fellas stuck to recliners, watching sports as the lawn is overgrown? You need to have fun too ;)