Projects

Offset Smoker

Why spend $1200 on a smoker when I can convert my grill?

I want to smoke meats. who doesn\'t? But a decent smoker cost $1000 or more. There are cheaper models, but their design flaws makes for an inferior meal at the end of the day.

What makes for a good smoker?

  • The meat should be offset from the fire
  • Good airflow for the fire
  • Accurate thermometer
  • Good chimney
  • fire lower than the cook surface
  • Water to create a slight steam (prevents drying)
My current grill has most of these items. I have a dual-sided grill, and the charcoal bed is on a moving platform. I can also remove the divider from the grill to open up the space.

So, removed the divider, lowered the charcoal tray, added a water tray, and.. gave it a go. the only serious component I am missing is chimney, but I have decent enough airflow to accomodate for that.

I started my coal, added some Hickory, and let the smoking begin! Keeping and eye on the fire, and, being patient. The cook time took 4 hours, the the results are undeniable: My kids thought I went to our local BBQ place and got 4 pounds of pulled pork. Now that\'s a compliment you can\'t buy with all the money in Elon Musk\'s bank account.

So what did I learn?

  1. do your research before you spend money, you might have the right thing laying around the house already.
  2. I CAN smoke meats.