Who doesn’t love the mouth-watering, savory taste of smoked meats? But let’s face it, buying them in restaurants can be a real drain on the wallet. But don’t worry, there’s a great solution to this problem: make your own smoked meats at home and start constructing your own smoker.

Have you ever dreamed of constructing your own smokehouse but been deterred by the thought that it would cost too much money? 

The truth is, constructing a smokehouse that will stand the test of time requires extensive carpentry and, for greater durability, someone with expertise in working with concrete. To ensure that it is built to last, it’s important to source the right materials and get an individual who knows how to properly handle them. This is if you are getting really serious with your smoking skills. 

But for beginners who want to try smoking meats without spending on high-end smokers or to build a smokehouse, there are easy and inexpensive ways to build a smoker with materials from around your home. With some basic tools and creativity, you can create an efficient smoker for curing meats or fish at a fraction of the cost.

How to Build a Smoker at Home

If you don’t have a budget yet to invest in a smoker or have someone construct a smokehouse, you’ll be glad to know you can DIY your smoker. 

Using a Clean Garbage Can

f you have an old garbage can that you haven’t used, you can use it to construct a smoker at home. This DIY project requires very little effort, and you can easily find all of the materials necessary for less than twenty dollars. With just a few basic tools and supplies, you can have your own DIY smoker up and running in no time! 

Here are the steps to constructing your own smoker using a garbage can:

To make a DIY smoker out of a trash can, you’ll need a metal garbage can with a lid that fits tightly. Then, drill some holes in the bottom of the can for ventilation and one on the side near the bottom for the cord of the electric hot plate.

Position the hot plate near the bottom of the can but not too close to the hole you drilled. Fill a metal pan with your preferred wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, and place it on top of the hot plate. After that, place a wire rack directly above the wood chip pan to hold your meat while it is being cooked.

Once everything is set, put the lid on the can and plug the hot plate in. Before putting your meat on the wire rack, wait for the wood chips to start smoking. Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the smoker’s temperature and adjust it as needed by opening or closing the air vents.

Using Your Flower Pots

If you have any large flower pots that are just taking up space in your home, you can definitely put them to good use and start constructing your own smoker. This is a great way to make the most out of something that would otherwise be sitting around collecting dust while also creating an enjoyable piece of equipment for yourself!

To create a smoker using a pair of flower pots, you will need two terracotta pots, a hot plate, a grate or wire rack, a drip pan, and wood chips. First, flip one of the pots over and place the hot plate on top. 

Drill a hole in the side of the pot for the electric cord. Fill the pot with wood chips and place the drip pan on top. Next, place the other pot right-side up on top of the first pot and insert the grate or wire rack inside. Make sure the lid of the top pot fits snugly. 

Finally, plug in the hot plate and wait for the wood chips to start smoking before adding your meat to the grate or wire rack.

Using a Large Drum

To challenge your creative abilities, why not try constructing your own smoker out of a large drum? This project will test your ingenuity and provide you with an interesting way to spend your time.

You’ll first need to get a 55-gallon metal drum for this project. Clean the drum thoroughly and remove any rust or debris from both the inside and outside. You can also buy a new drum for this DIY smoker project. 

But it is best to buy a new drum that has not been treated with an epoxy coating. This will help ensure the drum is free from rust and corrosion, which can quickly ruin your homemade smoker. If possible, purchase a stainless steel drum, as this material is known for its superior resistance to corrosion.

After cleaning the drum, make a hole for the firebox near the bottom of the drum. You can do this with a jigsaw or a plasma cutter. Cut a door in the side of the drum where you’ll put the wood and charcoal for the firebox. 

Then, create a charcoal grate by welding or attaching metal rods to the bottom of the drum. Then, attach a chimney to the top of the drum, either by welding or using a metal collar.

Finally, place a cooking grate inside the drum, just a few inches above the charcoal grate. This extra layer of the grating will provide an elevated spot for food to be cooked on top of the burning coals below. Additionally, it provides much-needed space between the food and direct heat from the charcoal, allowing for more even heat distribution and better control over your cooking temperatures.

Safety Tips for Constructing your Own Smoker

When it comes to using tools, safety must be the foremost consideration. This is especially true when constructing your own smoker, which will ultimately be used to cook food. It’s important that all of the components are put together appropriately and with great care so that when you do begin cooking, you can do so confidently, knowing your smoker is safe for use.

Choose the Materials Properly

It’s important to choose materials that are safe and won’t release harmful gases when heated. Because they could be bad for your health, you should never buy things like treated wood, plastic, or metal that have been galvanized. Make sure you only use safe materials to keep yourself and others safe from anything dangerous.

Use Heat-Resistant Gloves

When working with hot things like metal, you should always wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. These gloves can help keep you from getting burns, blisters, and other injuries from the material’s high heat. Wearing the right safety gear when working with hot materials will keep you safe and lower the chance of getting hurt.

It is indeed possible to construct your own smoker at home, however, it is essential that you adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions in order to successfully build one. Make sure you pay attention to each step carefully so that the end product will be a safe and efficient smoker.