How To Build Your Own Homemade Vertical Smoker: DIY Done Right

Would you like a vertical smoker for yourself without having to invest a lot of money? Then you came across the right post. We will provide you with all the information you need on a handmade vertical smoker.

Why building your own vertical smoker is fantastic, how simple it is, and how the procedure unfolds in the end so that you can have everything prepared. 

WHAT IS A HOMEMADE VERTICAL SMOKER FOR?

A vertical smoker might be among the simplest to build because it usually needs fewer parts and less welding than an offset smoker. However, there are many factors that go into making a smoker, including the chosen design and materials, and they impact how simple or challenging the whole process is.

A vertical smoker features

A vertical smoker is a type of smoker that is typically taller than it is wide and allows smoke and heat to rise from a firebox located at the bottom of the smoker, up through the cooking chamber, and out through a vent. The design of a vertical smoker can vary, but it generally features multiple racks or shelves to hold the food being cooked

This specific type of smoker is great if you want to smoke meats and foods but have limited space or want more even cooking.

A homemade vertical smoker is a custom-built vertical smoker that is unique and tailored to the individual’s specific preferences and needs.

A homemade vertical smoker over a premade one

A DIY vertical smoker can be different from a normal vertical smoker in terms of its design, materials, and features. 

Many DIY vertical smokers, or UDS (Ugly Drum Smokers), are made from a standard 55-gallon steel drum and can be built using readily available materials and tools. These homemade smokers are signed for more customization and tweaking of the design to function well in controlling the temperature. 

On the other hand, a normal vertical smoker can vary in materials, sizes, and features, and usually come with a specific design. A premium premade vertical smoker may also have additional features such as built-in controls, insulation, and more advanced heat and smoke circulation systems.

Build a homemade vertical smoker for more customization

Some people might want to diy a homemade vertical smoker rather than buying one. Because, building a DIY vertical smoker provides the flexibility to customize the smoker to a person’s specific preferences and needs, which may include size, materials, features, and cost.

• Size: People may want to build a smoker that is a specific size to fit in a particular area or to accommodate a certain amount of food.
• Materials: Building a smoker allows people to choose the materials they want to use, such as steel, aluminum, or ceramic.
• Features: People may want to add specific features to their smoker, such as a built-in thermometer, multiple racks or shelves, or a drip pan.
• Cost: Building a smoker can be less expensive than buying a pre-made one, so people may want to build their own to save money.

IS BUILDING A HOMEMADE VERTICAL SMOKER DIFFICULT?

The extent of customization required, the materials used, and one’s level of DIY experience all affect how hard it is to DIY a vertical smoker. 

The process normally involves picking the right materials, designing the smoker, cutting and welding the metal parts, and installing any required elements like temperature gauges and vents for air flow control. 

Some DIY vertical smoker ideas, like turning a metal trash can or drum into a smoker, can be rather easy and uncomplicated. Other projects, like making a smoker tower out of cinder blocks or employing a propane tank, would call for more sophisticated welding techniques and specialized equipment.

Here are some simple ideas on creating a DIY vertical smoker that won’t need you to do much welding, cutting, or hard work:

1. Use a large metal trash can or similar container as the body of the smoker. You can cut a door in the side for access and use a basic grill grate for the cooking surface.
2. Make a smoker out of a metal filing cabinet. Remove the drawers and use the hollow interior for smoking. Cut out a door and install some vents for temperature control.
3. Use cinder blocks or bricks to build a smoker tower. Stack the blocks or bricks to create a vertical smoker with multiple levels for cooking.
4. Use an old propane tank to make a vertical smoker. Cut a door in the side and install some racks for cooking.
5. Create a simple drum smoker using a 55-gallon steel drum. Cut a door in the side for access and install a grate for cooking.

Just keep in mind that whatever design you choose, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions and use caution when working with fire and hot metal. Always ensure proper ventilation, and consider using a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the smoker.

How to make a homemade vertical smoker

Here is a simple method for making a homemade vertical smoker using basic materials that can be easily found at home:

Materials

1. Large metal trash can or drum with a lid
2. Charcoal grate or wire rack
3. A few bricks or cinder blocks
4. Cooking thermometer
5. Drill with metal drill bits
6. Grill grates

Instructions

1. Mark the spot where you want to add the vents. These should be near the bottom of the drum on opposite sides to allow for proper airflow.
2. Drill holes through the drum at the marked spots using a metal drill bit.
3. Insert a vent adjuster into the holes on the inside of the drum, and place the vent covers on the outside of the drum. This could be made up of metal sheets or caps that fit over the drilled holes, or you can install an adjustable vent damper.
4. Place the charcoal grate or wire rack at the bottom of the drum and put the bricks or cinder blocks around it to create a stable base.
5. Add charcoal or wood chips to the grate and light them up. Let them burn until they turn white ash.
6. Place the grill grates on top of the bricks or cinder blocks, above the charcoal.
7. Place the lid on the can.
8. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the smoker. The ideal smoking temperature is between 200-250°F.
9. Once the smoker is at the desired temperature, add meat or other food items to the grill grates inside the smoker.
10. Close the lid and let the food smoke until done.