How much charcoal do I put in a UDS smoker?

Most drum smokers will have a charcoal basket. In general, a UDS with a charcoal basket that is three-quarters full of briquettes or lump will cook at 250°F to 275°F. When lighting the drum, open all the vents to get the fire going.

How do you make a UDS?

CREATING THE BASKET – easy peasy

1. Step 1 – Bend Ring. Bend a 45″ x 9″ sheet of expanded metal around a propane take.
2. Step 2 – Fasten Ring. Secure the cylinder with two bolts using washers and nuts.
3. Step 3 – Fasten Legs. Fasten the 4″ bolts to the grate as shown.
4. Step 4 – Fasten Basket.

How long will a basket of charcoal burn?

So lump charcoal should burn for 4-6 hours versus your briquettes giving you a good 8-10 hours. Of course, every BBQ is different and these burn times are dependent on your fire management and ultimately how well you can control the airflow. More oxygen = higher heat.

How much does it cost to build a UDS?

The best part of the homemade barrel smoker, is not the looks, surprisingly enough, but the cost. With a little DIY-iness you can build this beast sized smoker for around only $200. So the basics go like this… get a 55-gallon drum and set it upright.

Is a charcoal basket worth it?

When I’m cooking with my rotisserie, or cooking with indirect heat, the baskets are very useful. They keep the coals in neat piles on the sides of the grill, leaving plenty of room for a drip pan in the middle of the grill. 2. Most of the time the steaks are cooking over indirect heat, away from the coals.

What is the purpose of a charcoal basket?

A firebox basket is an accessory for your smoker that contains the coal in the center of the firebox, ensuring that air can flow above, under and around all sides of the fuel. Better airflow means a better smoke, and that makes better barbecue.

Can you make a smoker out of a 55-gallon drum?

A steel drum and a few plumbing parts make up this no-weld smoker you can build with just a few hours of work. Add meat and smoldering wood—and get ready to feast.

Which is the best charcoal basket for a 55 gallon drum?

Our 14-40™ round UDS charcoal basket or engine is perfect for all 55 gallon drum smokers. Constructed with quality and price in mind, this is the best bang for the buck that you can get. Holds 18-20 lbs of coals and burns up to 30 hours!

How much charcoal do you need for a drum smoker?

To do this load your newly created charcoal basket (it should hold almost a full 20lbs bag of charcoal) with charcoal mixed with a few wood chunks for flavor. Leave a little room on top because we’ll be adding hot coals to the top. Load your chimney with about a dozen or two coals.

How do you build an ugly drum smoker?

In a nutshell, it goes like this… get a 55-gallon drum, then strategically drill a bunch of holes into it. Build a charcoal basket and find a 22-inch grilling grate to place inside. Finally, attach some plumbing valves to work as the air inlets. And voilà you’ve got yourself a one of a kind ugly drum smoker. Insider secret… it’s not ugly at all.