Debut: Something "Borrowed"

I'm going to start this whole thing by stealing referencing one of my favorite blog posts ever: "How to Make a Smoker from a Trash Can"




It was posted on Cruftbox waay back in 2003. He gave Alton Brown credit for the idea.
The basic design is this:

• Get a steel trashcan
  
• Cut a hole at the base big enough to get an electrical cord through
• Put an electric hotplate in the bottom of the can,
  
• Drill holes for ventilation and to install a grill in the upper part of the can
• Plug in the hotplate, fill a smoker box with chips, and you're ready
  

I saw this post in 2005 or so, and built one. It's a great design, and the only part you'll need to replace is the hotplate. (I go through about 1 each year) The important things to look for in a hotplate for this application are (1) cheapness, and (2) lack of safety features. More and more hotplates automatically shut off when they are on for too long. Find something that looks like it was made in China, and you'll probably be OK.

I've made all manner of smoked meats and cheeses with it (if you're patient enough, even smoked hamburgers are quite good) tried smoking some vegetables (the usual chipotles, eggplant, and even tomatoes) and have even made some of my early efforts at charcuterie (bacon, sausage, and ham) with this smoker.

The best thing about it is the incredibly reliable temperature control. It gets to 230-235 degrees F (ideal smoking temperature) and it stays there. Very low maintenance. With a large smoker box and wet chips, you only have to refill every 2-3 hours.

If you find this at all interesting, go out and drop the $50 or so it will take to make one of these. It will be worth it.

Gotta go buy some country-style pork ribs now.