How to Build a Large Smoker
- 1). Attach the 1-inch drill bit to the drill, and drill a hole near the base of the trash can. It's important to use safety goggles when cutting metal to prevent accidents.
- 2). Drill four holes in the trash can lid, approximately 1/2-inch in diameter. One hole will be where you will insert the temperature gauge. The other three holes will allow some of the smoke to be released from the smoker while cooking.
- 3). Place the single burner electric hot plate on the bottom of the trash can and pull the cord through the 1-inch hole near the base. Electric hot plates in a variety of sizes can be bought at any home store and at online retailers. Since this smoker is quite large, you will need an electric hot plate that is at least 9 inches by 8 inches.
- 4). Soak a few handfuls of wood chips in water for 45 minutes. Wood chips in such flavors as oak, honey, or mesquite can be bought at any home store or at online retailers.
- 5). Place the soaked wood chips in the wood chip box, and place the box on top of the electric hot plate.
- 6). Insert the grill grate into the trash can. The grate should be at least 1 to 2 inches smaller than the total circumference of the trash can to ensure that the grate will rest nicely near the opening.
- 7). Cover your new smoker with its lid and plug in the electric hot plate. Insert the temperature gauge into one of the holes in the lid and keep an eye on the temperature inside the smoker.
- 8). Remove the lid once the temperature has reached 225 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange food on the grill grate. Replace the lid.
- 9). Smoke the food for approximately three to four hours until it's cooked through. Keep a close eye on the temperature throughout the smoking process. If the temperature ever exceeds 275 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the lid until the temperature drops back into range.
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