Ugly drum plan

[jwilliamson1000]

I am starting to put a drum smoker together. I finally got all the parts, mostly from uds.com.
Here is what I am thinking.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-fcX0W8fUUkSIsPzRt0qsj3pgjBxXISD/view?usp=sharing

 

[thirdeye]

My comments would be:

1. Buy or build some sort of rack for hanging meats.

2. I don't use a diffuser

3. I used my lower rack so little I removed the hardware. The biggest hassle was rotating meats, so I either use the upper rack, or hang meats. It's shocking how much meat you can hang.

4. I use a 12" long stem thermometer since the center of the drum can be higher than the temp at the edge, and I mounded mine below the cooking grate.

 

[Learning to BBQ]

I second Thirdeye on going with a long stem thermometer. I have a stubby one in mine and it can be off by a hundred degrees or more, especially when cold outside.

 

[bschoen]

I too am on board with all 4 of Thirdeye's suggestions. If you find you really do want the second cook grate, very easy to add later.

 

[Paul B]

I only use a diffuser (about 12" dia.) When I use my 2nd rack. I've got a domed lid so my top rack is about 2" from the lip and second rack about 10" down from it.
I use a slider intake from a bge and the exhaust is in the domed lid.
Sorry for the gratuitous photo!!!
Paul B

 

[Nuco59]

I'd rather build 2 UDS than have one UDS with 2 racks. Rotating grates with hot meat is no fun.

Don't use 4 studs for your grate supports: If you don't drill them dead nuts level- they will wobble. Do 3 studs - no grate wobble even if you are off quite a bit.