Barbecue Best

Affordable BBQ Smoking Building a Large and Mobile Smoker on a Budget

Have you ever needed to cook for a large amount of people on a budget? Did you need a large capacity cooker that could also be mobile? Do not panic, because if you have access to hardware store, a truck, trailer or van, and a patch of dirt, you are in luck.To start you will need several items readily available at most hardware stores.
28 - 8" x 8" x 16" concrete blocks $35.00
1 - sheet of 24" x 48" expanded metal $40.00
2 - sheets of roofing tin 1- 24" x 48 " 1 - 24" x 24" $20.00
1 - pair of thick insulated leather work gloves $5.00
Total cost approximately $100.00First, you are going to need a bare patch of ground away from dry wooded areas. Next, you will level out an area about 36 inches by 64 inches. Lay your concrete blocks in two parallel rows of three arranged end to end with approximately 20 inches between the two rows. Then lay two concrete blocks end to end to seal up one wide end of your pit. Your end blocks can be laid so as to leave a gap in between them to allow airflow. I prefer to lay one of the foundation blocks on the bottom row on its side which allows built-in vents. Airflow will help your pit get up to your desired temp, but you will burn through your fuel faster. It is better to build in vents in the beginning as the blocks will get very hot during your cooking process. You can always place another block in front of the vents. One end will remain open. Then add another similar layer of blocks on top of the one you just laid. The upper rows do not need vents. You want to keep as much heat contained in the upper portion of your cooker, as you can. Now lay your expanded metal grates on top of that. There should be an overlap on the long sides that touch the blocks. Now add your final layer of blocks on top of your first two block layers and the expanded metal. You should have a 24 inch high pit with one end open at this point. You should have 4 blocks remaining at this point. You should now fire your pit.Build your wood fire or coal fire in the middle of your cooker. Once you have a good bed of coals, add your meat and cover with the large roofing tin. Place one concrete block on top of the roofing tin to hold it down if the wind blows. Spread your coals out in your pit so you have a nice even fire. A metal rake or a flat shovel works well for this. Place your smaller sheet over the open end of the pit and stack a block in front of that to seal in your pit. The tin over the open end of the pit is a good idea in case you need to add wood or coal during the cooking process. Just remember your gloves; it is going to be hot. It can be difficult to manage a pit if you're inexperienced. So, to help manage your pit's temperature, you will need a thermometer. Try a standard meat thermometer or if you want to splurge on a handy item, try a wireless thermometer. This allows you to keep an eye on your pits temperature if you multitasking. Manage those coals and add more fuel to the fire as you need it. Before you know it you will have fed an army for a fraction of the price, and you can break down the pit after it has cooled off to move it.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100135713975231&set=a.10100135713965251.2422383.33016095&type=1&l=bc904eb20c