Starting on my UDS today! (UPDATED: First Cook Pics)

[ShahBQ]

So I went shopping yesterday to start builing my drum smoker today.

I had originally planned on using expanded steel for the grates, but we went shopping at SuperK yesterday for clothes for the kids and they had a bunch of grilling stuff on clearance. I ended up getting a chimney starter for $6 and 4 21.5 in weber style grates for $7 a piece (2 for me and 2 for my buddy) as well as 18lbs of RO for $4! I am pretty pleased with my purchase!
Only problem now is finding material for the charcoal basket, as I was going to buy a large sheet for the grates and make the basket out of the scraps...and I'm not about to spend $60 on the material for the basket. I will just have to keep an eye out.

I will be starting my build after I get out of work today with any luck and will update with some pics.
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“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[k.a.m.]

ShahBQ, congrats on your shopping scores If you have a Home Depot nearby you can by 13 gauge flat expanded metal 12'' x 24'' or 3/4'' flat 24'' x 24''. It should be in the hardware area.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ShahBQ]

Thanks for the tip k.a.m.! I will need to stop by after work, there is a Home Depot right on my way home!
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“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[k.a.m.]

ShahBQ, if your HD does not carry it try an Ace hardware if you have one in your area, they should carry it as well. I look forward to following your cooker build.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[erniesshop]

Once you start cooking with a U.D.S.............
You'll wonder why you didn't build one sooner !!!!

[ShahBQ]

And lucky for me, there is one of those after the HD on the way home! HAHAHA! Thanks again k.a.m.!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[Teleking]

[Adamski]

Good luck with the build. I built one this summer and love it. Alot of trial and error, but very fun.


http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29147&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40
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Brinkmann Smoke 'N Grill
3 UDS's

[ShahBQ]

Thanks everyone! Unfortunately I wasn't able to get started yet. Looks like this Saturday is the day. Again, I will make sure and post the pics.
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[ShahBQ]

Alright! Finally got the UDS finished. Unfortunately my batteries were dead for the build so I couldn't get any pics of the process....but oh well. I have pics of the first cook!

I smoked a couple Tri-tips from Costco at 250* with RO and hickory chunks for about 2.5 hours til the internal temp was about 145*. For the last hour of the cook I added some twice baked potatoes and some corn on the cob. Everything turned out delicious! I was amazed how well the cooker held the temp. And it was nice that after I was done, I just closed the intake and I have plenty of coal for my next cook! I am very pleased with my UDS and will easily recommend one to anyone!




Tri-tip hitting the smoker!



Thin blue smoke










I would have taken pics of the food plated...but at that time I was a little busy!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[k.a.m.]

ShahBQ, awesome job on your cooker And from the looks of that Tri-Tip you have her dialed in just right. Nicely done
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[ShahBQ]

Thanks k.a.m.! I was pretty pleased with how the Tri-tip turned out! It had a nice ring and was very moist! Oh, and thanks again for the tip on the expanded steel!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[stringbender128]

Good job bro!
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Peoria Custom Cookers 24x48 Backyard Cooker
Weber Genesis S-330 Gasser

[ShahBQ]

Thanks stringbender128!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson

[mtrammel]

Nice job. I'd eat off that one...do I need reservations?
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Chargriller Offset
Bass Pro XPS propane 60k BTU Grill
Stainless Fish Fryer
UDS

[ShahBQ]

Thanks mtrammel!
No reservations needed! However I treat it like a can drive....bring in some beer and you can eat!
_________________
“All normal people love meat. If I went to a barbeque and there was no meat, I would say 'Yo Goober! Where's the meat?'. I'm trying to impress people here Lisa. You don't win friends with salad.” -Homer Simpson