Types of Tanks

stevo · Posted: May 21 2008 Post subject: Types of Tanks

Has anyone used a propane tank for a smoker? I would like to build an offset and can get my hands on a 500 gal tank for free. The person building it isn't my issue but would the tank be too contaminated for food grade?? What types of tanks can be used??? Question

istock74 · BBQ Pro Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 965 Location: Logan, IA

Welcome Stevo! Lots of folks here with propane tank cookers.

Edit
You can use a propane tank for sure. The search function should help you out. As i'm sure you know when cutting into the tank... safety is paramount!
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NCBBQFAN · Posted: May 21 2008 Post subject:

Yea the propane tank is the most used type of tank for the homemade cookers

edlee74 · Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Missouri

Stevo have you thought about the size of firebox needed for a cooker that size and the amount of fuel it would take for an all day cook? That would be something I would consider before jumping into a tank that size, and I would be leary of a propane tank. That could get pretty wild if something went wrong when you go trying to cut on it. And gettin' the stinkin' thing clean. I build rotesseries and for the smallest most feasible cooker is a 30" diameter. Check around at fab shops and I'm sure you could find some scrap pieces of metal that would work for the ends and all you would need wold have a fab shop roll you a tank. Would cost a little more in the end but you would probably have less troubles that way. For the firboxes I go to a well drilling co. and get 14" well casing 1/4" for a 30" x 5' cooker. Works great. Just a few ideas to consider. Hope all goes well.
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stevo · Posted: May 21 2008 Post subject:

The tank is already cleaned and one end is cut off. The guy working on the tank has done this before. He has cut up numerous tanks in the past. I was just concerned about the metal becoming contaminated with the fuel smell and then transfering into the food that I cook. I want to go this big because I only want to do ut once (what fun is that). I also want to add a char grill and maybe some fryer burners to the rig. I have probubly 5 to 10 parties every year and this would be the main attraction. The guys love my bbq. We don't get much of this stuff around here. Actually if I build a rig then I think that I may have the only one around. May consider catering in the future.

Thanx for the input gang. I can see that the ring will be a huge help to me.

CJATE · BBQ Fan Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 118 Location: Cen-Tex

Propane is not a problem, just burn it out good and season it, 500 is big, but for the right price� heck cut it in half and make 2�

Diesel, gas, oil, , , ect ARE problems and should not be used (or cut for that matter)
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Nate_bone · BBQ Fan Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 103

stevo · Posted: May 22 2008 Post subject:

I manage an automotive warehouse and all I did was contact my propane supplier and asked him if he had any. Apparently the get them all the time. Residential tanks that are out of date need to be replaceded and all he wanted to do was cover his cost to take the valves/guages out which was $75 . I thought it was a good deal.

Next question....

I want to have an offset design with a vertical cabinet beside the horizontal tank. What is the best way to even out the heat between the two chambers with one fire box? Keep in mind the vertical will be about 4 to 5 feet away from the fire box. Should I be considering a gas assist in the vertical??

mrcustomsteel · Posted: May 22 2008 Post subject:

Check out the way brokeneck connected his vertical with three dampers.
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