Okay, so I’ve been wanting a smoker for ages, but those things can be pricey! I decided to take matters into my own hands and build one myself. I’m no expert builder, mind you, but I figured, how hard could it be? I’m calling it my “DIY Smoker Brick” project, mostly because, well, it involves bricks.
Gathering the Goods
First things first, I needed supplies. I made a quick list (mostly in my head, to be honest) and headed to the hardware store. Here’s what I ended up grabbing:
- Bricks: Lots of ’em. I went with the regular red clay kind, nothing fancy.
- Mortar: This is the “glue” that holds the bricks together. I got a pre-mixed bag, ’cause I’m all about keeping it simple.
- Metal Grate: This is where the food will sit. I found one that was roughly the size I was aiming for.
- Metal Door: Need something to keep the heat and smoke in! Found a salvaged one that would do the job with some adjustments.
- Trowel: For spreading the mortar.
- Level: To make sure things weren’t too crooked (emphasis on “too”).
- Gloves: Gotta protect the hands!
- Some metal scrap: For the firebox.
The Build
I cleared a spot in my backyard, making sure it was away from anything that could catch fire. Safety first, right? Then I started laying down the first layer of bricks, kind of like building a giant, rectangular Lego set. I used the level every so often to make sure it wasn’t completely wonky.
Next, I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag. It was like making really thick, gritty cake batter. I used the trowel to slather it onto the bricks, then placed the next layer on top. It was messy, I’m not gonna lie, but kind of fun.
I kept building up the walls, leaving a space at the bottom for the firebox and at the top for where I am going to set the grate and door.
For the firebox, I used some scrap metal I had lying around, I’m kind of a pack rat, it comes in handy sometimes! I bent and shaped the metal to create a small box that would hold the burning wood or charcoal.
Once the walls were high enough, I placed the metal grate inside, resting it on some strategically placed bricks. I then started working on the door frame using more bricks and mortar. I wanted it to fit snugly to contain the smoke, but not so tight that I couldn’t open it.
The door itself needed some tweaking. I cut and bent the metal to fit the opening I created, it was the most challenging part! I attached some hinges (salvaged, of course!) so it could swing open and closed.
The Finishing Touches
After letting the mortar dry for a couple of days (patience is not my strong suit, but I managed), I built a small fire in the firebox to test it out. I wanted to cure the mortar and see how well the smoke flowed.
There was some smoke leaking from a few gaps, so I used some extra mortar to patch those up. I also added a small chimney using some leftover bricks to help with the airflow.
The First Cook!
Finally, it was time for the real test! I loaded up the firebox with some wood chips and put some ribs on the grate. I closed the door, sat back, and waited. The smell of smoky goodness filled the air, and a few hours later, I had some of the best-tasting ribs I’d ever made.
It wasn’t perfect, and it definitely looks homemade, but my DIY smoker brick works! And that’s all that matters. I’m already planning my next smoking adventure – maybe some brisket next time?
