Okay, so I’ve been wanting a smoker for, like, forever. But those fancy ones? Way too expensive. My buddy told me about building one from bricks and blocks, and I was like, “Challenge accepted!”
Getting Started
First, I hit up the home improvement store. I grabbed a bunch of cinder blocks – the regular, cheap kind – and some firebricks. Firebricks are important because they can handle the heat. Don’t skimp on those!
I also picked up some mortar mix. You know, the stuff that glues bricks together. Make sure it’s rated for high temperatures! And, of course, I needed some basic tools: a trowel, a level, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow.
Building the Base
I found a relatively flat spot in my backyard. It’s gotta be away from anything flammable, obviously. I laid out the first layer of cinder blocks in a rectangle. This was going to be the base of the whole thing.
I mixed up the mortar according to the instructions on the bag – it’s like making really thick pancake batter. Then, I started spreading it on the blocks and stacking them. I used the level to make sure everything was, well, level. This part took some time, gotta be patient.
Building the Firebox and Smoke Chamber
Once the base was done, I started on the firebox. This is where the fire actually goes, so it’s all firebricks. I built it like a little box inside the bigger cinder block rectangle. I left an opening at the front for adding wood and, of course, getting air in.
Next, I built the smoke chamber. This is where the food goes, so it’s mostly cinder blocks, but I lined the bottom with firebricks to protect it from the direct heat.
I stacked all these up to build my chamber, leaving a small gap between them. This is going to let the smoke flow.
The Door and Chimney
For the door, I used a piece of sheet metal I found at a scrap yard. I just hinged it to the front of the smoke chamber. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something to keep most of the smoke in.
For the chimney, I used some metal duct pipe. I stuck it through a hole I left in the top of the smoke chamber. Again, nothing fancy, just something to direct the smoke upwards.
First Burn!
After letting the mortar dry for a few days (super important!), I built a small fire in the firebox. Just to test it out, you know? I wanted to see how the smoke flowed and if there were any leaks. I adjusted a few blocks, filled in small gaps, and then was time.
A few days later,I put some ribs on the smoker! Man, it was amazing. The smoky flavor was incredible. It definitely wasn’t perfect – I had to fiddle with the fire a lot to keep the temperature steady – but it was my smoker, and I built it myself!
Totally worth the effort, and a way to learn.
