Okay, so I’ve always wanted a proper BBQ smoker. I mean, those store-bought ones are fine, but they just don’t have that thing, you know? That rustic, smoky goodness you get from a real, built-from-scratch smoker. So, I decided to build my own brick BBQ smoker. It was… an adventure.
The Planning Stage (Or Lack Thereof)
First, I drew up some rough plans. I say “plans,” but it was more like a sketch on a napkin. I knew I wanted a basic rectangular shape, a firebox on one side, and a chimney on the other. I didn’t really bother with precise measurements. I figured I’d just wing it. (Spoiler alert: This was my first mistake.)
Gathering Supplies. Many Trips to the Store.
Next, I headed to the home improvement store. I picked up a ton of bricks – regular old red bricks, nothing fancy. I also grabbed some firebricks for the firebox area, since those can handle higher temperatures. Mortar mix, a trowel, some metal grates for the cooking surface… the works. I think I made about five trips back to the store because I kept forgetting things. Don’t be like me. Make a list.
Laying the Foundation (Literally)
I dug a shallow pit in my backyard, leveled it out, and poured in some gravel for drainage. Then, I started laying the first layer of bricks. This was surprisingly tricky. Getting everything level and square… let’s just say there was a lot of “adjusting” involved. My back definitely felt it the next day.
Building the Walls (and Swearing a Lot)
Once the foundation was set, I started building up the walls. I mixed the mortar according to the instructions (thank goodness for those!), slathered it on the bricks, and stuck them together. It was messy, slow, and frustrating. I definitely said a few words my grandma wouldn’t approve of. I also learned that mortar dries faster than you think, especially on a hot day.
The Firebox and Chimney (Almost There!)
The firebox was a bit more complicated. I used the firebricks for this part, making sure to leave a gap for airflow. The chimney was basically just a smaller brick structure on the opposite end. I managed to get it all together without it collapsing, which felt like a major victory.
The Finishing Touches (and the First Smoke!)
Finally, I added the metal grates for the cooking surface. I let the whole thing cure for a few days (this is important!), and then… it was time for the first smoke! I built a small fire in the firebox, added some wood chips, and threw on some chicken. The smell was amazing. The taste? Even better.
- It takes more time.
- Make a good plan.
- Prepare all tools before start.
Was it perfect? No. Was it a learning experience? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Probably. But next time, I’m definitely going to have a more detailed plan, more supplies on hand and maybe a friend to help. And definitely more beer.
