Alright, let’s talk about building a smoker with bricks. I’ve always wanted a proper smoker in my backyard, not those flimsy metal ones you get at the store. Something solid, something that’ll last, and something I can be proud of. So, I decided to build one myself using bricks.
Gathering Supplies
First things first, I needed to gather all my supplies. I made a list: bricks, mortar, a metal door, some grates, and a few other bits and pieces. I hit up a local building supply store and loaded everything into my truck. It was a bit of a workout, let me tell you.
Prepping the Foundation
Next, I had to prepare the foundation. I dug out a shallow pit in my backyard and filled it with gravel and then a layer of concrete. I made sure it was level – used a spirit level like a hundred times to be sure. I then let it dry for a couple of days. Patience is key here, even though I was itching to start building.
Laying the Bricks
Now for the fun part – laying the bricks. I mixed up the mortar, which is basically like cement glue, and started laying the bricks in courses. I made sure to stagger the joints for strength. This part took some time, and I definitely got better at it as I went along. I left openings for the firebox and the smoke chamber, of course.
Building the Firebox and Smoke Chamber
The firebox is where the fire goes, and the smoke chamber is where the meat sits. I built the firebox first, then moved on to the smoke chamber. I used some metal grates to create shelves inside the smoke chamber for the meat to rest on.
Adding the Door and Chimney
I installed the metal door for the firebox. For the chimney, I just left a hole at the top of the smoke chamber and built a small brick chimney on top. Seemed simple enough, and it worked like a charm.
The First Smoke
After letting the mortar cure for a few days, I was ready for the first smoke. I started a fire in the firebox and threw in some wood chips for flavor. I put some ribs in the smoke chamber and let them cook low and slow for a few hours.
The Result
Man, it was worth all the effort! The ribs came out amazing – smoky, tender, and delicious. I had the family and neighbors over, and they all agreed, best BBQ they had in years.
Building a brick smoker is not easy, and it took me a lot of time and effort. I ended up with a smoker that works great and looks pretty darn good in my backyard. Plus, I got the satisfaction of knowing I built it with my own two hands. If you’re thinking about building one, go for it! Just be prepared for some hard work and a whole lot of fun.
