55 Gallon Drum Meat Smoker Build

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Brisket Video: • BBQ with Franklin: The...
My buddy Pat approached me with the idea of converting a 55 gallon drum into a meat smoker. I told him I had no idea how to smoke meat, but he said as long as I handled the welding that he would handle the smoking. Deal.
We found an old oil drum sitting around on the farm and after cutting the top out, started a fire inside to burn off all the oil residue. The next day, we started fabrication by building a fire basket that'll go on the bottom of the drum, we weld air inlets around the outside bottom of the drum with valves that'll control the airflow and temperatures inside the drum, we build a lid to go on top, and lastly install the meat rack towards the upper part of the drum. A couple weeks later was Pat's birthday, which we thought would be a great opportunity to invite a bunch of friends and family over to try out the brisket that we (pat) smoked all through the night.

[@JarrettAldrich]

Best video yet. I noticed the subject of the video may have been the smoker... but the theme was all about spending quality time with friends and family. Best part was holding the same shot at the end... with quieted background chatter. It was perfect. Great video about what matters most.

[@Cherokee140Driver]

I agree 100%. Well said.

[@magnusbruce4051]

I came for the smoker design, I stayed for the wholesome ending. Good job.

[@zaeanbcegda]

yeah me too.......good job mate......

[@fontofgod]

Wow what a compassion towards the living beings! You will be go to hell for supporting this cruelty! Shame on you

[@willdelange8405]

Yup, well done 👍🏼

[@mattsnyder4754]

“I don’t think it’s rocket science. It’s just building a tube and putting a fire in it.” I mean. Have you SEEN a rocket?

[@daltonwilliams777]

Lmfao😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👍🏻

[@juanpusonghisula696]

I'm just looking for a smoker project but end up seeing a beautiful video!

[@firstnamelastname9646]

Juan Pusong Hisula same here, didn’t want it to end... oh well!

[@Izavincy]

The narration of this video is second to none... 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@taurus66]

Solar eclipse is cool the smoker was great but having true friends and close family is priceless. Great video.

[@derickwilliams2195]

There is nothing more important than family and it also helps to have a best friend. Beautiful video. Thank you loading this one.

[@holdernesfisherman3448]

I started watching this video because of the smoker but ended up watching it because of you and your family. What lovely family and friends you have. You are both lucky people. God bless. 👍

[@rezwanulahmedshakib6481]

There is something very soothing about this video. I wouldn't feel like a stranger if I met your family and friends. Just amazingly done. People looking for the craziest ideas for a vlog film, and here it is, the simplicity winning life over them.

[@benjiegorio5158]

I came for your smoker. But what really stand out was your beautiful Farm, A Really Cool Best Friend, and a Wonderful family to enjoy the brisket. Your farm is just breath taking. I always dreamed of living in my own farm. Thanks for the Smoker design and I whole heartedly love the Wonderful Experience on your farm and family even though am far away around the world. I know this video was 3 years ago, but it just feels like yesterday.

[@andygolem5223]

I saw a partial solar eclipse as a kid. My parents insisted I hang around and watch it. I didn't get it at the time. I was maybe 5 and just wanted to play with you cars. I still vividly remember that experience seeing it now about 30 years later. Great video mate.

[@DrGH201]

Watched this for the info on the smoker but found myself engaged in the entire story. Honestly, one of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin as far as it’s informative value, storytelling, and production quality. Well done!

[@Theigorsch]

i came here for instructions, i got confidence in building a smoker and a VERY GOOD and heartwarming video. i loved it

[@ilikeflyinghelis]

Watched this while eating my lunch, I was researching barrel smokers. I grew up on a farm and this video made me miss it more than anything. What a great wholesome video. Thank you for making my day.

[@johnsavage1109]

Very very impressive video. There was even something about building a smoker. I know it was 3 years ago, hope you are all well and as happy and peaceful as you were back then.

[@ecrusch]

The absolute BEST video I've seen this year, honest! You have a unique way of conveying the important things. Thank you so much. Eric

[@bobbyjones3022]

Tlg w

[@Gattawon]

the real beauty here isn't the smoker construction at all. It's getting to share in the relationships between you and your friends & family. it felt like a great slice of life, simple and genuine. Thanks for the great vid! cheers!

[@andrewpagetta3745]

KZbin recommendations have been on fire lately. Great vid.

[@ranjanbanerji1152]

The smoker & the Toyota are just great. The meat looks divine. Thanks for the share.

[@larryfisher7056]

Nice, cracked up when your buddy ran the drone into the tree. Thanks for bringing us along to your family do.

[@locohombre79]

What a wonderful joyous film, absolutely beautiful

[@Elbert_Heather]

I know this is a very old reply, however I must second the gentleman above me in saying that this was one of the most endearing, soulful videos of humanity I have seen in sometime. Keep it up. I enjoyed it greatly. Nice smoker too.

[@haydenwilliams2771]

@@rainfallprojects501 I thought u wernt supposed to weld/heat up galivinized pipe?

[@jmars8831]

Good stuff! Family, good friends, a fun project to work on together, good food! Seeing granny enjoying the food made me lose it as my granny (98 yrs old) just passed this last week. She loved to cook and play hostess.

[@toddgordon2809]

Dude this is the most interesting KZbin video I've ever seen. The way you talk over your video it's almost like a story from a novel. Very nice. Totally late for work now

[@cameronbosman4223]

LOL! Honestly did not expect that ending to this comment..

[@dewaynewhite2928]

Yall sound so unified and peaceful!!! I love that and the homemade smoker!!!!! Awesome my friend!!!!!

[@1987apa]

April 2020, im in an area where we depend on the oilfield for everything, if you know it sucks badly now. Prices are at an all time low and most folks are losing their jobs. Definitely needed this video to remind me that making memories with family is the most important thing in life. Thank you guys.

[@jeffwells4072]

This video got better and better. All u need is a way to adjust the amount of smoke leaving the smoker. Will give better temp control. U got me wanting to make one

[@HomeHaunter1]

Not many people can take a video of building a smoker and give it so much heart. Well done. I love your videos.

[@johnjohnson-sm3yf]

What you and your friend created with that rusty farm barrel is definitely something money can’t buy and will always be with you all . Great Job

[@aleblanc3547]

It doesn't matter what you're doing--when you post a video it's going to be well done and well worth the watch. My daughter and I drove 9 hours to a little state park outside of Nashville to see the total eclipse, and it was very emotional to say the least. It did get overplayed by the media regarding traffic problems but, in a small way, I got really motivated to make that drive based on those overblown reports. Thanks!!

[@tlrnotintersted]

You all are amazing... best friends are forever and very identifiable. Thanks for sharing this story!

[@TheArtpimp36]

That was by far the best KZbin video I have ever seen. I appreciate the unscripted approach that could not be better written. Wonderful. Thank you and God bless.

[@olivier2553]

I totally agree on the eclipse in ones own front yard. It makes it specially special.

[@abdelfettahayadi5642]

I'm a sucker for family videos, gatherings. Thanks you for this opportunity.

[@troydehoyos]

Nothing like burnin some meat with your buddy. Love the honesty and simplicity. Great time with family and friends creating great memories. That's what it is all about. Great video.

[@9g574]

This is the days you enjoy they don't come back you will never see again enjoy it while you still have it

[@MrPoppadog1955]

Pretty awesome , that's what makes life worth living, can't ever get those days back only relive them in your soul.

[@cesarvelazquez4407]

Kool video, just a couple childhood friends hanging out having fun.

[@WhiteSandTropical]

i wanted to make a smoker,.. now i miss my famliy :)

[@shaneintegra]

You two seem like two extremely different kinds of people but awesome friends. You can always teach each other something and definitely seem like the most ideal friends to have

[@reesewallace5448]

I really appreciate your candid narration....felt like an episode of the Walton's....plus a creative artisan look at how to be best friends with someone and share memories together over a fire....and beer....lol

[@tobiasbostwick9002]

An educational and unexpectedly touching presentation. Thanks, for both attributes.

[@firstnamelastname9646]

Don’t know why but I enjoyed this vid more than I should...... love the country life! Thanks for sharing the video and the smoker ideas bud...cheers

[@karenanderson6985]

I’ve been binge watching your videos during a pretty terrible, day umpteen-thousand of the COVID-19 pandemic. This video brought me to tears at the end. Just the thought of a beautiful summer day at a family bbq seems like heaven to me now.

[@adolfoperezjr3829]

I really enjoyed this video. It wasn't so much the smoker it was the memories that y'all made that made this video that much better.

[@jincheng86]

Such an enjoyable watch. Meat, friendship, kinship - simply wholesome.

[@oscarmandujano8126]

This video made me cry. Tears of happiness. Thanks. God BLESS YOU.

[@Asmov]

this is one hell of an advertisement for how nice it can be to live out in the country

[@lucasgorentz7148]

Always producing the best videos on KZbin. I could watch you fix or make anything.

[@briankaruturi4944]

loved this. Also came for a simple smoker design...but was wowed by the authentic brilliant video! thanks

[@steadfastacressteadfastacr7586]

Great film! Great friends, and great family. That’s what it’s all about.

[@mdvener]

Just found your channel. Just warms the heart. You seem to be the luckiest man in the world. You love what on do and being close to your family, I'm jealous. The way you tellyour story is like a book you can't put down. I'm in southwest flat.a small town called Englewood, about an hoursouth of Sarasota. Just wondering where you are located. So from a 40 year retired electrician thanks to all of you for sharing your story.

[@SeanHodgins]

Love how the solar eclipse is just thrown in at the end of an already awesome video about a meat smoker. I just ate, but I feel hungry again after seeing that brisket.

[@fly1327]

"I wonder if we can fit 2 briskets on the smoker?" Yep, hang them like done on the Pit Barrel Cooker. On your 55 gallon drum, you could easily hang 3 at once. Nice job!

[@jacobhornsby5579]

Nice work fellas! Great video as well. I understand y'all were concerned about your smoker not looking or acting like a "real" smoker but a good motto for DIY projects that I learned in the military is.. "if it looks stupid but works, then it isn't stupid." lol.

[@techone19]

A marvelous laid back video. Every once in a while we have to sit back and enjoy life.

[@dannyboy5158]

Wow.. Good smoker but ur family and farm r so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. God bless.

[@xxOS1R1Sxx]

Beautiful video of friends and family and food! Happy to have stumbled upon it.

[@Brandon_Balentine]

The variety of ways you described your inability to cook cracked me up!

[@Dzonemp]

The eclipse went directly over my town too. I was pretty impressed by how dark and cool it became.

[@s.whitaker1120]

This is the America I know and will forever love. Long live family BBQs.

[@derickwilliams2195]

This is one amazing upload. Just honest to goodness human interaction, appreciation, respect and the joy of friends and family. Thank you for doing this with you friend who is closer to you than a brother. It is sooo much more than a smoker drum and the absence of swearing and cussing made it even more special. Blessings Derick - Paarl (South Africa)

[@tenoriomaya]

Great friendship. Takes me back to 1999 hanging with my friends and younger brother. Having sleepovers and playing n64.

[@youtubemarty]

I agree with some of these people. This video was very well made. It contained a bit of everything that makes one feel extremely grateful to be alive. Great job fella

[@pinkpearl8130]

You are a great story teller. What a beautiful film you've created.

[@swartchalk6745]

Is it just me or does this video make you feel like you are watching the ending of a feel good movie form the 80s Great vid btw

[@travishoover636]

This was a great video. So simple so down to earth and real. When I think good old America this is what I think of. Here is small tip for anything on vertical smokers either add a water try towards the bottom to deflect heat and add moister or turn your brisket flat side down as an insulator. then when you wrap it add some butter on the topside.

[@TheDz1991]

So happy to see people as down to earth as yourself. Keep on being you!

[@stephanemarceau6477]

vous avez réchauffez mon cœur ce matin .merci

[@gerfboy]

I totally agree with you about the solar eclipse. I saw it in totality in Idaho. It was spine chillingly amazing. Love the vids!

[@Hals]

I know this video is all about your project, and i liked it. However i am most impressed with the lifestyle you got there. As a city kid this is just hard to imagine. So much room. Space. Privacy. Wow.

[@Moostery]

My biggest goal in life is to have a nice workshop like yours and some good friends to spend time in it with. Maybe some day.

[@danielcurrin582]

Great video and story. Nothing better than friends and family.

[@g2macs]

You work bloody hard on that farm, you deserve a fun day off.

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

Great video! At first it was just about making something, but then it became about why we make things. Thank you for sharing this!

[@danieljakobsson9188]

This video pretty much capture what life is all about , the good life !

[@chatbrewster6630]

Sir; Just found your channel last night and subbed, you had me as soon I saw Drake. Did a quick scan of a couple vids but will keep watching until I get up to date. You & Drake will become one of my fav's. Like your outlook on life. Thanks

[@kimsotus]

The story telling was very pleasant .

[@quebecredneck666]

I came for the smoker and got a great short film . I almost cried . Super video

[@malachymccauley]

The eclipse is a surprise bonus to a great family movie!

[@abaddon2479]

The way you narrator this video reminded me of endless summer.

[@PRDreams]

What a video! Thanks for the design and thanks for sharing a wonderful few days of friendship and family. You made me miss other humans! Thanks for allowing us into your life!

[@kaylajason8917]

Rainfall video, time to stop what I’m doing and find a place to watch. Videos are amazing keep up the work, can’t wait for more.

[@Tunaslayer1]

Was not interested in building a smoker, but delighted this video made my play list!!! Excellent!!

[@snoopy81]

I was study how to make a smoke meat but what a nice farm family gathering, and dog too.

[@eltipoboricua]

Enjoyed the video. That smoker turned out well, got ppl togeather, and some nice food. I need to make one.

[@BuddyCrotty]

I watch that same episode of BBQ with Franklin everytime I make a brisket (like once or twice a year)!

[@djAnakin]

Link?

[@BuddyCrotty]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ63q5eDfdpogbc&t=134 The whole series is really worth a watch.

[@matth4965]

Check out Malcolm Reed over at Howtobbqright....he has some awesome recipes as well and the bbq sauce and rubs he sells on his website are amazing. Highly highly highly recommend his smoked meatloaf recipe. You will not regret it.

[@boyisog8289]

Dude.. what a content! Watching this on a cold morning in the philippines. Thankyou for the possitive energy!

[@johngregg7076]

Really nice video....perfectly paced...one of the best produced I’ve ever seen. Simple . Elegant. Awesome.

[@melroyel2235]

Man I love and watch a ton of BBQ and welding videos, but this by far was the best I have ever seen. The comradeship with you and your friend is classic. The build was awesome and the Family gathering was very touching. The icing on it all was you telling the story. Man I would pay for this.

[@bradykraus9524]

Me and my dad made a 4'×4' smoker out of 2×4s and two hot plates and its been working great for us so far. We made it inside our garage so we don't have to shovel a path every winter to our old one and it holds a good amount

[@Fam257]

Love this video & how you guys are close friends.

[@frankie2234]

Now I have to go find something to eat after watching your buddy cut the brisket....YUMMMM

[@valiantcharger7971]

I thought I was going to watch a video on how to make a smoker (which I did) but got a whole lot more. Great food, great family and friends. Excellent work.

[@Rokynutz]

I absolutely love this video. DIY Smoker, Brisket and showcasing PNWesterners love of Toyota's. That Land Cruiser was gorgeous! Get to making more videos.

[@tomminou]

Nice project! It reminds me of when my best friend and I are hanging around we just do the same, getting your hands dirty while drinking cold beers. This is just what it's all about: spending time with your people and enjoy every moment. Keep going my friend! Cheers from Belgium

[@kiltedsaint]

It was fun to watch. They do make a topper. It will cut the top off similar to a can opener.

[@lir5048]

Wow what an amazing story and beautiful farm. God Bless you guys. Very nice. Made me all fuzzy inside that’s hard to do

[@frankie2234]

What a great time had by all. And I actually got to see the eclipse!!!!!!

[@brobinder]

Who the heck gives a dislike to this vid ? Fantastic, thanks for sharing an epic time wth friends and family. Star you are

[@adriangonzalez2290]

I normally don’t stay when there’s that much narration or comment but I really enjoyed this. Somewhat of a documentary style video. Take care.