Argentine Style Grill & Brick BBQ Smoker Stop Motion

Drawing and parts list available at: gumroad.com/l/...
Started with a 5" concrete slab, then used 43 cinder blocks, 450 used bricks, 50 fire bricks and made 2" concrete plates for the grill support, counter-top and roof. The Argentine grill is a modified drop-in with stainless V-grate, bolted it straight to the concrete/steel structure. Burning Hickory or hardwood charcoal = awesome food !

[@samanthabentley3649]

Here are a couple of tips that make assembly slightly easier kzbin.infoUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . 1) One person can assemble, but if you have a buddy to help, it will make it go faster - especially steps 1-3 and 8 (the legs aren't heavy but can be difficult to hold while screwing things in). Step 8, 1st part will take some time unless you have two more hands OR are really lucky. 2) Use a socket wrench! 3) Step 7, 3rd part - the flame carry over tube has an open side, MAKE SURE THE OPEN SIDE IS FACING THE FRONT. If it's facing the back, the tube won't work. 4) Step 10, 3rd part - if you don't have small hands (I don't, they're gigantic) getting the nut on is really difficult (but not impossible). It took me about 4 hours to assemble, but I took a "union break" every 60-90 minutes and ate a quick lunch. Also, I'm really OCD so I took my time, looked at the instructions carefully, and cleaned up as I went.

[@ralfgomm5355]

👍👍

[@FrankAbyss]

Wasn't expecting the cool cinematography! Great video all the way around.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Frank !

[@jimhuskins8506]

Thanks for sharing this. It's beautiful work and the closest I've seen to what I want to build.

[@ralfgomm5355]

That's great to hear, thanks. I hope it inspired you to build your own version :-)

[@truninjalo]

Can I request those plans and parts list here? I've been wanting something nice like this in my backyard.

[@backtoafrika]

What a nice design and nice video editing.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you !!

[@damirserban]

+VIVIAN “HONEY” MACKENZIE just about to say the same: awesome video skills and bricking as well :)

[@ralfgomm5355]

+LordSear1982 The grill assembly is from Engelbrecht Grills & Cookers. There are other suppliers but I liked the design and price point. And it works really well.

[@joesacko9619]

Great work Ralf! I was wondering, how long does it take to get the smoker up to temp (225-250F)? I heard block smokers take a while to get hot. Also, I know you put down fire brick at the bottom of the smoker but how is the rest of the smoker holding up to the heat? Any breaking/splitting in the top sections of the block?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Joe ! To start the smoker, I burn down 3-4 medium logs which takes about 30-45min. That gives me 250-200F for about 2hrs. I refuel either with smaller logs or charcoal that I start outside the smoker. I stacked fire brick 2-3 rows high inside the smoker, everything else is cinder block. No cracks so far and I don't expect any. Even if it does develop cracks, that should not matter much since everything is double walled.

[@trustin.p9504]

Deadly setup. Great job. Can you make me one lol

[@josephgamble1]

Oh wow. totally fucking boss. Isnt this every man's dream?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks much !

[@MegaReebo]

Fantastic! This is just incredible. Great job on the grill and movie!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks !

[@mrinductionakagolddenboy5645]

All I can say is wow not only did ya do a great job with your bbq but your video is kickass too . Well I wish you many wonderfull weekends enjoying your prize bbq its a hell of a beauty. Cheers

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you Marc, I appreciate your note. The grill is indeed serving as a great outdoor kitchen, party attraction and most of all makes fantastic food !!

[@2010muddog]

Its not like stoves build themselves......wait a second..

[@Nirvanexus]

If anyone wonders what the music is, it is by *The Glitch Mob* and the track is called *We Can Make The World Stop*

[@trulyhorrific148]

No, you're wrong. It's Darude - Sandstorm.

[@Food_D]

Your film making style is mad, but I love it. A work of art, both the video and the finished grill/smoker!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks for the feedback ! BTW: Starting the smoker right now for Baby Back Rib Sunday :-)

[@Food_D]

Sounds good, you putting any more videos up? I'm doing some more grilling videos soon, and was interested in what you could do on your grill (which looks state of the arty btw). I have subbed in case you load any more! Fell free to sub back :-)

[@ralfgomm5355]

I do have one other video up that shows the grill & smoker in use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfadq1tZZKqf8U High quality steaks with only coarse salt is by far the best, tough. You seem to have a collection of nice videos yourself - I'll have to take a look at those...

[@Food_D]

That grill is top, did you have someone make it for you. A lot of restaurants are adopting that now over the gridiron/castiron style. Very Good!

[@ralfgomm5355]

The grill is awesome. There are a few suppliers in the US that offer this style, I got mine from Engelbrecht Grills - the Braten model with stainless Argentine grate. It functions flawlessly since two years now.

[@LomoPlateAldo]

Fucking beautyful

[@scottcozart8950]

just beautiful! !!!

[@TheFishface95]

Ralf Gomm How long did it take you to build this?

[@ralfgomm5355]

It took about 8 weeks to the first fire. Then another few weeks to finish detail work like the small tile, handles ect. It wasn't too bad really. Mostly weekend work and a few hours each night.

[@lg8285]

Guys whats your opinion on this grill set, its for my daddy's b-day. Thanks! www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZTY7TMO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=AI3MTKIOMQH4&coliid=I376RL4ESTH5XD&linkCode=ll1&tag=product0d4-20&linkId=4fd5a94fbcba506fb4e7b5fa98d270a5

[@CopperLeagueGaming]

black cat. object moving under their own power witches confirmed

[@matpinato8892]

I like. I have to get me some of those self walking/loading bricks!! literally just built itself!!!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Mat Pinato Walking bricks are a bit more pricy, but totally worth it :-)

[@matpinato8892]

haha completely agree! very cool BBQ niche way awesome job! roughly how many bricks and cinder blocks did it take ??

[@jdleitner]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! You are a talented builder as well as videographer.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks JD - this was my first ever brick project... so luck might have played a role too.

[@utahbones3094]

Wow! Great job!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks - glad you like it !!

[@alfrugoniofc]

muy bueno!! de lo mejor que vi en you tube

[@ralfgomm5355]

Muchas Gracias!! Me alegro de que te haya gustado.

[@MichelleJ817]

I am going to buy Argentine Style Grill and BBQ Smoker Plan (PDF) for my hubby to build. Love that you are donating 50% of all proceeds to St. Jude's children hospital. This grill/smoker looks beautiful. I am looking forward to your part 2 video of you using the grill and smoker.

[@ralfgomm5355]

That should be a fun project for him. Thank for your feedback and I will hurry up on part two...

[@bobbet1979]

Hi I just ordered the pdf file, I have paid and recieved th receipt , do you no how long the pdf filed takes to be delivered? Thank you , and great job on an awesome bbq

[@BenPeckover]

6 people thought they were clicking the thumbs up..

[@ralfgomm5355]

...vegetarians? But they could smoke cheese... unless they're vegan. Ben, I take your comment as a compliment though - thanks.

[@buryb21]

wspaniała rzecz też jestem w trakcie budowy zapraszam do śledzenia postępów na moim kanale

[@charlesmartin7347]

Your a bad ass

[@chbucdmx5557]

Good sense of humor. Great build, Bad backgroud music.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Ch buCDMX Thanks, glad you liked it !!

[@vanianogueron345]

Muy buen video, saludos desde CDMX!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@cosac]

such a wonderful asado machine!!

[@nickystockton7044]

This is great! My boyfriend and I just moved into our first home and for a birthday gift for him I have been looking into building a smoker/grill.If you wouldn't mind sharing the drawing and parts list it would be greatly appreciated!

[@richardhanks1642]

Very nice setup. What area of the world do you have this in, does it see winters. With no footings below the frost line I wonder what would need to be modified to do this in Michigan. What happens to the rain that comes down into the fire box of the grill or the run off of the counters next to it? This is the closest thing to my wants as I have ever seen. The video was fast to the point and entertaining, you did an awesome job on both the structure and the video.

[@ralfgomm5355]

This BBQ is in North Carolina, so no problem with just a 5" concrete slab, but as you point out, areas with harsh winters might need this to be modified accordingly (I'm not the expert in that matter). Good observation with the rain! I have added an aluminum cover for the grill (not shown in the video) which keeps out most of the water. However, water that does enter the grill area will collect at the front & back of the concrete center plate and run out at all four corners, along the inside of the brick arches and come down to the concrete slab. The other important thing is to simply lay the fire brick onto the center plate without setting it in mortar. So if ice does build up in that area, it will not cause any cracks ect. Thanks for your feedback !

[@KauaigirlHouston]

Amazing work !! Not only enjoyed your brick work but very artistic .... I know now what my next project will be for 2014... Happy new year

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Marcela ! Make sure to send me pictures if you do end up building your own.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Rodney, I added a link to my 2D drawing and parts list in the description above. In case you consider building one, make sure to send me a picture upon completion.

[@danijelaiv3011]

I loved watching it. Thanks for sharing.

[@di-ot4pq]

True

[@WeBeYachting]

Nice video, thumbs up. Cheers from sunny Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

[@ralfgomm5355]

+Capt Eric “WeBeYachting” Bergeron Thank you!! Cheers back from mostly sunny North Carolina.

[@e.imccool8993]

did aliens built this?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Those aliens would need an oxygen rich atmosphere to make use of a wood fired grill, though !

[@zapjelly]

Like like like like like!! Thanks for the 2D drawing and instruction!! Make me feel like maybe I can do it, too!! 

[@ralfgomm5355]

Zapjelly, it really wasn't that difficult. Whatever goes wrong can easily be corrected along the way. Just make sure to send me pictures if you build your own !!

[@cheyvuthyreach]

Great job.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Khmer Music Notes Thank you !!

[@cheyvuthyreach]

@@ralfgomm5355 Well come.

[@johnbabcock2925]

Awesome!!! You should put some written bill of materials, plans and drawings together too --- you could even sell them. Your project looks great -- and the video is awesome!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks for your feedback John! My BBQ efforts are purely non-commercial so I decided to offer BOM and drawings for free. Check out the link in the "About" box.

[@davidblaiotta]

That is not an Argentinian Barbecue

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi David - I'm not the expert, but I have seen several variants of Argentinian BBQ. Would you mind elaborating what I'm missing? Thanks!

[@ralfgomm5355]

David Blaiotta This is a nice video, thanks. Basically you're saying a traditional Argentine grill is fully enclosed on three sides and has the fire right next to the grill grate. I will keep that in mind for my next design. But switching from beer to wine is not an option for me !!

[@exzyn]

This is the best work I’ve ever seen plus the kids are so cute

[@ralfgomm5355]

Awesome - thank you for your comment, and I very much agree !!!

[@n8wv]

Good lord man! Any chance you put together some plans (dimensions/quantities, etc) for this ahead of time? I live in a city rowhouse but my neighbor is a huge brick wall I'm thinking of building a grill into this spring. email is natewv at hotmail if you could offer any advice...

[@lukasmorkunas9356]

Wow, beautiful work. That is some impressive construction.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you - I appreciate that !!

[@samanthatrematore5423]

I have never posted a comment in my life but this video deserves it. AMAZING instructional video. Great Job

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you so much - that is a fantastic compliment !!

[@whitenr1]

Hi! Been thinking of building a brick BBq for a while now and stumbled upon your video and awesome Grill, brick bbq. This is what i want. Do you have a drawig and parts list? would appreciate it...

[@Egadgetcity365]

Check out Heat Resistant Silicone BBQ Tool Kitchen Grill Oven Cooking Gloves Oven Mitts at goo.gl/EZFZF5

[@123chargeit]

Not only a sweet grill but an even better editing job. The marching building materials was hilarious.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Training bricks to walk isn't easy !!

[@123chargeit]

Ralf Gomm Waka waka

[@ralfgomm5355]

+123chargeit Shakira, seriously? What does she know about premium BBQ? If at least she were from Argentina !!

[@123chargeit]

Your too much. LOL

[@twang8069]

Beautiful work! You made it look easy but I'm sure it took skills!!!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks ! I actually never laid brick before, so it can't be that hard :-)

[@TheRainHarvester]

Why does the smoker not need fire bricks? Just curious. What kind of fire/coals do you put in the smoker? Does it smolder or flame and for how long? (I'm new to this)

[@ralfgomm5355]

I lined the smoker bottom with 2” fire bricks and one row up around the three sides. But there is no need to use mortar on those, just stack them side by side loosely which prevents any possible freeze/thaw cracking. Elsewhere, the fire won’t be hot enough to do damage. I apple, cherry or hickory wood to build a large fire in the smoker. Let it burn down good and start cooking. Heat control in a vertical smoker like this isn’t easy and takes some practice, a water pan on the lower rack definitely helps. Then just add smaller pieces about every 45min to maintain heat. It ain’t fun without some fire action :-) Enjoy!

[@HagerTX]

Grill you know it's true...

[@007380]

I want to build one similar to this, but I want the fire box on the grill end to the left and have the gas burner where your charcoal grill is. Does that make sense? Where did you find the plans?

[@rodneyelson6119]

I've got to get the plans for this!

[@LegendaryBrowser]

awesome video

[@MEB42473]

Nice work on both the grill and the videography!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Sweet, thanks !

[@MichaelHopkinsdamageinc]

How do the door stuff into the smoker openings? I didn't notice any inside seal area or anything to hold the diamond plate in. Looks sharp though.

[@crewmantle]

This IS the one! I will purchase the instructions shortly, but I am curious about the Argentine grill insert. Found a dealer in Illinois who is out of stock of the Argentine version for 8 weeks! Out of curiosity, did you modify the insert yourself or was it custom?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks - glad you like the design. You're probably looking at the Englebrecht grill, which is the one that I used. Quality is excellent. I'm quite happy with it. Might be worth the wait if those are on back order. Otherwise, there are a few more suppliers out on the west coast. Enjoy the project !!

[@benjaminadkins7319]

in my opinion the best build a grill on the entire dang Internets well done!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Wow - thanks !!

[@westside98]

did you give the brick an acid wash?>

[@ralfgomm5355]

Yes, but I might have mixed it too weak. Could certainly use a second round of cleaning...

[@brendancox9808]

can you tell me the dimensions of the concrete slab that is directly below the grill and firebricks?

[@brothersofvalhall]

thats is a real grill Nice jobbe bro Peace and love from norway

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks - nice to hear it's been seen in Norway !

[@ralfgomm5355]

Shipping mine is not an option due to its weight and earthquake proof foundation - so you might have to get a few bricks and make your own :-)

[@EJ-jk7eo]

Rewinding video...I had to stop & surf elsewhere!

[@WastedDaze78]

sorry if this has been asked but got tired of scrolling through the comments... about how much did this cost to make?

[@ralfgomm5355]

No problem, happy to answer: It cost me around $1000, half of which was for the grill assembly from Engelbrecht. But I got all red brick for free. This is critical not just to save cash but used old brick looks way better than new ones. Have fun !!

[@TexBarrister]

Great job all around, both the construction and the video. I used to live in Argentina and I miss using one of these types of grills (a la open flame) - I learned to make some of the greatest grilled meats I ever ate. The Argentines are wonderful grillmasters or asadores.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Jason - and I agree that this style of grilling can make the best tasting meats (with practice) and is a lot of fun.

[@jamesjacobs6778]

Dude!!! First, Awesome Grill...But WTF you made a f**&^ng awesome video as well...Going to build one soon. Oh Yeah, loved the placements of the drinks throughout the video including the token glass of H2O

[@ralfgomm5355]

You're right, easy on the water... Make sure to send pictures if you build your own. Thanks for your feedback !!

[@edstar83]

Everyone missed the point of the video. The cat built it with his telepathic powers.

[@ralfgomm5355]

edstar83 😺

[@soyjuank2011]

We boludo ! me gusto mas mas tu edicion que la parrila !! Ah Reee...! No encantado de tu parrilla tambien,fantastica ,pero tu edicion muy original !

[@ralfgomm5355]

Me alegro de que te haya gustado, ¡gracias por tu !

[@ajbear195]

Where did you get walking bricks? I want those!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Those are very convenient to work with. Show them the drawing and send them on their way :-)

[@gwizz973]

very nice thank you for sharing this

[@seanmentzinger]

Cant wait to do a version of this one- just laid the pad. started off 115" and added another 18" when i decided the smoker has to be bigger. will post pics here and a link when we're done!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Sean, can’t wait to see pictures of your version. Have fun!!

[@greenguy1408]

Hey buddy! Hey I bought your plans at the end of the summer last year and got as far as the slab & then the weather took a turn. I went to the Sellfy link to look at the pdf but the link isn't valid anymore :( It looks like you moved them over to a different selling platform. I'm trying to figure out how long the lintels are (I think it's the 3 1/2 by 3 1/2inch 12 gauge) that support the top part of the smoker door frames (the ones that are inserted into the cut cinder blocks). Any help is mucho appreciated :) Also anyone else who lives here in the Northwest good luck finding those lintels at Home Depot or anywhere else...hahah. I'm going to have to call a steel fab place to get them I think. I couldn't find an email for you or I would've sent my question that way. Thanks!

[@ralfgomm5355]

No problem, happy to help! But I don’t know how to send you a private message so we can exchange emails. If I had yours, I’ll simply send you a copy of the plans again. Can you do that somehow?

[@Worldrefug]

what a fantastic job and video i have been looking all over the internet to get the best design i want to build by far this is the best ive seen just perfect. I was going to purchase the plans to build just have a question about the smoker part is this above direct heat or is there a layer between the coals and the meat with a way to set or lower the heat to slow cook for longer periods of time thanks this was just plain fun to watch also!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Dave, I really appreciate your feedback! So the smoker is a traditional vertical design with the fire always being directly under the meat. I use a large aluminum pan with water as heat shield, placed on the first of two grates. Temperature control in a vertical smoker takes some practice and temperature overshoot occurs quickly if too much fuel is added at once. I had things under good control after a few sessions and can produce repeatable great results since then.

[@juanpadron590]

Ra

[@warrencole720]

I like your grill but my constraints require me to build differently. I bought same grill parts and I am curious why you chose to disregard the black metal base and not just brick around the Engelbrecht Argentine campfire grill. Was the metal base the issue or was it the firebricks? Just how did you secure the vertical posts? How has the metal withstood the elements? Do you normally use the firebox for your coals initially or just fire up under grill. Any advice on building the firebox? I visit Argentina on a weekly basis being a pilot and am taking on this project to bring that Argentine grill experience here in Dallas. Please let me know your thoughts what you like and dont like about your build.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Warren - I didn't want the metal base visible and to brick around or over it would have looked wrong. Removing it is a good things since you can use the two vertical rails and bolt them straight to your own structure. The plan I made shows details on this: sellfy.com/p/ChZI/ My grill is now two years old and all metal parts hold up great in Carolina weather. I always build the wood fire right under the grill. I really wouldn't change anything on the design - I like the look and it functions great. Get inspired during your travels to Argentina and make it your own :-) Enjoy !!

[@Davidmc23]

Man you did an excellent job on the video, you are creative for sure. Now for the really super important questions! What's the cats name and who did the soundtrack :P

[@ralfgomm5355]

Glad you liked it, thank you!! The cats name was 😟 Sepp. And the song is from Lindsey Stirling, I think she specifically wrote it to make stop motion BBQ videos !!

[@jamieholt1984]

Love your build. I have been searching for something that isn't an eyesore and this is it. Can I just ask what is the mechanical grill called or where could I find one. I'm in UK.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks for the comment, glad you like the design! The grill itself is an Argentine style grill mechanism, I’m sure there is a proper name for it that I ignorantly don’t know. I bought mine at: grillsandcookers.com/collections/braten-campfire but don’t know if they ship internationally. Have fun with your build and let me know if I can help.

[@juliodifelippo]

Nice bbq, a bit of argentinian style, but no too much, anyway really beautiful. Saludos desde Argentina. Remember not to cook the meat with flame, just with hot coal. Cheers!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you! And yes, it took me a while to stop grilling with flames... but I got it by now :-)

[@johnjackson1464]

Terrible job, sloppy work. Jesus, how the hell did you do that. Wish you would of instructed because I’m dam sure not goin to try it by lookin at what you did in the video. I’m afraid I don’t have those kind of skills. Just joking At the start.

[@ralfgomm5355]

You could never do this. You just don't have the skills. Also joking at the start. But seriously, this was the first time I laid brick. If you every played Lego as a kid, know how to spell Lego, or know what Lego is, you'll be just fine building a grill. It's particularly easy if you don't shoot a video at the same time :-) Have fun and let me know if I can help.

[@markbarry7943]

Hey Ralf great job and pretty cool video to!! I'm a bricklayer myself, if you woulld't mind sending me the drawing!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Mark - I take that as a compliment, especially since I've never laid brick before. The drawing is available at sellfy.com/p/ChZI/

[@Bbqtexastvshow]

Great video...we'll make sure to share...

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you, I appreciate that !

[@princcipepersia]

Hi Ralf! Great vid and project. Could you provide the source of your exhaust chimney please? Thanks!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks - glad you liked it. For the smoker exhaust, I used a standard 4 inch chimney pipe from HD, normally used for gas water heaters ect. It's held in place and sealed with fire proof bond. The adjustable vent flap is made from a round piece of aluminum riding on a long screw serving as axle.

[@Daniel_8888]

I hate watching construction type videos with nothing but pictures, with that said I loved this video. I got what I came here for and it was actually entertaining, something that was unexpected. Any way, amazing grill. Nice job.

[@ralfgomm5355]

I appreciate that feedback Daniel and I will pass compliments along to the cat for its support role.

[@dewaldfive]

well done on this... I am from south Africa, and here we also think we are the masters of the grill.....lol...looks like we need to take this one to the Rugby pitch as well.... meet each other on the center line...and have a "braai"-off Well done on the vid....waas fun to watch...and the "braai" looks good, very smart

[@ralfgomm5355]

I'm no master of the grill (yet), so you win. No need to play Rugby... Glad you like it, thanks !

[@suppergriller5741]

Great video, I am going to build an Argentine grill and bbq some asado, hopefully I'll improve my skill from the one on this kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJLKd5KImZ2rjrs to master gaucho de Pampas

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks !!

[@roberthatfield2613]

What did you use for fire brick mortar? Has it held up over time? I'm almost at that point in my build......thanks Ralf!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Robert, I used standard brick mortar for everything and it’s never been a problem for 7 years now, including winter time grilling. Note that the fire brick in grill & smoker is done floating, without mortar. Have fun and please share pictures when you are done!!

[@PavanGowdagiri95112]

Really cool video..don’t know what video editing tool was used, but bricks moving, and getting set in their respective position without presence of any human hand through out the video is awesome...

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. The video is really just 500+ individual photos put together. I may have spent more time taking pictures than building the grill :-)

[@lalat9437]

Why did you decide to build and Argentinian grill and oven? Do you embrace our culture? Do you know how to cook Argentinian food? What will be your use for this feature in your home? Will your wife and kids be eating empanadas and asado? Or will you be throwing sausages and hotdogs in there?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Tal M Because cooking with hardwood embers tastes amazing :-) I bought the book ‘Seven Fires’ by Francis Mallmann to learn Argentine cooking. The occasional (home made) hotdog will make it on the grill as well however.

[@fourkindkings]

Nice video..how have you designed the smoker? Are you just letting the smoke rise up to the grills? I've seen smokers which have two separate chambers one for fuel and one for cooking

[@ralfgomm5355]

You are right, I decided on a vertical smoker which works great if you are able to maintain a small fire (dry wood). I also use a heat shield (aluminum pan with water), placed on the first grate between fire and meat. The initial 3-4 log fire heats up the smoker and allows me to keep 225F about 2hrs before refueling is required.

[@loligagger85]

i see only one thing you could have done better, STAINLESS STEEL instead of steel angle iron and rebar, then it would truly last the test of time. otherwise i love it and you did a excellent job

[@ralfgomm5355]

+loligagger85 So maybe it could be a historic landmark in year 2734 :-) Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it !!

[@roberthatfield2613]

Hey Ralf! I wanted to show you my progress on my build. how can I share with you? I think I'll have to make video of it at some point.

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Robert, I watched your video and am blown away by the nice job you did!!! Your modifications are fantastic: the beautiful door hardware you chose, lights and the fire grate. Absolutely great!! Thank you for sharing and happy BBQing !

[@julianhernandez7904]

Ralf, before i begin the build, i am in Texas and want to know how much meat can i fit in the smoker? Texas is big on brisket, sausage and ribs but brisket is king 'round these here parts of USA. Can i fit 2 briskets and a rack or two of ribs?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Julian - the smoker opening is 16x16 inches. I have two racks and normally put a water pan on the lower rack as heat shield. That leaves the upper rack for smoking. The rack dimensions are 16x17.5 inches onto which I fit two large baby backs (but not three), or easily a 15lb pork shoulder (probably even 20lb). Above the upper rack, I added a rod to hang sausages. I've actually never made a brisket... not sure if that is even legal in North Carolina... so I'm not certain how many you could fit. Hope this helps !

[@romeliapolly9631]

I started with Woodglut plans.

[@BRASASPATAGONICAS]

excelente trabajo, realmente admiracion y felicitaciones......muy muy bueno..

[@ralfgomm5355]

Gracias !!

[@toddanderson7879]

Hey Ralf the whole assembly looks great! Question is there an updated site for the plans? Also any modifications to make a larger smoke chamber with an offset firebox?

[@ralfgomm5355]

Hi Todd, the plans are posted here: app.gumroad.com/l/aeoKx but I don’t have anything ready with a larger smoker design or offset fire box. You could just make the smoker portion twice as wide to allow for offsetting the smoker. Make sure to share pictures if you end up doing that :-) Have fun!

[@Jesusandbible]

some good building tips. thanks

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks - glad you liked it !

[@MartinPerez-lg1gy]

Good work! I´m from Argentina,in fact our grills have a place apart to make the fathoms but it is very good work

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thank you - I appreciate that. I know it's not like a traditional Argentine grill, especially since I added a smoker, but the adjustable grate and real wood fire comes close :-)

[@cheesseit9548]

You may excuse me sir but I may be copying your exquisite effort........ Love it

[@ralfgomm5355]

I hope you do! Have fun and let me know if you have any questions.

[@bossHogOG]

Nice work! 171 miserable, no-life plebs have down voted this. Pathetic.

[@ELLEON1959]

Nice job and excellent photography! I love both aspects!

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks !!

[@ELLEON1959]

Ralph you got plans for this pit cooker somewhere?

[@ralfgomm5355]

ELLEON1959 Yes, I've made the plans available at sellfy.com/p/ChZI/

[@ELLEON1959]

Excellent!

[@Ebarbaccia]

awesome video although for all that work I wouldve put a longer and wider grillplate on it. I would love to make one like this but my landlord says I cant even have a dishwasher in my apartment... haha :)

[@ralfgomm5355]

Thanks Ed. This size works OK for us... made 60 sausages on it for last year's Oktoberfest. But you could easily put a larger grill in, given you had a new landlord.

[@bobbet1979]

Hi I just ordered the pdf file, I have paid and recieved th receipt , do you no how long the pdf filed takes to be delivered? Thank you , and great job on an awesome bbq

[@ralfgomm5355]

Anthony Carberry Hello, the file is available for download immediately. Perhaps check your download folder. Otherwise, you have my contact through Sellfy and we can resolve it that way.

[@efl08]

Tip top job mate..what was the build time?? Looking at building one myself and this little beauty is spot on. And thanks for the link to the plans.

[@ralfgomm5355]

It took me around 8 weeks until I made the first fire + steaks. A few more weeks to finish the smoker doors and all trim... All in all not that bad. Enjoy the build and make sure to send pictures of your project !!