Homemade Tabletop Reverse Flow Smoker

Here's my latest build, creating a mini tabletop reverse flow smoker from old gas bottles. I've never used a welder before but I honestly think it turned out pretty awesome.
This build video shows every step, from creating the vent, hinges, doors, chimney damper, the lot.
I've now used it a couple of times and it holds temperature perfectly and I'm overwhelmed how little fuel it goes through. In testing it's performance I held it at 225f for 3hrs 45min fueling it once with 15 briquettes and 1 log split.
Please leave your comments or advise.
... and please please Like & Subscribe to our channel.

[@evilsilence8738]

It looks good. Just a tip: if you cut out areas where your hinges will sit, weld your hinges in place, then cut out the rest of your door, she won’t fight as much to line everything back up…. Especially working alone. Well done!

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks and good advice I'll do that next time. Thanks

[@brianmacdonald3292]

Well done! I love the concept and design!

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks Brian, appreciated

[@AstrixCloud]

For air flow, I would have put the chimney on the opposite side from the fire box inlet and had just a little circle plate welded up on an angle over the inlet to help push it to the away from the chimney to help pull heat around in a loop type fashion. But other than that, beautiful design, also not has for first time welding! 🫡 hats off to yah sir.

[@DavidUL12]

Very nice... with some good care that smoker will last forever. Thanks for sharing👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Thank you 😊

[@dougfinch1313]

It was a pleasure to watch from start to finish all the way through. It was very informative and in plenty of detail showing how to do and making it look so easy, very professional excellent job. And just to put the top on things it works great because he smoked some Chunky Angus Beef Ribs and they were very tasty. Well worth it TOP NOTCH 👌🥩🍖

[@westexis]

Hail Britannia! Sincerely, Texas! :) Very nice job!

[@squidusn71]

You put a lot of thought into this and it's such a pleasure to watch the build process.

[@RusticInspiration]

Very very kind thank you so much, very appreciated :)

[@geraldwalker9364]

Great job

[@4seasonsbbq]

Very nice! For being a first time welder, you did a fine job. Great design too. I'm getting ready to make several over & unders and you've given me some great ideas. Keep up the great work my friend 👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Very kind thank you

[@DanielHunt89]

Nice work Finchy

[@RusticInspiration]

Cheers pal ☺

[@EveryName_I_ThinkOfIsTaken]

I like the air vent you made, that looks real nice

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks :)

[@elpoison626]

Hey don’t worry how much welding experience you have what you have plenty of is balls and the will to do something with your own hands awesome little smoker please do a video of a cook off 👏👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Very very kind thank you cookout vid will follow soon. Thanks again :)

[@magsantamaria4181]

Great job. out of all the KZbin videos I’ve seen I like yours the best. I know exactly what to do with my dads old compressor. Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RusticInspiration]

Perfect, it's comments like this that make it worth uploading. Thank you.

[@benjaminbuilds5761]

Man those home made hinges are genius, great build and some great fabricating 👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Very kind. Thank you

[@mxmpzs]

Great job!

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks pal

[@allthingsalbanian]

Best diy smoker on yt!

[@RusticInspiration]

Very kind thank you 😊

[@donavonbaker5172]

Header paint 😀😀 i use gallons of it in the 70s❤❤

[@Tympan]

I really like your design. This is a great video. Thanks.

[@RusticInspiration]

Thank you :)

[@dwayneburbridge3283]

Nicely done! And your first welding project is so much better than mine!

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks 👍

[@gladysfinch1343]

Great work really Good video

[@richardbusuttil9252]

I love the concept

[@bobhinley5410]

Nice job.

[@RusticInspiration]

Cheers pal

[@snipetime21]

That was a awesome video to watch. Thinkinf of making one my self. The only thing I can say. Idk if you did or didn't. Looks like didn't but use stainless steel for the grill. But for a beginner you did a kick ass job.

[@Hood_Tyme_Fab]

Nice work pal,I'm currently building one a similar size, created my self a lot of unnecessary work, yours looks sweet👌

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks pal, appreciated...

[@tyyou3624]

Impressive mate 🔥💪😁

[@RusticInspiration]

Cheers pal

[@richardbusuttil9252]

You should consider using a shielding gas to eliminate the white oxide on your welds

[@philfranklin4395]

Thats Cool 👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks pal

[@trailman20]

I had this same idea and have the tanks to do it..I'm wondering what you have found out after using it and what you would change yours looks great and super close to the idea I had in mind my only worry was about the heat would transfer and if I should go with two pipes from the burn box up to the smoke chamber

[@RusticInspiration]

I honestly don't think I'd change anything in this one, which isn't usual for me lol. It maintains temperature for about 5 hours from a bit of charcoal and one piece of hardwood log. Cooks very evenly without the need to turn the cook. Possibly adding another pipe may allow may push a little to much heat up. Wouldn't know really until its done. But no personally I'd change nothing, very chuffed. Done racks, brisket, pulled... very happy..

[@cr1138]

I didn't pour through all the comments....so I might be that guy....maybe there are others........bruh.....how do you not post a follow up cook on that? I mean....it's a friggin peach! Since you didn't.....Imma gonna say that it shoulda been an offset. Looks like even though its reverse flow....that heat coming up from the bottom is gonna radiate that metal and raise temps up to the point your battling temps vs. getting enough smoke.... I DON'T KNOW.....cause....we don't see how it worked....from our perspective this is just another cute yard ornament.

[@RusticInspiration]

It has been mentioned :) but its a good point... I will certainly upload one very soon, the next pulled pork I do I'll get it uploaded. Will be this November. It does work a treat though ! I thought of doing it offset but I needed to fit in it in car boot as I'm the guy that gets invited to bbq but still cooks when I get there 😂

[@cr1138]

@@RusticInspiration I really hope it turns out sweet. The thing looks awesome! I was thinking when I was watching the build and design that maybe a lot of small tinder could really work well in that thing...but that's a lot of maintaining the fire on a long cook....but, then again...that's part of the fun!

[@RusticInspiration]

@@cr1138 typically 1 birch log lasts 3hrs so not too bad

[@antondrushlyakov5017]

Wonderful!!!

[@RusticInspiration]

Thank you :)

[@sportbikeguy9875]

Awesome video, I'm a welder by trade, your welds actually look alright if you've truly never welded before. i'm looking to build a smoker similar to this, and was wonder, why you chose the "reverse flow" design? is there any benefit to just having smoke enter on one side and exit on the other? thanks!

[@RusticInspiration]

Very kind, yes truly was my first time... I was also new to using a smoker, I chose reverse flow as being a small smoker I thought it would offer greater protection and less hot spots for the food. Just my opinion though.

[@sportbikeguy9875]

@@RusticInspiration awesome, thanks!

[@rchapa2011]

If you don’t mind me asking what was the size of the tanks you used

[@Hoisin1111]

Did you ever get around to making a cooking video with this smoker?, can’t find one on your channel. I would love to see a rib video using this smoker 😊. This looks like the perfect size for me, and can be made for a reasonable price. Could you perhaps even fit a second shelf in this so you could smoke 4 racks of ribs? From what you describe it’s pretty easy to hold a steady low and slow temperature with this, is that right? Thanks for an excellent step by step video

[@RusticInspiration]

I'm sure I can find a video to upload. It maintains temperature shockingly well. 1 log and some coal will keep it steady for 4 hours or so.. I've got 2 racks off ribs in it, I've done brisket, pulled pork. Don't think I'd have been able to fit another shelf though... I'll find a cook video and get back to you...

[@Hoisin1111]

Thank you, that would be great. This is definitely on my todo list 😊

[@donavonbaker5172]

Looking good does it run hot in left side

[@RusticInspiration]

Its reverse flow so the heat comes from the right, think if I didn't do it reverse flow it would have been too much direct heat. I've done a few brisket and ribs without having to rotate. Pretty even heat. Very happy with the little fella

[@donavonbaker5172]

@@RusticInspiration my bad not watch allway before ? I like your idea . I have hundred pound tank and 20 lb. Im gona try your idea 😀😀👍keep the videos coming

[@RusticInspiration]

@Donavon Baker thank you so much, post a link up here so I can see.

[@hughstuffher2671]

Mad skillz!🤟🤟🤟👍👍👍

[@jasonb1339]

Looks great. Thanks for putting this together, just the inspiration I need to build my own. Do you have any recommendations for places selling steel online?

[@RusticInspiration]

Thank you, I just bought old gas bottles off Facebook selling pages and I just bought the tube and box pipe off amazon. I can send you links if you like ?

[@AlexSvarog]

Получился вертикальный смокер, который выглядит как гаризонтальный)

[@bierakulix7055]

Super 💪👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Thanks :)

[@fritzlausier7053]

Sweat!

[@davidupton4730]

Hi, have you found any things that you would do differently,if you were to build another one ?

[@RusticInspiration]

Good question, possibly I'd go a little bigger (wider). But on the good side when designing it I made sure it would fit in the boot of my car when the chimney is off. Works perfect, keeps great temp for hours with just a wood. Perfect for a single brisket of a couple racks of ribs.

[@davidupton4730]

I have been vacillating over the design of the one i’m building, I saw your design early on in the process and always liked the symmetry of it, it just makes sense to put the fire box underneath, I will not be coping yours absolutely but yes, I will be unashamedly ripping off many of your ideas. like you I had to learn to weld to attempt this project, even though my son is a welder! Hope mine turns out a neat as yours. many thanks.

[@RusticInspiration]

@David upton very very kind, many thanks

[@jorgegranada4964]

"ok" for a fist time welding job.

[@RusticInspiration]

Cheers pal

[@Keasbeysknight]

awesome video and great attention to detail! ive never used one of these over under style smokers before, how do you like cooking on it? what temperature is it happy staying at?

[@labman20]

Nice work, very impressive. Was that a gasless mig you were using? I didn't see any bottles in the background?

[@RusticInspiration]

Thank you, and well spotted it is a Röhr MI200. It does do gas but i haven't tried that yet.

[@vcr3583]

Great job! What size tanks did you use? Thanks from Washington state

[@RusticInspiration]

I used 19kg for the chamber and 7kg for the firebox, though I fear you measure them differently over there. Paul from the UK

[@ojisanyamayo2785]

Hello i am french ! i want to do a smoker and i see many video of "DIY smoker " but yours is the master piece, you have many idee intersting !!!! i think you have the best !! I take all yours idee , if you autorise me to take. 👃100000 thank !! 🥩👍

[@RusticInspiration]

Very very kind thank you, please use what you can; good luck with the build 😊

[@levinlow]

Great job.now let’s see some meat cookout video

[@davemitchell7732]

Looks ace, how long did it take start to finish? And what do you think it cost you?

[@RusticInspiration]

I spread it over 3 weekends doing probably about 8 to 10 hours in total. The gass bottles I already had (can get empty ones on Facebook for £5 to £10). Grating. Flat bar, angle, 6mm bar, tubing, plating id say all in cost me about £35. Another £15 if if had to pay for the bottles.

[@jaunius21]

Great job! What welder did you used?

[@RusticInspiration]

Just a beginners welder, I went gasless but it does gas too. Rohr MIG-200MI - MIG Welder Inverter Gas / Gasless MMA 240V 200 amp DC Welding Machine

[@b.real1193]

This is amazing! Keep up on the youtube thing itll take off

[@Stoney3K]

So... did you paint the inside or just season it with oil? Because painting the inside of a smoker is usually not a good idea.

[@RusticInspiration]

Just will oil

[@DouglasFurlong]

Thanks for posting this. I have two canisters, both expansion vessels from heating systems, I'm hoping the metal is sturdy enough to replicate this kind of build. How did you find it at holding the temperature during the winter months? How convenient is it emptying the firebox of all the used ash?

[@RusticInspiration]

I find the Ash burns literally to nothing, I just pull the cage out and really cleaned out with a brush. I now use a bbq controller "heater meater" which maintains the temperature perfectly for a good 4hrs before I need to stick another log in.

[@DouglasFurlong]

@@RusticInspiration do you have a link to that? I'm assuming it is motorised and can open/close then vents as required. I've got an old Weber for normal bbq'ing, but doing the longer slower cooks is a nightmare.

[@RusticInspiration]

@@DouglasFurlong sure... store.heatermeter.com/ To u can get them pre assembled or solder them yourself. See them in action on KZbin.

[@joeysanchez5926]

@@RusticInspiration it's closed

[@richardbusuttil9252]

I can’t see that you are using an argon shielding gas mix

[@Mr.Eric314]

Great great build my friend, are u interested in building for sale?

[@80ajflores]

You never made a video of you cooking on your smoker. I would watch.

[@Ralphman21]

I'll take it... $200 shipped?

[@RusticInspiration]

If i was in the US I'd happily make you one, very kind

[@johnh8615]

Big mistake… don’t grind or cut the gas cylinder until you remove the valve and fill with water. We learnt this in our first year at trade school that any spark or heat on a empty fuel container is a bomb. 👀

[@RusticInspiration]

We did, swear it's in the video. Good advise for people watching though...

[@johnnycassell2305]

Did you even watch the video or just jump straight at the chance to inject negativity? He literally explains the danger and then films himself filling the cylinder up with water. Did they teach you patience, attention to detail or any damn manners at Trade School?

[@trailman20]

Well he had the valve closed and obviously isn't dumb enough to grind into the tank he only did that for more room to remove the valve

[@SharpObserver1A]

OH,,,, NO!!! that dripping plate on top of the HEAT plate ruins the whole thing, you fucked it up !! >> 19:07

[@RusticInspiration]

Channels down into the drain valve, bad ? Stays at temp for about 5 hours without refueling. What would you have done different so I know next time for my bigger build ?

[@zulucharlie5244]

This makes absolutely no sense for a BBQ.

[@RusticInspiration]

Totally agree apart from its a bbq, that holds temp perfectly (+-3c) and only needs 1 log every 4 hours. Drains the fats away from the heat. Fits in a car boot, apart from that, I totally agree with you, complete waste of time 😂

[@entyceingvwsvolkswagenrest4498]

Sure it does! The 250+ gallon tanks for back yard pits are the one that don't make sense and I'm in the States! Love it!!!

[@domantas.boredpanda1791]

Hi! We love your channel and would like to feature some of your content on our channels. Would you be interested in a paid partnership with Bored Panda Studios? We cannot find your contact. To what email we may send our proposal?

[@snipetime21]

Also do you have a Facebook or Instagram?