How to Build an Ugly Drum Smoker, also known as a UDS - Part I.

[@123crazydan]

A friend and i tag along to build each one following you’re step by. Very excited to see the final result

[@sneakeey1]

T-Roy is correct. I am very proud. Thank you soooo much for the credit and the shout out! Your build came out beautifully. I can't wait to see how it cooks for you. I am gonna have to keep my eye on you! Great Job once again!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you sir. Your compliment is much appreciated and respected. I owe my success to your videos on the UDS. I plan on a seasoning video soon. Hope it works as well as yours! Keep your videos coming. HAPPY SMOKING MY FRIEND!!!

[@carmenarroyo4060]

Whats the cost on material around $100 plus

[@bubblehead7680]

I built a basket similar to that, but I also attached a pan to the bottom as an ash catcher. Works great and makes it easy to clean up.

[@dancampbell1977]

Yes sir, just a man, doing what men should do!

[@moragrourke1951]

Thank you William Kasper, for the shop that you found for me on the barrel. it's a great barrel only $15. I'm going to start my build this weekend. I found all my parts. you and big daddy were great help

[@jasonboness3871]

"Mom loves it when you spray paint her flowers and rock garden path..." LOL

[@jTempVids]

Very Nice. I need to make one of these.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

This was a great project. Thank you for watching.

[@adamjl121]

Thank you for posting this. I’ve always wanted to make one but wanted better ideas

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hi Adam, Hope this was helpful. You will absolutely love this smoker. It really does an amazing job. I wish I would have built one a long time ago. Thanks for watching. Your support is appreciated. Please subscribe if you haven't already. All the Best-

[@rommart244]

Just finished and seasoned my uds yesterday. made my first brisket today and it turned out great.

[@troybassett3123]

I don't know if anyone has figured this out but when I built mine, I was replacing my old Webber grill that was rusted out in the bottom to nothingness. When I went to burn it out for the first time my Webber was sitting right there and after looking for a second I sat the lid on the barrel and it fit just perfect.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hi Troy - That is an awesome tip. The Weber lids do fit most 55 gallon drums. I considered using one on mine. Thank you.

[@txntom2789]

beautiful smoker bro thanks!! now I know exactly how I want to put mine together thanks to you, much appreciated sir.

[@kylehebert4206]

I used your video on a smoked shoulder and it came out perfect. I'm definitely a fan.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Wow! Great to hear. I've gotten so much out of KZbin I'm glad I can give back something.

[@faisaljamshed]

Thats not ugly at all my friend. On the contrary the best looking ugly smoker ive seen, i would buy this everyday...... VV Well Done.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you fir your kind words. Appreciate you watching and supporting. Stay safe and go build yourself one - You’ll love it!!!

[@cutweldngrind]

My buddy wants me to build him one. I always use heavy wall material so hopefully I dont damage the barrel. Nice build

[@taovas]

Hey man thanks so much for this video. I've been researching UDS for a while and you were the first one that showed some of the things that I really wanted to see, and answered a bunch of questions I had. Got me pumped to get this project going now.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Glad I could help. I absolutely love this machine. Easy to use. Holds temp steady. Fuel lasts forever. Be sure to use only two or three small chunks of wood or you'll over smoke. I can't say enough great things about this UDS!!! keep us posted on your outcome. Happy Smoking!

[@Boyleheights213por-vida]

Looks good brother

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching.

[@TROYCOOKS]

Wow, what a great looking UDS!!! Phil would be proud of you! Great job on the video also. I look forward to seeing you fire up that UDS and do some cooking on it. Cheers!!!

[@wisdomSP]

Hey! T-Roy! Fancy meeting you here. Lol!

[@TROYCOOKS]

Hey Scott, it's a small world brother! I like to check up on my followers and get excited when they make videos about cooking.

[@edgelordgaming8824]

Hey just started watching your videos yesterday. You make some really great food

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for dropping in. Appreciate the comment. You gotta try some of these recipes yourself. I have a lot of great smokes planned in upcoming videos. Stay safe and healthy!!!

[@edgelordgaming8824]

Yea my friend is helping me build a offset drum smoker now. I'm really excited to finish

[@Seezor]

I gotta give it to you. THAT'S A NICE BUILD! And? Very versatile. The second rack gives you another cooking level but you could easily do a layer of charcoal on the 2nd/lower level if you just wanted to do burgers and dogs. You could add hooks to the lid and hang ribs, chicken or other meats without either rack. The biggest congrats I'll have to say is this looks DOABLE to the handy guy or girl or the not so handy. Either I missed it or would add 2 things. Air flow control top and bottom and handles for the top. I really like this paint job looks good to.

[@Seezor]

OOPS! I now see (since watching more of your videos about the air flow vents. Again. Great build.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thanks for the input my friend. I do actually have airflow control on the kid with the use of caps for the elbow vents and bung holes. This configuration works perfectly because usually I only have to adjust the large bung hole vents. The only problem with using this unit for grilling would be the extreme heat produced from the charcoal if placed on second rack. The heat would damage the paint and cause damage or warping to the hardware used in supporting the rack including the rack itself.

[@ladychicfashion1961]

Nice DIY UDS!👏😀

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Have a great day!!!

[@lfrm5250]

that smoker looks just great .

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. What a great smoker. If you don't have one of these you must build one this spring.

[@robertvelasco5841]

Really enjoyed your video, I got some ideas how to improve my smoker. I have 3 smokers, I Santa Maria pit and a small grill (addicted to smoke) lol wife made me give 2 other smokers away. Thank you bro for your time and effort 👍😎

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hey Robert - Thank you for your kind support. I am interested in the Santa Maria pit and will have to find one. They look extremely versatile and easy to use! I hear you about the wife and smokers! I have three smokers and am currently looking to put a deposit on a Shirly Fabrication 24X60 trailer model. Check them out at: www.shirleyfabrication.com/offer/smokers-cookers . Thinking about trying the BBQ vending circuit at fairs and festivals in coming years. I'm learning there are lots of hoops with health department and licensing to jump through!!!

[@charc.7819]

Wow simple enough! Thanks William

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for watching. Stay safe!

[@jshepard152]

2:42 Before you do this, make damn sure the old contents of the drum were not flammable. Vapors can be just as explosive as the former contents, and guys have gotten killed cutting into "empty" drums that exploded. I was just reading about a guy in Pennsylvania who got killed by a burn barrel last week. And I know of another incident in Iowa that killed a man who was welding on top of a barrel, using it as a workbench. Filling the drum with water before cutting into it can displace explosive vapors, if done correctly.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Good advice. My barrel fortunately was clean and never used. This one has a removable lid which is perfect for this application. There are places you can buy these drums that’s never been used. Look around in your area for these places when you begin your project.

[@juanmacias4854]

Nice and easy, just finding the 55 stainless steel gallon barrel ios probably the hardest part. Thanks.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

You don't need stainless steel. That would be unbelievably expensive!!! find an unused one or a food grade barrel with removable top. All the Best!!!

[@WhiteThunderBBQ]

great looking build!! makes me want to put wheels on my pit barrel cooker.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

White Thunder BBQ - that's the way to go.

[@gtsbarbecueandcuisine4837]

Nice project. Great looking uds I’ve been thinking of doing one of these. Love the sign and colors. 🍻

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for your kind words. The project was a lot of fun and the machine turns out amazing cuts of smoked meat to perfection. If you don’t have one you will be amazed once you build and use it. My family prefers all cooks to be done in the UDS! Let us know how yours turned out. Happy Smokin’ my friend.

[@harrydeters9967]

Thank you for the video William! I am also a SE Michigan guy and will be moving into a house soon. Looking to build one and would love some more info on how you connected the elbows to the lid and bottom for the vents. Been watching your videos for a few hours now! Thanks again! Stay safe brother.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for watching and supporting my channel. Much appreciated. The elbows and tubes at the bottom are connected with non-galvanized conduit nuts. You can find these at any home improvement store. You will not regret doing this project - the drum smoker is an amazing cooking beast!!! Keep me posted on your progress. All the best and stay safe and healthy!!!

[@patrickwild5564]

A thing of beauty! Nice video man!

[@javiersebastian8756]

Also good music!!!!

[@samrichards8251]

great built mate looks fantastic

[@planecrazyish]

Great job! the smoker looks beautiful 👍👍👍

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thanks much!!! I appreciate that. Its is truly an amazing smoker. You must build one for your self!!! All the Best-

[@curtoegrosso]

Beautiful done! Congratulations.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you.

[@williambrennan7794]

Phil gets way more credit than he deserves. He's built 1 mediocre smoker. Good job

[@jasonleake9627]

Looks awesome well done

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. Appreciate the comment. You must build one for yourself!!! All the Best-

[@maurolimaok]

Nice.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. It’s an awesome smoker. Go build you one ASAP! Thank you for watching and commenting . I appreciate your support!

[@jameswilson961]

The build looks fantastic...I think I will attempt building one of these myself but also include the option to hang. I watched your and Sneak's videos. The main Question I have is why you put so little space between the 2 racks and the top rack and the lid. It seems like that would be a major limiting factor as you cant put anything thicker than 3 inches and use both racks. Is there a design reason for this? It seems that as long as you move/recenter your thermometer when you drop the racks you could adjust the temp (assuming its hotter lower down) and cook slightly lower but allow more spacing between racks and the upper rack and lid.

[@marlonsantacruz5515]

Hi there! This is still one of the more useful videos out there for a new build. Thank you. I need your help planning though: around how many bottles of spray paint did it take to coat the exterior? Did you prime? Appreciate any feedback.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

No primer. I put on 2 to 3 coats. I think 3 cans of spray paint. Thanks for the positive feedback - much appreciated!!!

[@wisdomSP]

Looks pretty cool. Wouldn't you want some kind of firebox door, you know, to tend the fire?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Scott p Hi Scott. With this UDS you absolutely positively would NOT want a door. This would cause air leaks and render the unit useless. Also, there's no tending to the fire needed. I smoked approximately six separate smokes over the summer on one 18 pound basket of charcoal. One smoke was a full packer brisket of 17 hours. Still had plenty of fuel to do more. Just add a few chunks of wood to your charcoal and that's it. Snuff it out after your done In preparation for your next smoke/cook. Extremely efficient machine! Anyways, if you need a little extra smoke you can always add another chunk of wood when you open the top to spritz or baste your meat.

[@fadugleman]

Planning something like this in metalshop. Thanks for the vid

[@kleinle522]

How do you manage the coals and wood without a door? You have to take the meat out every time?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

That’s just it- the beauty of this drum smoker is that you don’t need to manage the wood or the coals. Once you’re fired up and you control your damper and your exhaust to your desired temperature, this thing chugs along at whatever temperature you set it at for 20+ hours. If you want to add a couple pieces of wood chunks to the coals you can drop them in to the basket when you open the lid to spritz your meat or move things around. However, that’s usually not necessary. After a couple hours there’s enough smoke flavor introduced to the meat to suffice. This truly is an amazing way to smoke meat without fussing and playing with the coals. When you’re done smoking just close the exhaust and the intakes and the coals will snuff themselves out. When the drum cools in a few hours, you take the basket out of the smoker and give it a few shakes to get rid of the ash and then put the basket back in and you’ll have plenty of coals left for your next smoke. Just amazing!

[@Scott_G]

Finally ready to build one of these this weekend. Any chance of you doing a followup video of how it's holding up over the years? Anything you'd change about it if you were to make another?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Awesome idea. I just did a review on a rib rub the other day using the UDS. Check out the video. It is holding up very well and I have no issues with it. Actually I would not change anything other than make a hook to hold the lid. Love this smoker!!!

[@mikemccloud7378]

As you season the smoker ; Do burn off all cad/zinc/galvanize plating with a torch - that stuff is No Good for people . ( Old welder's advice ; If Exposed to any of those coatings when burned , burning or even 'hot' , drink milk . It cancels the poisonous aspects ).

[@SmokinwithKasket]

No galvanized parts used in this project.

[@mikemccloud7378]

@@SmokinwithKasket The shiny crap is cadmium ( cad for short ) . Here's something else from my past yrs ; back in my day many folks were making their own BBQs , the racks were a pain-in-arse to make up so many shortcut by using refrigerator racks , Those are chromed , & not safe for use either . The chrome is a heavy metal as are the others listed - ALL are no good . The Only way is to burn off the plating - of any kind . Back then , many folks did come down sick as dawgs after cooking on unprepared racks . Just throw the hardware in the incinerator ( trash burner barrel ! ) get a good fire going , 'stir' occasionnally - any coatings usually turn yellow , or off-white when burned off - hose the hell outa it then season all ya like , why risk poisoning your family ? ( 'Food Safe' , Nickel Plated racks need the same process , 'Fire' from cooking isn't what the nickel is for ) .

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for providing that awesome information for everyone. Appreciate you watching unsubscribing. Stay safe my friend.

[@mikemccloud7378]

@@SmokinwithKasket Well , it's a responsibility to pass on ignored or forgotten knowledge of 'stuff' - I'm older (& wiser too ?! ) But having knowledge that may protect someone's health matters - we shouldn't expect to take it with us , so if it benefits others - & their families , we pass it fwd . Hope your project goes well !

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Well put and thank you. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@samsquanchoverland]

awesome set up ..im sold ..im making one hell ya

[@SmokinwithKasket]

You wont regret it!!! This a an amazing smoking machine!!! Thank you for watching.

[@benjaminnorris8051]

Where did you get the barrel with the nice lid that actually works

[@SmokinwithKasket]

I actually got mine from my place of employment- the county morgue. No joke. It had never been used by County Buildings Dept. And had sat near the heating/cooling chillers for 3 years untouched. There are several places in my area however, where one can purchase a similar barrel. Thank you for watching & commenting.

[@ellen11d]

Casket my friend ,enjoy your videos immensely. I am in the process of building mine. I was wondering if you could tell me what the red paint is that you used?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for your kind support. I used Rustoleum (automotive - hight temp.) spray paint. Any automotive parts store will sell this. Don't worry about finding an extremely high temperature paint; the drum itself will not reach extremely high temperatures. Although, the lid would be the hottest area of the smoker. Any High-Temp. Automotive paint will work just fine!

[@kenjepsen4579]

Great job! I'm headed to pick up pieces parts right now to build my first two UDS's! LOVE the T-shirt too! ;) lol Thanks for the vids...

[@SmokinwithKasket]

ken jepsen - Sounds great my friend. You'll love this cooker for sure! You familiar with Put in Bay? Fun place for sure!!!

[@kenjepsen4579]

I got stuck at work this weekend but two boats of guys are headed for Wild wings and Put-in-Bay this Friday!

[@kipl3380]

Awesome smoker nice job

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching.

[@ellen11d]

👍looking forward to the next uds video

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. I'm editing a Father's Day Beef Rib and Beef Short Rib video as we speak.

[@stevecary5122]

Liked your build I'm working on one now...how about some measurements of where you placed risers and any other hardware

[@darylbarlow1044]

Nice

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@eltonsbbq-pit]

Great guide! Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Norway

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Elton's BBQ-pit - Hey Eltons BBQ-pit, thank you for your support my friend. Best wishes to you and your BBQ in wonderful Norway. Happy smoking.

[@kyletracey5819]

Doesnt look ugly at all ! You can sell those bad boys on amazon i bet ! Great professional looking unit. I like.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. you MUST build one of these!!! Awesome smnoker!!!

[@cburch2269]

Niiiiiiice 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Appreciate your kind words.

[@philby9]

Well done Sir.

[@marcusfabiousmaximus3463]

How do you add to the fire box when doing long cooks?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

That’s the beauty of the drum smoker. You don’t have to add fuel. For example I did a 14 hour brisket and when finished, I had enough charcoal for at least two more cooks (maybe 12 hours left). Don’t forget the idea is to create a very slow smolder with some wood chips for smoke. It’s not a full blown burn like you would find in a barbecue grill.

[@bradmccafferty7654]

William, I'm close to building a drum smoker (I have all the parts) and am trying to decide on how many air inlet/exit holes to use. I noticed you went with the three inlet holes (two adjustable) and four exit holes (open/closed) - using 3/4" pipe size for all of them. Can you tell me how this is working out for you? For instance, on your cooks, what combination of open and closed air openings do you find ends up giving you cooking temperatures of 225 degrees? 325 degrees? It seems to me that using only one adjustable inlet would be enough (vs. two to four which I've seen in some designs). Anyway, a little input would help guide me before I start drilling holes, and help me decide how many brass adjustable valves to use. If you could do it over, how many/what size air holes would you use? Thank you, Brad

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hi Brad - This configuration works very well. Like any cooker, you will need to learn its idiosyncrasies. After introducing the lit charcoals to the unlit charcoals in the basket, I usually wait for several minutes with the lid on the unit and the bung holes (in the lid) uncovered before I screw on the back cap. With both valves open, I start to close down the valves evenly yet very so slightly as the internal temperature approaches my target (i.e. 250 degrees). I have found that one inlet may not be enough and don't forget there area many factors weighing in with each cook - weather, temperature, humidity, size of the meat that is in the cooker, etc. All of these variations will require different combinations of air flow. Let us know how your machine turned out - keep us posted. All the Best and Happy Smoking!!!

[@molloysp]

I’m late to your video, but what an awesome project and great results...checked out your brisket and ribs videos. One question - what was the thought process on four vents versus using stacks in the bung holes of the lid? Steve from Winnipeg

[@glenncol]

Great video William

[@SmokinwithKasket]

glenncol - Thank you. Appreciate your support. Hope it helped with some UDS ideas.

[@johnnybojinoff5558]

Thanks for the inspiration William..Great job! Hey how long were those I screws?

[@greywolf2357]

Wow ! I think you inspired me to try this !

[@SmokinwithKasket]

I promise you won’t be disappointed!!!

[@timtyndall4025]

What is the purpose of the third, capped off, hole on the bottom? I’ve seen it on many videos but it makes no sense to me.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Great question. It’s simply another vent to use when first lighting. After the fire is stabilized then it is capped and the adjustments are made with the valves and exhaust. It’s just another way to add more air down below where the coals are.

[@FullmoonEffects89]

Drum barrel and wood pallets are awesome. I can get them both for free.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Your good to go. Build one quick!!!! You’ll love it!!!

[@LyleJohnson-q4l]

Why not put temp probe in the top?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

You certainly could do that. The top is the warmest area in the cooker. I placed mine near the racks just to get an average between the coolest and the hottest.

[@richardclausen2904]

How did you attach the lid smoke 90° vents? Please could you post a few pictures of what you did to secure them to the lid. Thank you Richard

[@0xsuperman]

The only concern or question I have is how hard it is to clean the inside of the barrel? Seems pretty hard to reach the bottom of the barrel for a deep cleaning

[@darrenfidgeon111]

Good work fella

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you sir!!!!

[@brentmattson2784]

"How to build an ugly drum smoker" So here is the finished product, thanks for watching!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Brent Mattson - Well put. It’s really that easy. You’ll love it!!!

[@ronaldwamsley9726]

Nice job, looks great

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you - Appreciate your support. If you don't have one of these already, be sure to build one. You won't be disappointed. Happy Holidays. .

[@the991mast]

Good job man God bless you all.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

the991mast - Thank you and Happy New Year!!!

[@BlackJedi169]

Now that is nice.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. What a fantastic smoker!!! No regrets!!!

[@unclejack123]

two minor concerns : 1 - I'm not sure how long those casters will last before melting & 2 - I'd do some research on the use of galvanized hardware in extreme heat situations ........

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Two great concerns. However, the casters will never melt because the bottom of the Barrel gets only warm and never hot. You can see in one of my UDS videos where I actually keep my hand on the bottom half of the barrel and as I move upwards, the barrel gets hotter to where I’m almost unable to keep my hand in contact. The charcoal is only smoldering. NOT burning like a grill. Casters always stay COLD! No galvanized metal used in this project.

[@mood5736]

man thats awesome. love it.

[@j.sigmon339]

I’m gonna build that.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

You’ll be mad you didn’t do this sooner! I sure was. Keep us posted on your project. Stay safe and Happy Smokin’!

[@kylehebert4206]

love your videos! keep em coming.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you for your support. Much appreciated. I tend to be my own worst critic. Happy Smoking My Friend.

[@huseyindjemal8037]

Great smoker! I'm looking to build one now after watching this. A couple of questions if I can - is the drum a stainless steel drum, or just a normal steel drum? Also, how do you close the vents on the lid? Or do they always stay open?

[@armedpatriot76]

I think the top vents stay open and temp is controlled by the valves on the fresh air side.

[@bradadevore]

Excellent detail. How many cans of paint did you use for the black semigloss coat(s)?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Two cans of paint. That was high heat paint. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy.

[@starfirerider]

Very nice work

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you my friend. Was a fun project!

[@gamefreak2198]

Sorry, but I'm new to the whole DIY smoker scene so this might be a stupid question but what is the "burnout"? Is it to give the barrel flavor or to burn out the zinc or what? Thank you in advance for the answer and love the content, please keep it coming!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hey Christopher - The burnout procedure remove any contaminates such as oil or residual chemicals that may have been retained in the drum. The burnout also removes old paint on the exterior of the drum and will aid in your new painting process later on. hope your planning on building on. You'll love the smoker.

[@gamefreak2198]

William Kasper Thanks for the info, and I most definitely will try this build! One more question, how long is the burnout process? I'd imagine it would take half a day to get all the chemicals and paint off.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Christopher Santos - Just a good hot fire for several hours. I found 3 or 4 pallets I broke apart and burned them up.

[@chrisrutherford487]

I'm looking into building a uds did you sand inside of barrel after burn out?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

No sanding. Just a hot burnout.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

You’ll be good to go after your initial seasoning. Thank you for watching. Let us know how you did.

[@oldbowsaw9001]

Great video---thanks--I am headed to Lowes--David

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Great! Get that thing on line and smokin!!!

[@J_Cache]

What size caster wheels did you use?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

I will measure and let you know. I’ve forgotten the caster size.

[@bxsouldier]

Couple of questions. - Did you use spacers for the sign? - if not did you use self tapping screws? - is it a tin sign?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hey there. It is a tim sign. I did use self tapping screws but I still predrilled anyways. I started to use spacers however it worked just fine without. The metal sign is solid and sturdy with only the threads of the screws holding it. Only screwed in the drum several threads per screw. I was surprised to find that during a smoke, the outside of the drum barely gets warm. Only near the top where the heat accumulates does the drum get really warm. The tin sign stays very cool and would even if it were nearly touching the drum itself. Hope this helped.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Hey there. It is a tin sign. I did use self tapping screws but I still predrilled anyways. I started to use spacers however it worked just fine without. The metal sign is solid and sturdy with only the threads of the screws holding it. Only screwed in the drum several threads per screw. I was surprised to find that during a smoke, the outside of the drum barely gets warm. Only near the top where the heat accumulates does the drum get really warm. The tin sign stays very cool and would even if it were nearly touching the drum itself. Hope this helped.

[@bxsouldier]

Awesome. Thank you sir!!!

[@shaneisaacs1350]

Great video!!

[@litahsr.8226]

looks sweet

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Thank you. It’s an awesome smoker. Build one for yourself. You’ll be mad you waited!

[@litahsr.8226]

@@SmokinwithKasket definitely will

[@08silveradoonrims]

Awesome UDS! I will be using both yours and Daddy smokes build ideas. just bought my drum along with about $170 worth of materials for the build. only question I have is are you now using a drippings catch pan?? If so, wouldn't that act as a heat deflector? Happy holidays!!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

There is no drippings pan at all. The drippings fall into the burning charcoal basket and steam upward adding more to the smoke flavor. After every smoke you will find a significant amount of fluid in the bottom of the drum. I simply lift and dump the liquid out then wipe it dry with a bunch of paper towels. Fortunately the drum is light enough to pick up and flip it upside down and drain it. Thank you for your support. You're going to love this smoker once you learn the temperature control process. Happy Smoking.

[@sikpup52]

Never smoked anything (except contraband) but recently got a wild hare to smoke some ribs or something. Have access to numerous drums at times so here we go on another adventure. One smoker on the way.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Awsome!!! Please let us know how it turned out. Keep us posted. You won’t regret building a UDS!!!

[@polie67]

I dont meant to be rude or anything, but why build a UDS vs a cheap walmart barrel smoker for $65? I have cooked probably over a couple of thousand pounds of meat in one. (I am really wanthing that masterbuild gravity feed 560 smoker)

[@SmokinwithKasket]

First, it's affordable. Second, it's huge. It's a 55-gallon drum! It will hold those huge cuts of meat like a full-packer beef brisket that just don’t fit properly in a $65 dollar smoker. Watch my video featuring a Full Packer brisket on my UDS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f53aoWSAg8-srMk One of the best parts is since it’s one of a kind home made, you can add or create any additions or attachments you want until your barrel has been turned into the smoker of your dreams. Some people just feel better if their own sweat and blood goes into building their meat machines. It is truely enjoyable riding the journey toward crafting the perfect barrel smoker. Having said all that, once you learn the idiosyncrasies of any smoker, from the $65 Walmart grill up to a fully loaded Yoder Wichita, you can make any cook turn out damn near competition worthy. It’s definitely an art and skill. Thank you for watching and commenting. Stay safe and healthy!!! Happy Smokin’!!!

[@polie67]

@@SmokinwithKasket the UDS looks awesome! really cool design, I was just wondering. I have been seriously considering pellet, electric, gas, and charcoal. I do have another one that is basically like a tall cheap walmart smoker, its a new braunfels vertical smoker. It's open on the bottom like the el cheapoes. I really REALLY am wanting to be able to control the smoke level like the UDS and I may build one like yours if I don't go with the gravity feed smoker. I have tried/borrowed a gas smoker and pellet and haven't been 100$ pleased, but with the new charcoal pellets that may change. Are there any forms for other build ideas?

[@johnpeters7353]

Is the hardware stainless?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Yes it is. The hardware is stainless and all three grates are Weber grates.

[@waynevowell9732]

What kind of drum to use and where to get it is my biggest question. I would welcome your thoughts, thanks.

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Be sure to use a steel drum and its best to find one with a removable lid instead of having to worry about cutting the top off. Food grade drums may pose the problem of a liner they sometimes install. The liner can be difficult to remove even after a hot burn-out. Many times the liner is simply a liquid that the inside of the drum was coated with. Use a non food grade drum without a liner. Check out craigs list or computer apps listing local items for sale. Many times drums are listed for sale in your area. You may also check with local lumber yards or welding shops as they may know a local supplier or outlet. Best of luck.

[@akbychoice]

You can find new drums or overpack drums at many places, such as fuel distributors, emergency supply places, you can also search on FB market place.

[@angelramos9444]

How much do you spent to make all this ?? Thanks !!!

[@gardini100]

awesome !

[@puffpuff568]

Nice build.. how did u cut the top cover off with the round edges?

[@lm0315]

How do you clean out the ash after it builds up? A simple flip over dump into the trash can or...?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Very simple, I have a cookie sheet underneath the basket that catches the ash. I have all four corners bent up so it's easy to grab and lift up and out. Check out my video on the project - you'll see how i did that.

[@billsiebel9941]

What brand thermometer is on your smoker? Very nice job. Have to paint mine this week. All I need now is thermometer. Great video!!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Bill Siebel - Thank you my friend. I just went out and looked at my thermometer. No brand name on it but I think it is a Charbroil brand. It was purchased at Lowes I believe. Nothing expensive. I do have a Horizon brand thermometer on my offset (Oklahoma Joe Highland) I ordered from Horizon BBQ. Really, the thermometer is mostly aesthetics. You really need a digital probe positioned on your grates for accurate monitoring of your smoker temps.

[@bizowwizowden]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I’m building one myself. I’ve completed two burns yet I can’t get all the paint burned. About 90% is gone yet small areas haven’t come off. Is it critical to get ALL the paint off?? Thanks!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

It is not critical to get ALL of the paint off. Just put a wire brush wheel on the drill motor and go over it. Then paint with high temp paint. It will be just fine. Your drum will never get hotter than your burn out!!! Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe if you haven't already. Let us know how your project turned out. All the Best-

[@laugh1958]

I bought street elbows instead of elbows and nipples. I am wondering if that will be an issue?

[@DragonettiDean]

How much do you have invested in your build? Nice job.

[@crisrodriguez250]

How do you cut the top off .?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

My particular barrel had a removable top and I suggest if you’re going to build a UDS that you find one that has a removable top. There is usually a metal band with a bolt and nut that goes around the top and you would tighten down the bolt and nut like a turn buckle and it would clamp the lid onto the barrel. I threw away the band. If you cannot find one with a removable top like mine then you can simply buy a wheel cutter and remove the top.

[@Ryan1412]

That looks amazing i'm really liking the paint. Quick question about the external vents. How effective are they?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Ryan R - As long as you can adjust the vents from fully closed to fully open, they should work just fine.

[@waynegranzin3824]

curious about the point of the snorkel-style air intakes? vs just a damper?

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Using the elbows for the air intakes, if I want to decrease the airflow I can screw in a plug into however many I want to block. Full disclosure though I generally don’t ever block any of the intakes.

[@waynegranzin3824]

@@SmokinwithKasket thanks. but my question was about the purpose / net effectiveness of those long pipes vs a simple surface mounted damper... not trying to debate. just wanting to educate myself on the purpose of the various components

[@SmokinwithKasket]

@@waynegranzin3824 - I think I may have misunderstood your question I thought you were referring to the elbows on the lid. You could simply mount an adjustable damper down below and that would probably work fine. The tubes or snorkel simply makes it easy to adjust the airflow without bending over to reach to the bottom of the drum. Convenience. Just be sure that the damper is below grate level down at the bottom because you want the air to flow in under the grate up into the coals.

[@waynegranzin3824]

@@SmokinwithKasket oh yeah. I guess my original question was a bit ambiguous. Thanks for clarifying!

[@SmokinwithKasket]

I hope you’re planning on building one. You will absolutely love this unit for smoking. It does a fantastic job.

[@terryl8447]

Why the four vents on top? Seems like it would be hard to keep smoke in and control temp

[@SmokinwithKasket]

Not at all. You don't want to keep the smoke in as it will cause your meat to take on a bitter taste. This configuration works perfect. If you need less exhaust then a simple screw in plug is available for each elbow and bung hole.