My New UDS Ugly Drum Smoker Build Adjustable Racks, BCF, Mess Pan, Magnetic Covers - DIY Smoker Tips

My rod building tools are available here: 5286af.myshopi...
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Here is my new UDS Ugly Drum Smoker Build with adjustable height rack setup, a water heater drain pan to catch interior messes, magnetic intake hole covers...plus the best design for a DIY charcoal basket I've found. The BCF engine designed by Larry Beercan Fischer! I'll show you what I did with this build that really should help keep the interior of the smoker clean and help prevent rust.
Thanks for watching!

[@mitchrhodes9870]

I build the smoker exactly as you described. It works great!. Smoking a few racks of ribs as I write this reply. One small suggestion, I attached magnets to wine bottle corks with 1" drywall screws. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.

[@TheFishingHobby]

The magnets and cork idea is a good one! Cork holds up great in both wet and high heat situations, so it is an excellent choice. I'm glad you found the video helpful and congratulations on a successful UDS build. I'm going to pin your comment to the top of the list so others may see it. The magnets and wine cork idea is a lot more viable DIY option than what I showed for most people. Thanks for the tip, I'm sure a lot of people will be able to make use of it 👍

[@JimMC-r5p]

Well I finished the smoker and built it as you suggested and boy am I happy. I did a brisket and it cooked exactly as you described and the cook lasted 12 hours and the brisket was 15lbs and turned out fantastic, I'm not on facebook but I used beer can Larry's turbo bucket principle and I'm a believer, please thank him for me, it's now my favorite smoker and I have many different kinds, thank's again, Jim

[@TheFishingHobby]

I'm glad it turned out good for you! The drum smokers are so easy to control and use...they are almost like cheating haha!

[@JimMC-r5p]

@@TheFishingHobby If people only knew.

[@JimMC-r5p]

OK I'm the guy you shared the making of the barrel smoker, and I want to share a tip I discovered by accident. I was cooking a pork butt on my top grill and some country ribs close right under the butt, and the butt was big and so I used the webber grill top to fit my barrel thinking ahead to maybe cooking a turkey, and when I had wrapped my pork butt and set it right by the smoke out lets of the weber vents, when it came time to check the temp on the butt, I saw the tin foil lined up with the exiting holes,(remember by accident), I just stuck my probe in the butt without taking the lid off untill it was time. I'm a country boy and don't own a fancy temp no cord probe. Just can't wait to do it again, I love my barrel.Jim

[@WISHBONEL7]

2:12 , Thank you very much for emphasizing that building one of those things can be a lot of work. I am in the process of building one , and if I had it to do again I might pay someone instead .

[@TheFishingHobby]

@@WISHBONEL7 I would stick with it if you are pretty far into it. If you have never used one, they are amazing to use! It will be worth it, but yes it is definitely a lot of work.

[@JimMC-r5p]

One thing I forgot, I put a hole above the grate and you suggested and it lights from the bottom up so it burns upwards at a slow rate and don't have to light it from the top, that too was a great idea.

[@TheFishingHobby]

That makes it pretty easy to get the coals lit and burning at the right pace.

[@WildChinoise]

It's a beautiful build. Simple AF! Gratz

[@danielperry3008]

Water heater pan is great idea,the fuel lit like that should give a long even burn,thank you 😎🇺🇲

[@johnnyk4551]

Great video. Very well thought out..I’m in the process of building one myself - glad I ran across your content. 👍

[@MikeFLHT]

I decided to build an ugly drum smoker like the one I built on my own with no plans about 30 years ago. Found your video and I have to say I love it! Thanks for shooting the video and uploading it here.

[@24kachina]

Thank you for this excellent video! Wish that I would have seen it sooner - I just finished yesterday building my first UDS in a 34 " H by 23 " barrel, i did it Pit Barrel Cooker style with two 1/2 " pieces of rebar above the grate location if i want to hang ribs or chicken. But that trash can firebox is a simple and great design. Thanks!

[@clintonmurakami3753]

I'm in the process of building my uds and I wanted to say thank you for this video, its a big help!!!

[@andrewallason4530]

When lighting briquettes, I always make a tube from TP or paper towel inner rolls, and stack the briquettes around it in the basket. Then I place the lighter fuel ( I use gel rather than the solid types now) on the base, then sit the briquette basket over the flame, which will ‘chimney’ up the core of the burner. Works really well, and is so much faster.

[@paulraby7034]

I appreciate you sharing your new build.. I wish I’d seen it before I butchered my drum with the cutoff wheel.. but I’ll make it do.. very simple! Good job.. thanks!

[@JimMC-r5p]

Thank you for this video I'm going to build one I just bought a barrel and I'm using all your information make videos of your cook please and I'll thank you ahead of time.

[@JomikJomikJomik]

Love your design and paint job!

[@BK33REVIEWS]

I got most of my ideas from your build much appreciated

[@YourNextCast]

Wow man that is amazing. Looks incredible. If I had not seen what you started with, I would not have believed the transformation.

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thanks! They are really easy to use, highly recommended!

[@rickmencell7870]

That is a real beauty it’s on my bucket list the charcoal basket is an awesome design also all you have to do is put some tinfoil under that and you wouldn’t even have to pull out your pan to clean it.Thanks for sharing and as always great video!!

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thank you! That basket is a great design. So simple and does a great job 👍

[@DinastyRodCustomDRC]

wow really creative use of used goods to be. very cute stove

[@TheFlamingPiano]

Looks like a nice improves DIY item, great for outdoors and also making me hungry! Also can't believe we've been at it for 3 years

[@TheFishingHobby]

Right?!? Every time I watch one of your videos, your subscriber count keeps jumping up! That is so awesome and congratulations on the growth of your channel. VERY impressive!!!

[@TheFlamingPiano]

@@TheFishingHobby Thanks a lot! Lucky that some of my videos blew up

[@johnwatz4955]

I like the idea w the water heater pan in the bottom and the caster rack under your barrel, hadn’t seen that idea yet & I like it, fewer holes or less welding. Very helpful video. Great job!

[@dannotdanny]

Awesome explanation. Much appreciated, and the end result looks great!

[@BigLewBBQ]

I love it! Great UDS build. I plan to update a basket in one of my drums soon with a UDS.

[@thegourmetgalley260]

Awesome video, thanks I picked up some good ideas👍🏻

[@jeffstokes6561]

Genius my man

[@marvinhall471]

Great job sir! Thought you did an outstanding job!

[@Mr91caprice]

Man that looks nice great Ideas I'm going to be using.. what I did for my lid is I flipped the barrel upside down cut the bottom out and used a 22" Weber lid fits perfect

[@joeking4037]

Great build. Will definitely use your plan and ideas. Thanks

[@subshooting8414]

Amazing video thanks for sharing it.

[@vvalasek]

looks really clean - nice job

[@STOK5OH]

I use Neodymium magnets and beer can cut outs to cover my supplemental intakes and a PID controller to maintain the temp. The magnets are good up to 450 F, they lose their magnetism after anything hotter, rarely do I run over 400 anyway. The beer can metal gives the barrel some personality and it works slick.

[@carlosratliff850]

great build

[@MrPerforations]

Happy Thanks giving!!!!

[@TheFishingHobby]

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[@michaeljackson7361]

Cool bro. Thanks.

[@whayes1282]

I've built a few UDS smokers myself. I've based mine off the pit barrel design. I see one thing that is a possible safety hazard with your design. If that trash can you're using is galvanized it can make you sick. The chemicals used in the galvanization process melt at a low temperature and they can Leach into your food. So be careful what materials you use. Sound idea though. I use my UDS for both smoking and grilling. The Webber kettle attachments fit it quite well so it's my rotisserie and kabob machine. Very versatile. Love mine.

[@TheFishingHobby]

The trashcan wasn't galvanized and the paint was burned off it. The wire handle on the trashcan was galvanized, but I burned the galvanized coating off of it before it was used for cooking. It isn't hard to remove zinc used for galvanized coatings with acid or by burning it off (upwind of course). Hard to beat a UDS in my book 👍

[@whayes1282]

@@TheFishingHobby I use to do a lot of welding for work and I have had the unpleasant task of welding on galvanized metal. It's not fun and the fumes are nasty.

[@dgblac0]

Great video really enjoyed it

[@TheFishingHobby]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gabrielmelero5990]

Nice job on the UDS! Doe good advice! Thanks

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thanks!

[@billytripp4849]

Thanks for the video! You guys have an awesome blessed Thanksgiving

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thank you and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!

[@johncoyote6755]

Very cool. I wanna make one of those one day. That chicken looked great man!

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thanks! I highly recommend a drum smoker. Easy to use and produces awesome flavor too!

[@gregbishop610]

Awesome

[@CasksnQue]

Whoa. This just popped up!

[@AbsoluteAnatolii]

Good day! I used the old washing machine drum for charcoal, and it's work great, it has good ventilation, a lot of holes, and its from stainless steel. Please tell me about your vertical guides with clamps its reeeeeealy great idea, where did you get it, and how to find it?

[@TheFishingHobby]

At about 7:30 of the video I talk about those and here are the links to products that are similar: www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-72-in-White-Pilaster-Strip/3006365 www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-0-77-in-White-Shelf-Pins/3006364

[@AbsoluteAnatolii]

@@TheFishingHobby Thanks a lot!

[@spencerbass7142]

Cooking and fishing, two great things. Have you ever spatchcocked your chicken? It is the only way I cook them.

[@TheFishingHobby]

I just throw the whole thing in there. Easy peasy 😁

[@ramoutdoors6415]

Nice build Kevin!! Where the hell have you been? Miss ur vids man....Thumbs up! Richard from Kansas;)

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thank you sir. I'll be back to making videos soon. I've been really busy trying to teach myself CAD and about 3d printing. I will have a new rod wrapping jig coming out soon 👍

[@bradmetcalf7832]

I really like your build and am going to steal everything that ain't nailed down for my build. Could you past the nomenclature for the trash can you found on amazon as far as size? Why do you think the magnets are a better air control vs ball valves or simple draft shutters? Thanks for making the video!

[@TheFishingHobby]

Sorry for the late reply, but I missed this comment somehow. I don’t know the exact dimensions and I’m not at home at the moment. It is a 6.5 gallon Rubbermaid Steel Trash Can model WB26. You can probably find some dimensions online with that info. I don’t think magnets are better for air control, either way it goes you are just allowing more air into the drum. It is just an easier and less expensive option.

[@tomkat_Kansas]

Great video. You did a good job on the voice over, I am interested to know how you did that? What program? I lived the pan and fire box idea. I am going to use a lot of your ideas on my upcoming build. I probably wont go the magnet route but thats just my preference. Again, this is an above average video, well done.

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thank you! I use Audacity to record my audio and Kdenlive to edit my videos and add in the audio clips.

[@JOSEPHSIMMONS-h8c]

Thank you for your wisdom. Q? What’s the name/mfg of cooking gauge used for temperature measurements please❤

[@TheFishingHobby]

This is what I have: a.co/d/iawKIuJ I have had that for over 10 years though and had to modify the antennas to get it to work for a long distance and through the walls of my house which required disassembly and soldering...not something that most would be interested in doing. I am sure there are other wireless thermometers on the market now that are better.

[@davegilbertson]

great build. would a slightly elevated lid above the smoke basket help control drippings going into fire, flare ups and divert direct heat?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I've used this one several times now with no issues using the flat lid. My first UDS did use a domed lid. The domed lid has an advantage when it comes to shedding rain water, I'll say that. The flat lid seems to run a little hotter, probably due to the decreased head space. Can't say I've had any issues with dripping though. I do wipe the lid down between cooks just in case.

[@charlesmorris5122]

What fasteners did you use for the shelving rails?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Small machine screws, washers, lock washers and nuts. I don't remember what size they were but the were very small in diameter.

[@CasksnQue]

Whoa. I googled BCF build and look who showed up

[@TheFishingHobby]

That test keyword/tag scoring pays off 😁

[@jimknapp2641]

This is a very helpful video. Where did you find the grate that goes in the trash can to hold the charcoal? What is the diameter of it?

[@TheFishingHobby]

It was either 10.5 or 10.25 inches in diameter. I ordered it on Amazon.

[@LUCKYB.]

Oil your meat and chicken turkey. Use olive oil then use spices that will help your meat not stick.

[@indylive4926]

great video! what size pan is that at the bottom of the UDS and where do you get the hay bail hook from?

[@TheFishingHobby]

You can find hay bail hooks on Amazon, but I bought mine at a local flea market. The water heater pan is a 22" one.

[@kevinbongard6772]

Great build..... What are the dimensions of the aluminum water pan, & is it stout enough to withstand the temps of the charcoal basket sitting on it

[@TheFishingHobby]

It is very thin, but doesn't get hot enough to damage it. It is about 20" wide at the top.

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

Chicken looks good too

[@TheFishingHobby]

I love smoked chicken!

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

Hopefully this one will last you 40 years! Looks like a real solid build with some cool features. Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thanks and happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[@gerardogarciafranco3148]

can you tell me where can I get the adjusable racks and accesories? Thanks in advance

[@TheFishingHobby]

I think it is in the video, but Lowe’s is where I bought everything if I remember correctly.

[@ninoechavez1402]

Nice build man. Did your drum come with that lid or did you have to cut it? Lid Looks so neat.

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thanks! The lid came with the drum.

[@tomkat_Kansas]

Did you weld the strips to the barrel?

[@TheFishingHobby]

@@tomkat_Kansas no, I used flat top machine screws (there are countersunk holes in the strips), luck washers and nuts.

[@robertbaker1250]

loved the video as I am in the process of building one myself. wanted to ask since this is just over a year old. have you run into anything you wish you had done different or would have liked to add or not do?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I wouldn't have done anything differently. It works perfectly. I had a good idea of what I wanted from using my first UDS for so many years. I incorporated the all the things I wish I had done on my original UDS into this one and everything worked just as well as I had hoped for. Good luck with your build!

[@kkbubar]

March: Munchie Dogs 4 beef dogs of your choice 1 can of beer (whatever crap your buddy brought and no one will drink) 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp onion power 1/4 tsp cumin powder 1/4 tsp chipolie powder 1 tsp seasoning salt Grind pepper to taste 1 tsp Worcestershire 10" flour tortillas Cheese wiz Buffalo sauce (Franks) Combin beer, dogs and seasoning in a pan and bring to a boil Preheat grill and flattop. When dogs start to raise if the bottom remove and place on the grill While those are cooking add some cheese wiz to the center of the tortillas. When the dogs are about ready to come off the grill, warm tortillas up on the flattop. Assemble by placing a dog on each tortilla add Buffalo sauce to taste. Roll like a burreto and enjoy. These are great with mock rootbeer floats. 12 Oz roobeer 2 Oz heavy cream Combine in a chilled mug and mix. ( root beer in first to avoid a overflow) Of course just a cold beer works well

[@TheFishingHobby]

Those sound awesome!

[@tomkat_Kansas]

Can someone tell me what size charcoal grate I need for the fire basket? I got the water heater pan and genuine Joe trash can. Thank you in advance, I will have a video someday of my build and will share that link. Best, Tom

[@TheFishingHobby]

I used a 10.25” stainless steel grate for mine

[@tomkat_Kansas]

@TheFishingHobby thank you. I have shown Larry BC fisher your video. He's been helping me

[@mikecompton6401]

How did you cover the hole where your temperature probe was?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I see in your other post that you found that part of the video 👍

[@MelvinJacobs-jt3kq]

Want to know about your wheel setup for your drum

[@TheFishingHobby]

It is just a drum dolly: a.co/d/fHy1ZGh

[@johnupchurch7685]

Do you add any water or juice for moisture?

[@TheFishingHobby]

No, the drum smokers don't dry food out. I'm not sure of the science behind why that is, but I've never had anything come off the smoker that was dried out. Poultry tends get get dried out easier than most meats because it is low in fat, but the drum smokers do an excellent job with poultry and birds always come out juicy.

[@indylive4926]

great video. Did you weld or bolt the adjustable brackets in?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Bolted in with machine screws, washers, lock washers and nuts.

[@timwilt8755]

How did you attached the pilasters for the racks?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Screws, nuts and lock washers.

[@kevinfoley6063]

Genuine joe bcf

[@TheFishingHobby]

Yep, it works out perfectly!

[@Anteater23]

What about indirect heat for low and slow?

[@TheFishingHobby]

A UDS is indirect heat and will hold 220's for hours with no problem. The reason it is indirect is because of how far the meat is from the heat source. It works more like an oven than a grill. Set your temperature by adjusting the air intake and just monitor the UDS temperature and the internal temperature of your food.

[@jamesjustice464]

How well does the ash bucket work when hanging meat? How, if you do, do you hàng meat?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I don't hang meat personally. I use rib racks instead for horizontal stacking. It doesn't make sense to me to hang meat in a UDS because the heat source is at the bottom so whatever is closer to that heat source will cook faster than what is further above it. A few inches stacked horizontal far away from the heat source is one thing but hanging meat like a rack of ribs would be a foot or more long and that is a big difference. Plus I like my ribs fall off the bone soft (personal preference) which wouldn't work too well for hanging anyway.

[@eaglehaslanded]

Very well done, thank you. May I copy design

[@TheFishingHobby]

Sure!

[@concernedcitizen7888]

Great job on smoker. Appreciated your detailed perspective. 1. First time I've ever seen the water heater pan - great idea. 2. From my experience, Increasing the height of smoke stack will increase the air flow / temps vs having to do a lot of intakes. 3. Question. Do you have any issues with the grate falling down? I tried using the pilaster clips using 3 strips instead of 4 (that's all I need when I use bolts). It fell easily. 4. Do you know if the pilaster clips come longer than 5/8 inches?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I don't have any issues with my grate falling with the four strips. Some drums are wider than others though. You can always put a stack of washers behind the strips as spacers if needed to move them in closer. I'm not aware of any clips in longer lengths. The water heater pan really works well. I'd definitely recommend it!

[@concernedcitizen7888]

@@TheFishingHobby Thanks. The washers is exactly what i thought of last night as well. Going to try that. Hopefully it will work out ok. Thanks again

[@TheFishingHobby]

Good luck with it 👍

[@airwolf61970]

Could you leave the part numbers or where you got the d c f engines at

[@TheFishingHobby]

There is no part number, I made the BCF out of a steel trash can.

[@mooresmoke3543]

With that basket how many hours can you get without having to add charcoal? This was an awesome video, I'm wanting to build 3 for competition use. Thanks for the advice.

[@TheFishingHobby]

I ran mine for 15 hours straight between 225-250°F and barely had any charcoal briquettes left. I never opened the lid after I put my meat in. Anytime you open the lid, you decease the runtime because it lets a lot of fresh air in that makes it burn hotter for a few minutes.

[@mooresmoke3543]

@@TheFishingHobby I was reading if that before you open the lid you should close your vents off almost entirely before you open the lid and you won't have the huge spikes in temp and make the charcoal last longer

[@TheFishingHobby]

It may help some, but if you open the lid it will fill the entire drum with air so you have to at least burn off that 55gal volume off first. I just put my temperature probe in the meat as I put it in and don't open it until I reach the internal temperature I'm looking for.

[@vvalasek]

what did you use for the bucket handle on the charcoal can?

[@TheFishingHobby]

It was just some heavy galvanized wire I bought at one of the home improvement stores for something else a while back. I burned all the galvanizing off with a torch before I used it on the bucket. I didn't show it on the video, but I ended up putting a similar handle on the big aluminum water heater drain pan I use in the bottom of the smoker. It was just some really thick uninsulated copper wire you can find in the electrical section of home improvement stores. It is much more flimsy, but the water heater pan is very light weight. I think I'd stick with steel wire for the charcoal basket.

[@patrickmcgee4698]

So what are the measurements on the charcoal basket

[@TheFishingHobby]

@@patrickmcgee4698 I’m not sure, it is a Rubbermaid 6.5 gallon steel trash can model number wb26 might find the exact dimensions online somewhere.

[@mrmicrofone]

Hi, I have built a drum smoker and I really need some help, I have 3 x 3/4 inch air inlets on bottom and 2 round adjustable vents In the lid. I am struggling with keeping temperature and I find it dropping off often. My air vents are 2 inches from the bottom and then my fire basket sits about 1-1.5 inches above that. Any suggestions on what could cause this? Is my basket too low and causing lack of air flow?

[@TheFishingHobby]

The biggest problem is usually air control or a basket that gets choked out with excess ashes. Once I put my meat in, I don't open the lid until I hit my desired internal temperature. Large volume of air (55gallons) comes in everytime the lid is opened causing temp spikes. Ash choke is from a basket that blocks too much ash from falling through away from the burning coals. Too little air coming in or not enough exhaust can cause low temps. Hope that helps!

[@elinino5275]

How do you install the the hanger strips?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Screws and nuts with lock washers.

[@elinino5275]

The genuine Joe trash can is 100 bucks! 😳Must work really well! Is it 6 gallons?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Haha, you can find them a lot cheaper. Just Google Genuine Joe 6 gallon fire safe trash can.

[@elinino5275]

@@TheFishingHobby thanks man👍

[@davidv8229]

How many inches is the grate inside the trash can

[@TheFishingHobby]

10.25" This is the exact one I use: a.co/d/6vwAGZr

[@davidv8229]

@@TheFishingHobby thank you sir

[@billytripp4849]

Have you ever seen the need to add a water pan for moisture?

[@TheFishingHobby]

No, I don't use water or a heat deflector either. It's really like a coal/wood fired oven. You have so much control over the heat it is ridiculous! If you pull at the right temperature, nothing ever gets dried out. In fact, it seems to keep meats especially moist, moreso than a regular oven.

[@danielbrewington9482]

What diameter is the grate in the bcf?

[@TheFishingHobby]

I think it was 10.5" or 10.25" 👍

[@JimMC-r5p]

I got my barrel and the selve brackets and water heater pan etc, but I'm 84 and don't have access to facebook and Larry beer can Fisher so I need the dimentions of the holes in the charcoal bucket etc if you could help me that would be great thanks I am a subscriber of your's now to.

[@TheFishingHobby]

Hole size isn’t critical, anything 1” to 1.5” will be fine, evenly spaced and high enough from the bottom (4-5”) so ashes will sit below the holes. The holes around the bottom need to be below where your grate sits for the charcoal so air can come in under your coals. I put one hole above my charcoal grate so I can put my charcoal starter cubes in after putting my charcoal in and light it from the side. A very small amount of ash can fall out right there, but it worth it for the convince and ease of bottom lighting your charcoal.

[@JimMC-r5p]

@@TheFishingHobby thank you for the in fo I also subcribed

[@TheFishingHobby]

Thank you!

[@thejim3501]

Smoke you some jalapenos. Just put them in the grill at about 250 degrees for about 3 or 4 hours, heavy smoke. Then clean them up. The heat goes into the peppers. Cut them up and use them in beans or cornbread. ☺

[@TheFishingHobby]

I've smoked Jalapeno poppers filled with cream cheese and some filled with cheddar cheese. They are awesome 👍

[@mikecompton6401]

Should have waited till end . I seen how.

[@neilthompson2871]

Maginets loose strength from heat

[@TheFishingHobby]

They do but ceramic magnets like I used on the video hold up well to high heat situations. Like I mentioned in the video, I used some on my original UDS for 10 years with no issues whatsoever.

[@indylive4926]

great video! did you bolt or weld your grate brackets in?

[@TheFishingHobby]

Bolted in

[@indylive4926]

Working on mine right now!👍