How to Build A 55 Gallon Drum Barbecue Pit

If you love good barbecue, then you need to learn how to build a 55 gallon drum barbecue pit. Building your own barbecue pit isn't as hard as it looks. The first thing you will need to do is gather your supplies. You will need:

Two 55 Gallon Drums Wood Stove Kit 22 x 15 Grilling Surfaces Fire Bricks Smokestacks Hinges Heat thermometer Fire safe paint

The first thing you'll want to do is paint the barrels with fire proof paint. You'll need to use a saber saw with a fresh blade. If you don't have one, then you can rent one from a home improvement store. Cut one hole for the fire door, and matching holes in both barrels where they will be connected. Then, cut the top barrel horizontally in half.

Now it's time to break out the wood stove kit. Do all the mounting and nailing as directed in the directions of the kit. First you'll be putting the lower barrel on the legs, then add the fire door, supports and flues. Then you'll want to add the top barrel and connect it to the bottom one using the flues and supports.

Next you'll want to cut holes and install the smokestacks. Make sure you create the dampers and drill a hole for your thermometer. Put fire bricks in the bottom barrel and add the grill brackets. Stick the grill surfaces in place, and you're good to go!

When it comes to using your 55 gallon drum barbecue pit, you'll want to choose a surface like hard packed dirt or smooth concrete. Operating your new barbecue pit is a snap, just make sure you're using real wood, not charcoal. There are a variety of woods that can impart a wonderful smoky flavor and nice, even heating. They include oak, mesquite, and hickory.

Building a 55 gallon drum barbecue pit is a labor of love. Yes, it takes time and effort, but the result is an amazing professional quality barbecue smoker that you and your family and friends will love!

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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