Ceramic Smoker v2.0

[soldiermedic]

While I was packing all of my equipment up a few days before moving to Texas, I noticed the ceramic smoker I build in 2005 had not weathered the winter well, and had large fissure cracks. I decided to hold off putting a new one together until I got to the Republic.

Over the last week, I have exhaustively searched, and finally located all of the components needed to rebuild another. This included 4 trips to Academy sporting goods, 3 trips to Home Depot, 3 trips to Lowes, 1 trip to Goodwill, and 2 trips to a local nursery. I still need to make a trip back to Lowes and Depot to take items back that didn't end up working. It seemed that each ceramic pot or bowl was listed as the same measurement, but was not.

I went ahead and assembled tonight and loaded it with a pair of pork tenderloins. Can't wait to dig in in another 90 minutes.

[Lance M]

Very clever. Happy smokin'!

[soldiermedic]

Wish it was happier. It looks as if this new hot plate is unable to get hot enough to start the wood chunks smoking. This is the most critical part as the smoke heats the foot more than the heat from the hot plate. Will be looking for a new one tomorrow I suppose.

Steve

[Al - K4GLU]

Give you something to do and keep you out of trouble.

[DougZ]

I use an old gas side burner off a gas grill that dieds years ago. This makes it nice for using when you don't have electrical hook ups. You can even run it off those little green bottles if you get the adapter.

[soldiermedic]

I took out some bigger pieces and the plate was able to get the stuff smoking. I had already put both loins on the grill at that point for awhile, but transferred one back to the smoker. I still think I'll look for a new single coil burner to replace this one with.

Steve

[bwoodtx]

That's pretty spiffy dude! Does this mean we will have Armadillo eggs for the Rally????

[soldiermedic]

It definitely does Bruce. I took some pictures of the loin we pulled off the smoker, but I am too stuffed to go an upload them right now. I'll get around to it though.

Steve

[thecatsandi]

I like it!

[soldiermedic]

Finally found the mother load on hot plates at the Airforce Base exchange. Picked up two so I don't have to worry whenever this hot plate breaks down.

I have put together the build list with my local prices for anyone wanting to make this for themselves. We enjoy this smoker because it is highly portable, and not very expensive to make. I like to compare prices with Kamado or Green Egg smokers since I feel this smoker holds its' own with them.

Bottom base pot 16 3/4 inches from local nursery-$24.99
Top lid bowl 16 1/2 inches from local nursery-$19.99
Replacement round grate from Academy-$4.99
750 Watt Hot plate from Randolph AFB exchange-$9.99
Old stainless pot from Goodwill (Holds wood)-$4.50

I usually have a small replacement grill thermometer placed in the hole on the top to monitor temps, but have not done so with this model.

Total cost before taxes-$64.46 What a deal for a ceramic smoker.

[soldiermedic]

With new hot plates in hand and reloaded on wood chips, I decided to really put her to work today. I went to the store and found a very nice sirloin roast. Brought it home, rubbed it down with the Secret Soldiermedic Spice mix, and set it in the smoke. Can we fast forward to dinner yet?

Steve

[exthemius]

Here's the instructions from Alton Brown (aka Good Eats) in a handy howto video if you're anyone is interested (shame he's quitting the show, BTW):

YouTube - ‪Good Eats S7E2P2: Q‬‏

[soldiermedic]

Smell that smoke! It's intoxicating to say the least.

The roast is pretty amazing. The only issue is that I dozed off and didn't flip the meat mid smoke. The bottom got a little more done than the top.

Tons of leftovers for this week though.

Steve

[Lance M]

Looks yumms. My mouth is watering.

[soldiermedic]

Well Top if you were around you would be treated to some...I have a ton of it left.

[whitsend]

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

With new hot plates in hand and reloaded on wood chips, I decided to really put her to work today. I went to the store and found a very nice sirloin roast. Brought it home, rubbed it down with the Secret Soldiermedic Spice mix, and set it in the smoke. Can we fast forward to dinner yet? Steve

Steve Bob - Lets plan on doing some meat the evening of Thursday, June 2nd??

[soldiermedic]

Originally Posted by whitsend

Steve Bob - Lets plan on doing some meat the evening of Thursday, June 2nd??

I think this can be arranged.

Steve