How to Build Charcoal Smokers

The taste of smoked food is like no other.  While some people confuse this process with grilling they are not the same.  Smoking is cooking food slowly at a low temperature which helps to infuse the taste of the smoke in the meat. A charcoal smoker can be built out of any container that will hold smoke and is an easy task.  Here is how it is done using an aluminum trash can.

Items Needed

• Clean a 55-gallon aluminum trash can


• Metal grate that will fit the inside of the can


• (2) 1/4 inch steel rods long enough to fit across your trash can


• Two bricks


• Empty clean 1-gallon can (such as a large string bean can)


• Smoking wood and charcoal


• Aluminum foil


• Temperature probe thermometer


• Drill with a metal drill bit

1. Using a clean 55 gallon aluminum trash can, drill four holes around the base of your trash can to allow some of the heat to escape. 


2. Place the bricks in the bottom of the trash can and place a mixture of wood chips and charcoal around your bricks. 


3. Drill approximately eight holes in the side of your one-gallon can to allow smoke to escape.  Fill with wood chips and cover with aluminum foil. Place your one gallon can of wood chips on one of your bricks.


4. Drill four holes approximately 2/3 of the way up your trash can to insert your steel dowels criss-cross in your can.  Insert your cooking grate on top of these.  Your smoker is now assembled.


5. Light your charcoal and give it time to get warm prior to putting your meat on your cooker.  Use a thermometer probe to monitor the temperature of your meat.  If too much smoke is escaping from your lower holes fill them with aluminum foil. You are now ready for you to start smoking your food.