[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference 7.286::home_work

Title:Home_work
Notice:Check Directory (6.3) before writing a new note
Moderator:CSLALL::NASEAM::READIO
Created:Tue Nov 05 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2100
Total number of notes:78741

891.0. "Plans, Smokehouse" by POLAR::MACDONALD () Tue Apr 04 1989 16:59

    Anyone out there have knowledge/info regarding a Smokehouse?
    I want to build my own and have the space for a walk-in size; I
    am interested in references, operating principles, plans, smoke
    sources, smoking time, etc.
    
    Any info in good info.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
891.1NEXUS::GORTMAKERWhatsa Gort?Thu Apr 06 1989 10:5411
    You might check the "Foxfire" series of books they cover just about
    everything else.
    I have seen plans for smaller scale smokers in a book by the title
    "the complete book of outdoor lore" sorry I forgot the authors name
    but a bookstore or library should be able to help.
    Remember a large smoker requires much more care to maintain the
    proper temprature and smoke density it will also use *much* more
    wood chips which could get expensive. Last time I bought 'em hickory
    chips ran around $2.00 a pound here in colorado(land of softwoods).
    
    good luck,-j
891.2"Foxfire" no help!POLAR::MACDONALDFri Apr 21 1989 13:067
    The "Foxfire" series was of very little help, it described what
    was done, not the why, when, how, etc. I will keep looking and 
    and will visit Canada's Upper Canada Village ( something like
    Sturbridge Village) where one is in operation every season and
    ask for plans.
    
    Cheers,
891.3Why something so big ???VICKI::DODIERWed Apr 26 1989 18:2918
    	Do you have a small smoker now (i.e. a Brinkman or Lil' Chief)?
    
    	Unless you plan to do this as a side line business, a walk-in
    smokehouse is a bit of an overkill. 
    
    	You can use just about any kind of wood except evergreens and
    cedar. Any of the fruit and nut wood works fairly well from what
    I understand. My uncle has hickory on his property and he gave me
    a couple of logs which would probably last a couple years in my
    Brinkman. For something as big as your talking, you will need to
    buy wood by the cord.

    	If you'd like more info about how smokers work in general, a
    $35 investment will get you a double rack Brinkman and enough wood
    for 1-2 smokings. I have one and have used it so if you'd like more
    detail let me know.

    	Ray
891.4Old refrigeratorSICVAX::SCHEIBELU can Teach A new dog UL TRIXWed May 10 1989 19:1014
    I can't imagine firing a walkin. I have built several out of an old
    metal interior refrigerator. You know the kind with the porcelin
    interior. All you have to do is install a draft vent that open and
    closes on the front and a small 4 or 6 inch stove pipe with damper and
    top off of the back. Door is already sealed with gasket. CAUTION  if
    there is any plastic or other foreign subsatne in the box get it out.
    It will contaminate the food being processed. If brackets for shelves
    are metal great brcause you can use them to support your racks if not
    make new hooks out of stiff stainless wire. 
      I have used one made like this with great succes. Cheap and easy.
    Plenty big enough unless you want to go commercial.
    
       Bill
     
891.5Good Source FoundPOLAR::MACDONALDMon Jun 12 1989 13:5611
    I have found a very good reference for preservation by smoking;
    the reference contains info on two different methods of curing 
    before smoking, the good and bad points of smoking as a preservative
    method, and plans for three different smokers - an old refrigerator,
    a 55-gallon drum, and a regular 6x8 ft wooden structure.
    
    There is too much info to enter here; if anyone wants it, I will copy
    and forward to your local mail address. Just send me a request in
    this notesfile or to POLAR::MacDonald.
    
    Bernie