{"id":557,"date":"2020-02-26T09:55:27","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T01:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/?p=557"},"modified":"2024-03-07T13:30:44","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T05:30:44","slug":"smoking-meat-in-a-ugly-drum-smoker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/smoking-meat-in-a-ugly-drum-smoker\/","title":{"rendered":"Drum Smokers 101: The Guide To Building, Buying and Cooking on a UDS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Drum smokers, also known as UDS, are simple yet highly effective meat smokers, made by converting a 55-gallon steel drum into a smoker. As someone who isn’t particularly handy, I was surprised at how achievable it was to build my own UDS, thanks to the wealth of information available online. I love my drum smoker, especially for its heat retention during colder months. In this article, we’ll explore drum smokers, guide you through building or buying one, and discuss cooking techniques. If I can do it, anyone can!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A UDS (Ugly Drum Smoker) is a homemade drum smoker used for smoking meat. It is made by converting a 55-gallon steel drum into a smoker using parts from a hardware store or by purchasing a UDS kit. A drum smoker is well insulated, sealing in heat and smoke while also preventing unwanted airflow. It uses charcoal and wood chunks as fuel and has a fire basket at the bottom, an intake vent for temperature control, and a smokestack to eliminate gases.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A UDS can be built for around $110-$140 or purchased from a company like Gateway or Hunsaker. To use a UDS, you will need to light a fire in the fire basket and control the temperature using the intake vent. It is important to use a food-grade steel drum to avoid contaminating the meat and potentially harming yourself and your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A UDS is a homemade drum smoker used primarily for smoking meat. Drum smokers are cheap, easy to make, and are very effective which is why they are so popular. To convert a 55-gallon steel drum into a UDS, all you need are a few basic parts from the hardware store and you have yourself a quality smoker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t want to source all the materials yourself, an easier option is to buy a UDS kit with all the parts in one package. UDS kits make life much easier, because all you is find a drum and put it together. There are also a few companies that manufacture brand new drum smokers that are completely fitted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of performance, a drum smoker can match it with any of the more expensive smokers on the market. Drum smokers are extremely popular because they are so well insulated. The thick steel allows a UDS to hold in the heat and keep the cold out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A drum smoker is also very well sealed, so you don\u2019t get unwanted airflow that will mess with your temperatures. Drum smokers are so effective, most people struggle to keep the temperatures down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important features of a quality smoker is the insulation. A good smoker should have a thick steel and have no leaks to keep heat in and cold air out. Many smokers on the market are constructed with thin metal and are full of leaks, which make them a nightmare to control. A poorly insulated smoker will also burn through a tonne of fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of Using a Drum Smoker: Flavor and Efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pro<\/th> Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Cost<\/td> Drum smokers are generally cheaper than other types of smokers, making them an affordable option for those on a budget<\/td><\/tr> Ease of use<\/td> Drum smokers are relatively simple to use and maintain, making them a good choice for beginners<\/td><\/tr> Portability<\/td> Drum smokers are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a good option for those who want to take their smoker to different locations<\/td><\/tr> Heat retention<\/td> Drum smokers are well insulated and seal in heat effectively, making them able to maintain consistent temperatures for long periods of time<\/td><\/tr> Smoke production<\/td> Drum smokers produce a consistent flow of smoke, providing excellent flavor to the meat<\/td><\/tr> Fuel efficiency<\/td> Drum smokers are generally fuel efficient, using less charcoal and wood than other types of smokers<\/td><\/tr> Customizability<\/td> Drum smokers can be customized with different parts and modifications to suit the preferences of the user<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Key Points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is a UDS (Ugly Drum Smoker) and Why Choose One?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are Drum Smokers any Good? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n