UDS/BDS ..Are they getting used ??

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 5:19 pm

I know there are allot of people on here that have built some great UDS smokers ... But haven't heard much whether they're were worth the effort or just a fun project ...

I showed a few co-workers some pics of these units and ( tried ) to explain how they work etc and they're all gung ho to build some of these units .. Now , I've read allot about these on other forums but I know you guys here the best ... So whats the word ??? Do ?? or Dont ??

Also , what tips/changes etc would you guys do if you were to build another ??

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:46 pm

Darrel, mine is frozen in the ground right now so isn't getting used. Would I recommend someone build one, YES. I would build one with the air intake and exhaust just the way that Doug built his. I mentioned about the 1.5"-2" pipe intake coming from the bottom of the barrel right up to the top rim of the cooker. With a flap on the top of this pipe you don't even have to bend over to make air inlet adjustments. The exhaust is just one pipe the same size, also with a flap that can be closed to keep out the weather when not being used. These are great, affordable cookers with a decent capacity. I have had easy 8 hour burns without having to add any charcoal. Great flavor, especially with chicken. I have also done brisket on mine and it definitely rivals an offset for quality.

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:49 pm

I know a lot of people swear by them. I've thought about building one as I have a good supplier of barrels, but most of my cooks would overflow it, even the ones I do for the family. Everytime I fire up for personal use, the extended family delivers a ton of raw meat for me to doctor up and cook.

Other than that, I figure they work just like the bullet smokers, which always worked pretty good for me back in the day....way back when.

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:16 pm

Do.

There is no better cooker for the ease of building or the money.

I built mine with no welding like SKSmoker, using 3/4" copper pipe and ball valves. I also used the pipes running up the side of the smoker for ease of adjustment.
If I did it again, I wouldn't bother with valves at all - I'd just drill 3 holes around the base and cover them with magnets. It works absolutely as well as any other air intakes and it's much easier and cheaper. If you don't mind bending down Confused

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:09 pm

I built mine and love it. They hold temp great and will cook extremely long. I want to build a second one. That way I will only have to bring out my trailer rig for larger groups. Best pit anywhere for the money easily. No welding needed. I am going to go with the Magnets on my second unit as well.

I am trying to find an 85 gallon drum so I can put a 55 gallon drum inside of it and insulate between them. 12 hour cooks should be a breeze on such unit with minumum fuel.

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 8:39 pm

I love mine. So far I have only done ribs and chicken and it works great. Once this stupid weather warms up I will try some butt and brisket. I would definitely build another one.

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:21 am

I used to use mine much more, but since I have my wood fired offset, it doesn't see much us at all. It really only gets used for burgers.

On the other hand, when my friend and I built one for himself down in Tampa Fl a few years ago, <against his wife's wishes at that time> once he saw the plans, and we built it, he hasn't stopped using it going on 3 years now. Literally almost 1000 lbs has gone through that drum in various forms of ribs, chicken, pork butt, turkey, etc. He uses it all the time and the wife can't get enough.

Simple, cheap, and a great way to get into BBQ for the first timer.

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:40 pm

I would like to make one of these. does any one have any pictures or measurements? I have never seen one. Thank you Kevin

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:47 pm

Bunkhouse,here is on thread that has a pic or two.If you search around here theres several been done here.
http://www.phpbbserver.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2026&mforum=smokinjim

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:50 pm

I love both of mine and wouldn't change a thing.

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:18 pm

Here's a link to a good build...

http://www.thepickledpig.com/forums/general-bbq-grilling/832-our-uds-cooker-how-build-one-part-1-a.html

And this is a 180 page thread on another forum ..

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23436

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:36 pm

Thank you answers everything

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:26 pm

Here is my UDS and I rarely cook on anything else. I can get 40# of pork shoulder on although that much meat shortens my cook time to 12 hrs or so. I'm planning on building two more. Read the UDS thread over at he BBQ Brethren site. Its the UDS bible.

The build is basically three intakes 2 so or inches off the bottom around 1 1/4" in size. I use flexible magnets over the holes. Simple, cheap and it works. The first grate is 10" from the top and the second is 1". The charcoal basket sits 3" from the bottom. The sides of my basket are made from a section of a cheap smoker from Princess Auto that I perforated with a unibit. Expanded metal is easier but I had it lying around. The bottom is the charcoal grate from a 22" kettle, the sam eone that donated the grill and lid. Total cost including stainless steel hardware and high temp paint, $40

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:49 pm

Thanks for you setup info Mike .. I spied your pits over at the Brethren .. I cant believe that thread .... Just wish I could search without handing out cash .. Evil or Very Mad

I do have a couple questions ... ( Imagine that )

Is high heat needed ?? Or can I just give them some glossy tremclad ? I'm guessing High Heat is needed for the higher temp cooks ??

I guess it depends on the drum , but did you have do cut the a couple inches off of your kettle to make the kettle lid fit ??

If a guy was to use a flat top lid would you recommend a 2" exhaust pipe or just a few holes drilled into the lid ??

Thant should do for now ... Cool

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:26 pm

Darrel B - I am a registered user over at the brethren. You don't have to purchase anything to search. Registration is free.