S7 Ep6: Do You Need Bracing on Cook Chamber Doors for a 250-Gallon Smoker Build?
Welcome to the SmokerBuilder Podcast with Frank Cox, the BBQ Pit Engineer (@smokerbuilder), your guide to designing, fabricating, and mastering BBQ smokers.
In this episode, Frank tackles a hot topic from SmokerBuilderU.com member Greg Rose: Do you really need bracing on cook chamber doors for a 250-gallon propane smoker build?
Drawing from years of experience, Frank explains why top builders like Moberg skip bracing and how propane tank construction—like submersible arc welding and seam welds—affects your build.
He reveals his proven strategy: cut the firebox and collector holes first, weld them up, and save the doors for last to minimize spring and movement.
Frank also shares practical fixes for door alignment, using affordable tools like a Harbor Freight porta power or chain hoist, and even simple round bar or turnbuckles for reinforcement.
With real-world examples—like his 500-gallon split door build for Matt Gerlach—Frank demystifies smoker fabrication tolerances (think 3/16-inch max play) and encourages builders not to sweat the small stuff.
Whether you’re new to propane tank smokers or a seasoned pit master, this episode delivers actionable BBQ pit engineering tips to perfect your craft.
Subscribe now and join the SmokerBuilderU.com community for exclusive resources, expert advice, and a supportive network of smoker builders—no judgment, just results!
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12:08
S7 Ep5: Welding Carbon Steel to Stainless Steel for Smoker Projects
Welcome to the SmokerBuilder Podcast, hosted by Frank Cox, the BBQ Pit Engineer (@smokerbuilder), your go-to guide for mastering smoker design, fabrication, and pit mastery.
In this episode, Frank tackles a key question from SmokerBuilderU.com member Alvin: Can you weld carbon steel to stainless steel for smoker projects?
Spoiler alert—yes, you can! Frank breaks down the process, exploring stainless steel grades like 316, MIG welding with shield gas or flux core, and even torch welding with silica bronze filler rods.
Whether you’re building a custom BBQ smoker or upgrading your pit, this episode delivers practical welding tips to help you succeed.
Discover why welding carbon steel to stainless steel is common in restaurant equipment and how to apply these techniques to your smoker builds without overcomplicating your setup—no tri-mix gas required!
From managing weld contamination to choosing the right wire, Frank’s real-world advice makes smoker fabrication accessible for beginners and seasoned builders alike.
Join the SmokerBuilderU.com community to connect with fellow BBQ pit engineers, access exclusive resources, and take your smoker-building game to the next level.
Hit subscribe for more episodes on designing, fabricating, and running smokers of all kinds—because great BBQ starts with a great build!
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6:12
S7 Ep4: Finding The Sweet Spot: Smoker Efficiency VS Your BBQ Results
Unlock the full potential of your smoker while maintaining that rich, authentic smoke flavor with our comprehensive guide on balancing smoker efficiency. In this video, we'll dive into the critical considerations of smoker design and the trade-offs that come with pushing efficiency to its limits. We explore how to achieve optimal temperatures across the cooking chamber without sacrificing the deep, smoky flavor that your BBQ deserves.
Learn how over-emphasizing efficiency can lead to a loss of flavor and poor yield, and discover the sweet spot where performance and taste coexist. We discuss the importance of managing your fire to maintain a consistent heat with the right smoke output, revealing why some expert pitmasters favor a slightly "sloppy" fire to achieve that perfect blue smoke.
Gain insights about the ideal firebox size, airflow management, and coal bed maintenance to preserve the authentic BBQ experience. Whether you're cooking for a restaurant or a large gathering, we emphasize the crucial balance between having enough cooking capacity and not over-engineering your pit.
Avoid common pitfalls that come with over-optimizing your smoker. This video is packed with practical tips and real-world examples to ensure you achieve the best flavor, texture, and yield from your smoker without compromising on the rich, smoky taste. Don't miss out on transforming your BBQ results with our expert advice.
Join our community for more expert tips at smokerbuilderu.com and smokerplans.net.
For in-depth courses and a supportive community, visit smokerbuilderu.com.
Keep your smoke thin and blue, and happy BBQ!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more smoker-building advice and BBQ tips.
If you would like some help with your build or even the opportunity to take some smoker building classes go check out SmokerBuilderU.com
That's our private online community where you can join for free and post about your builds and questions! We also have several online courses you can take that show everything from design to building smokers!
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29:00
S7 Ep3: Insulating a Firebox on Your Offset Smoker: Is It Necessary?
Welcome to SmokerBuilder! I'm Frank Cox, The BBQ Pit Engineer. With over 14 years of experience designing and building smokers for DIY enthusiasts, backyard barbecuers, and professional pitmasters around the globe, I’m here to share my insights on insulating fireboxes.
In this video, I dive into whether insulating your firebox on an offset or reverse flow smoker is truly beneficial. Discover the impact of insulation on fire efficiency, flavor quality, and cooking style. Learn the trade-offs between conserving heat and maintaining the perfect smoke for Texas-style barbecue.
From understanding the importance of a "dirty" fire for that coveted thin blue smoke to maximizing flavor through smoke rings, I cover it all. Plus, I provide practical tips on managing your fire without insulation and share alternative solutions like using holding cabinets for extended cooking times.
Join our community for more expert tips at smokerbuilderu.com and smokerplans.net. For in-depth courses and a supportive community, visit smokerbuilderu.com.
Keep your smoke thin and blue, and happy BBQ!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more smoker-building advice and BBQ tips.
If you would like some help with your build or even the opportunity to take some smoker building classes go check out SmokerBuilderU.com
That's our private online community where you can join for free and post about your builds and questions! We also have several online courses you can take that show everything from design to building smokers!
#offsetsmoker #bbq #grill
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9:14
S7 Ep2: The Secret to Perfect BBQ: Mastering Radiant & Convective Heat!
Radiant Heat vs.Convective Heat for Smokers & Grills: The Ultimate Guide
🔥 Master the Art of BBQ with This In-Depth Guide! 🔥
Ever wondered why some smokers and grills cook differently? It all comes down to the science of heat transfer! In this video, we dive deep into the world of Radiant Heat vs.Convective Heat and how each impacts your cooking experience.
🔥 You'll Discover:
* The fundamental differences between radiant and convective heat
* How each heat type affects smoker and grill design
* My personal "ah-ha" moment on utilizing both heat types for optimal results
* Bonus: Learn about my involvement with the NEW @MadScientistBBQ Solution Offset Smoker!
🔥Resources:
* Smoker Plans: https://smokerplans.net/
* SmokerBuilder University: https://smokerbuilderu.com/
* About SmokerBuilder: https://smokerbuilder.com/
🔥Join the Community:
* Smoker Builder University: https://smokerbuilderu.com/
🔥Share the Knowledge:
Please share this video with your friends and BBQ communities to help others master the art of smoking and grilling!
🔥 Don't Miss Out:
Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest BBQ tips and tricks!
🔥 Let's Build Your Dream Smoker!
Need help deciding which smoker to build?
Visit SmokerBuilder.com and let me guide you through the process!
🔥 BBQ Keywords:
#offsetsmoker #bbq #grilling #smoking #radiantheat #convectiveheat #bbqtips #howtobbq #diy bbq #smokerplans #bbqcommunity #grillinglife #outdoorcooking #barbecue
Frank Cox “The BBQ Pit Engineer”™️ of SmokerBuilder shares his tricks and secrets from over 14 years of building smokers
Things like the technical side of designing and manufacturing smokers and grills, fire management, and cooking great BBQ!
Join our private online community at:
https://SmokerBuilderU.com (https://smokerbuilderu.com/)
Check out SmokerPlans.net! (https://www.smokerplans.net/) Get your Smoker Build Started!
Our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/SmokerBuilder) has lots of helpful videos!
Need Tools or Supplies for your build? Check out my Amazon List! (https://www.amazon.com/shop/smokerbuilder)
New Zealand