How to Build a BBQ Firebox

A barbecue, or BBQ, firebox, also sometimes referred to as a smoker, is a metal box or barrel often used for smoking meats such as beef and pork to add flavor and tenderness. While BBQ fireboxes can be purchased alone or in conjunction with a grill, you can easily make an affordable firebox on your own with the appropriate materials and tools. Use your firebox in your backyard to cook tasty meals or bring it along to a tailgate.

Two galvanized bins
Grill grate (small enough to fit inside a bin)
Metal hot plate
Cast iron skillet
Flavored wood chips
Flame torch
Drill
Cobalt drill bit
Four long screws and matching nuts
Two small screws and matching nuts
Drawer pull
Mask

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the galvanized coating from the inside of the bins by spraying them with a flame torch to ensure toxins aren't released into your food when cooking. Let cool.
- 2
  Flip one of the galvanized bins upside down and drill two holes at the center of the bottom of the bin in the respective spots for a drawer pull. Use two small screws and nuts to attach the drawer pull. This will be the lid of the firebox. Set this bin aside.
- 3
  Drill a small hole (the size of a screw) using a cobalt drill bit into one side of the other bin approximately three inches down from the top of the bin and three inches in from the left side of the bin. Repeat in the same spot on the opposite side of the bin.
- 4
  Drill a small hole (the size of a screw) into one side of the bin approximately three inches down from the top of the bin and three inches in from the right side of the bin. Repeat in the same spot on the opposite side of the bin.
- 5
  Place screws into each of the holes and tighten with nuts. The grill grate will eventually be placed on top of the screws to hold in place.
- 6
  Drill a hole approximately 1 inch in diameter on one side of the bin, approximately three inches up from the bottom of the bin.
- 7
  Set the hot plate in the bottom of the bin and string the cord out through the hole you drilled in Step 5.
- 8
  Place the cast iron skillet on top of the metal hot plate.
- 9
  Place flavored wood chips that have been soaked in water in the metal hot plate.
- 10
  Place the grill grate on top of the screws.
- 11
  Place your food prepared to smoke on top of the grill rack.
- 12
  Cover the box with the lid and smoke your food according to your recipe.

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