British BBQ Society Forums

After weeks of research, planning, sourcing materials and asking silly questions, I have finally completed my own Ugly Drum Smoker!

From this: https://www.dropbox.com/s/yuukknky37m52 ... WA0001.jpg

TO THIS (1): https://www.dropbox.com/s/walvjs30c2yh244/DSC_6919.jpg

TO THIS (2): https://www.dropbox.com/s/tqraliqg3qau3n4/DSC_6918.jpg

Homemade handles: https://www.dropbox.com/s/tzf3ii9amiu3607/DSC_6921.jpg

I have 3/4 of a chimney of briquettes burning in it at the minute and I can't actually believe how easy it is to control the temperature! Having said that it might be alot harder when I've a hell of a lot more charcoal in it for a cook!

Perfect temp: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eat4h0nf03furdk/DSC_6926.jpg

What's the best way to do your charcoal for a cook? I was thinking of half filling the basket with unlit charcoal, then pouring half a chimney full of lit coals on top to let it burn down through, rather than burn up from the bottom? Sort of minion method(ish). Then just set a few chunks of wood on the hot coals? What do yous think?

I'm really happy with it and cannot wait to get cooking on it! Thanks to all the lads on here who helped me out with their advice and tips

I don't think there is a catch-all answer to the coals question. The best thing would be to try both as your pit will react differently to others even built to the same specs, depending on available draft and coals etc.

Stuarty84 wrote:I have finally completed my own Ugly Drum Smoker!

Looking good, looking GOOD!

A miracle of modern engineering, looks good too. One question, how do you control ventilation?

Looks good mate!! Whenever I see them I just think about making one, then I think I will do it soon haha

Cheers lads!

I was meant to be going fishing this Saturday, but instead I have two racks of ribs ordered lol.

paulfire wrote:A miracle of modern engineering, looks good too. One question, how do you control ventilation?

I have 3 air intakes spaced evenly around the drum Paul. 2" up from the bottom. I use magnets over these holes to adjust air flow.

Stuarty84 wrote:I use magnets over these holes to adjust air flow

Can I ask where you got the magnets from?

I just used one of those A4 magnetic sheets! As simple as that.

I cut out 3" x 3" squares of it, one for each intake hole

Stuarty84 wrote:I just used one of those A4 magnetic sheets! As simple as that.

I cut out 3" x 3" squares of it, one for each intake hole

Ah! simple as that?! thanks. I think I am going to try an build a UDS for a buddy of mine as a house warming gift so may use the magnets...

NIICE dude, what paint did you use? After over 12 months I am finally going to paint mine