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Topic: Self Made Smoker Using a Freezer. . . . From: Bill,
Subject: Re: Self Made Smoker

Planning to take an old upright freezer, remove insulation and convert it into a smoker. Have any ideas or plans on the best way to do this. As a child, I knew a fellow who did this to an old refrigerator and it worker fine for him. Also, do you know a link to recipes, thermometers, supplies, etc. that I will need?

Hi Bill,

You have reached the links that you request.

But, lets talk about cooking and smoking. If you really want to smoke, an old freezer is better than average. If you want to cook meat, and you have been listening to newbies talking about "smoking," forget it.

That is one reason why I get bent out of shape at the promiscuous use of the word "smoking" as a buzzword. Smoking has a definite, valid meaning which has nothing to do with burning a brisket in mesquite flame.

Real smoking is only done on cured meat or fish. If you really intend to smoke cured meat or fish, go ahead. As a matter of fact, I am making one myself. But, do not use an old freezer, made before 1960. the shelves may be coated with cadmium which is deadly. Use only modern discards.

If you intend to grill, roast, barbecue you need a grill, not an old freezer.

Luck,
Smoky