{"id":5013,"date":"2015-06-06T11:13:35","date_gmt":"2015-06-06T01:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=5013"},"modified":"2025-10-29T03:38:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T17:38:29","slug":"how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/","title":{"rendered":"Build an Extraordinary Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Main-Image.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Main-Image.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Main-Image-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Main-Image-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many kinds of smokers. You can buy charcoal smokers, gas smokers, wood smokers, electric smokers, and pellet smokers. But why buy when you can build one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project brings elements of two activities that many enjoy together: barbecuing and drinking. We&#8217;re sure you see how using a wine or whiskey barrel to build a smoker just makes sense in all the right ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/EasyGoProducts-Big-Bad-Barrel-Drum\/dp\/B07DVMNH2C\/ref=sr_1_14?tag=theownebuilne-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2023\/06\/5-in-1-Barrel-Drum-Charcoal-Smoker-Grill-Pizza-Oven-Table-and-Fire-Pit.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2023\/06\/5-in-1-Barrel-Drum-Charcoal-Smoker-Grill-Pizza-Oven-Table-and-Fire-Pit.png 1000w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2023\/06\/5-in-1-Barrel-Drum-Charcoal-Smoker-Grill-Pizza-Oven-Table-and-Fire-Pit-768x509.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prettier than a drum barrel, eh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This DIY barbecue smoker is different as it doesn&#8217;t have a hinged door for adding\/removing charcoal while cooking. Heat regulation is done simply by capping and uncapping its air intake. Though its design is not the usual, it&nbsp;definitely functions well without any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"499\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you have any access to a good empty whisky barrel? Then this should be your next project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t get too excited for this weekend&#8217;s barbecue though &#8212; this is a project that also requires some time and patience. But we&#8217;re sure it&#8217;s worth it. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker1-2\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3059\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"499\" data-id=\"8646\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker1-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker2-2\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3060\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"939\" data-id=\"8648\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker2.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker2-224x300.jpg 224w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker3\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3061\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"1244\" data-id=\"8649\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker3.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker3-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker3-576x1024.jpg 576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker4\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3062\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"8650\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker4.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker4-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker5\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3063\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"1244\" data-id=\"8651\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker5.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker5-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker5-576x1024.jpg 576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2015\/06\/06\/how-to-build-a-whiskey-barrel-bbq-smoker\/barrelsmoker6-2\/\" data-lasso-id=\"3064\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" data-id=\"8652\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker6.jpg\" alt=\"Whiskey Barrel BBQ Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-8652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/BarrelSmoker6-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You&#8217;ll need these materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Empty Whiskey or Wine Barrel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generic Pull Handle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 large Cork and 6-ish small Corks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 grilling grates &#8211; size will depend on the interior size of your barrel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self Tapping Screws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wood Stain and Sealant (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temperature Gauge w\/ 4in long stem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0045LJTRK\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"693\">3\/4&#8243; x close NPT threaded nipple fittings<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 &#8211; 3\/4&#8243; NPT End Caps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00GMYH4KW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"694\">90 degree Brackets<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B000UEYZ4S\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"695\">Fire Bricks<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water Pan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dolly\/ Cart or Wheels (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>And these tools:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Electric Sander<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric Drill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jigsaw<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps to build a whiskey barrel BBQ smoker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-03.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-03.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-03-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-03-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-03-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on how dirty the barrel is, you will want to use either an electric sander if you have one or hand sand it and clean off the outside of the barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-04.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-04.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-04-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-04-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-04-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to prevent the individual pieces of wood (staves) from moving, we screwed each stave to the metal bands. This was by far the most gruelling part of this project. Using an electric drill (which would be easier with an electric impact drill) and self-tapping screws, we made sure each stave had at least one screw securing it to the metal band. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the staves vary in size, some were wide enough that they needed 2 screws. Your screw might try to walk a bit or have issues first grabbing onto the metal. We ended up needing to use a hammer and centre punch to make a pilot for each hole so the screws wouldn&#8217;t walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-624x1109.jpg 624w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-28x50.jpg 28w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-56x100.jpg 56w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-05-600x1067.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have the first band of screws completed, the same needs to be done for the next three bands. If you want all of your screws to line up then you can either draw pencil lines from the first band or (as we did) use lines of tape to line the screws up along all 4 bands. If you are not quite as OCD, then you can just wing it and put the screws wherever you want on the other 3 bands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As I said before, this is definitely the most time-consuming part of the project and took us a couple of days to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-05.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-05.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-05-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-05-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once all the screws are finally done, it is time to make the lid. Either draw a line or use tape to mark where you want to cut the lid. We used tape to create our line and then used a jigsaw to follow along the edge of the tape to cut the top of the barrel off and thus create our lid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chances are you won&#8217;t have the straightest cut (we definitely didn&#8217;t) but as long as the lid still fits pretty snugly on the top of the barrel it should work fine. Afterwards, we sanded down the top edge of the barrel and bottom edge of the lid so they didn&#8217;t have any rough edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-06.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-06.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-06-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-06-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, we completely sanded down the outside of the barrel until it had a nice, smooth, even exterior. At this point, if you like the natural look you can leave it and move on to the next step. We wanted our barrel a little darker so we stained it and put a sealant on it since it was going to be kept outside every once in a while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We just used wood deck sealant. At this point, if your barrel has a corked hole in the side like ours did you will want to find out what size large cork you will need in order to fill the hole. You can also make a cork by cutting a circle out of a spare 2&#215;4 you have lying around. Just make sure it fits tightly. We put silicone around the cork on the inside of the barrel to make sure it is airtight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-10.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-10-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-10-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-10-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that the look of the barrel is complete, it is time to add the fittings that will transform this into a working smoker. At the bottom of the barrel (between the 3rd and 4th metal bands) we drilled three 3\/4&#8243; holes equally spaced around the barrel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We chose to only have 3 but you can have more if you want. We screwed the threaded nipple fittings into each of these holes as air intakes. Make sure to leave some of the threads sticking out so you can put end caps on them. During smoking, the caps can be removed to adjust airflow and heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this time, we also drilled a small hole towards the bottom of our lid for our temperature gauge. Make sure to have a gauge with a long stem so that it can give you a good internal temperature reading. The size of the hole will depend on what gauge you get, but make sure it screws in snugly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-11.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-11-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-11-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-11-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the centre of the lid, we attached a generic handle so that it is easier to take the lid on and off while smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also drilled 6 small holes that we could fit corks into. The size of the holes will depend on the size of your corks. We added these holes as a way to adjust the temperature. If you need the temp hotter then close all the holes up with corks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the temp gets too hot and you need to cool it down, take the corks out and leave the holes open. We chose to do just 6 holes, but you can have as many as you deem necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-12.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-12.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-12-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-12-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-12-768x1365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next was getting the interior of the barrel all set up to be a smoker. First, we laid fire bricks at the bottom. We made a flat layer covering the whole bottom of the barrel, but we also had some standing vertically in order to hold the lower grate. When laying the bricks make sure none of them covers any of your air intakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The water pan can lay directly on top of fire bricks. This will also work as a drip pan to make for easier cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lower grate sits on top of the vertical fire bricks. This is where we put our charcoal. Our smoking chips are either put in a box or wrapped in foil and placed directly on top of the charcoal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the top grate, we screwed in four 90-degree brackets along the inside of the barrel. We made it so the grate sits just inside the mouth of the barrel. It might take a few attempts to get the grate balanced. This is the grate where the meat will be placed for smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-01.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-01-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-01-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After you get the inside setup, you are ready to start using the smoker. If you are not planning on leaving the smoker in one spot then we recommend either getting a dolly to put it on or attaching wheels to the bottom. We have ours on a dolly so can move it into the garage when we aren&#8217;t using it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also if you plan on leaving it outside, it might be a good idea to put some type of rust preventer on all the metal bands. It takes a little bit of practice to figure out the best way to regulate temperature, but it still works as a <a href=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/2014\/12\/12\/build-an-ugly-drum-smoker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good BBQ smoker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-10.jpg\" alt=\"Whisky Barrel Smoker\" class=\"wp-image-5024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-10-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2015\/06\/Whisky-Barrel-Smoker-Step-10-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong>&nbsp;Clean off the grates, and empty the water pan and ashes which is normal for any smoker. The only extra maintenance for a barrel smoker is filling it with water. After a while every 6 months or so depending on use, the wood will start to shrink since it is losing its moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To fix this we remove the grates and fire bricks and put the intake caps on tight. Then we fill the barrel with water from the garden hose and let it sit for a few days. At first, you may not be able to fill it all the way because of the leaks between the staves. But after a while, the wood will swell and the leaks will stop. At this point, you are ready to start smoking again. We also flip the lid upside down and fill it with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thanks to&nbsp;<span class=\"author\"><a title=\"view missreeder's profile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instructables.com\/member\/missreeder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"author noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"696\">missreeder<\/a>&nbsp;for this great project!<\/span><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many kinds of smokers. You can buy charcoal smokers, gas smokers, wood smokers, electric smokers, and pellet smokers. But why buy when you can build one? This project brings elements of two activities that many enjoy together: barbecuing and drinking. We&#8217;re sure you see how using a wine or whiskey barrel to build [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13557,"featured_media":5023,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn how to turn an empty whisky barrel into a BBQ smoker.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"barrel","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[{"url":"","title":"","desc":"","thumbnail":"","duration":"","rating":"","view_count":"","tag":""}],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sma_last_campaign_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[329,87],"tags":[190,363,158,365,353,410,331],"class_list":["post-5013","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bbq-and-smokers","category-recycled","tag-barbecue","tag-bbq-smoker","tag-repurposed","tag-smoker","tag-upcycled","tag-whisky-barrel","tag-wine-barrel"],"modified_by":"julian","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5013","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13557"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5013"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5013\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5013"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5013"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5013"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}