Expert: John Langenfelder - 3/13/2010

Question
Hi, I have an old fridge that I am turning into a smoker. I gutted the plasic on the inside, and I need to know what I should line it with. I was going to go stainless, but I want to do this on a budget. I also heard that galvanized might not be good for your health. Is there anything else? Could I try wood safely?

Answer
Auryn,

The idea is good, but my experience is to find a good used smoker (ebay, craigslist).  I think you will end up spending more than you think.  Stainless is expensive.  You could try finding steel plate and fitting it in there but, again, it will be expensive.  The biggest issue is cutting it to fit and welding it in place.  Then you need to find away to baffle the air, smoke and heat around to keep it from getting to hot.  Look for meadowcreek smokers at http://www.meadowcreekbarbecue.com/index.php  I use their pigroasters for all my pigs and other smoking.  They are a good bang for the buck and I do not think they are that expensive.  

I think the refrigerator will not be able to handle the heat well as the metal is too thin.  It will probably buckle from the heat.