DIY smokehouse from a washing machine
Probably every person has thought about purchasing a hot smoked smokehouse. With its help you can smoke fish, meat and create delicious dishes at home. Moreover, hot smoking requires much less time compared to the cold version. In most cases, the cost of a store-bought smokehouse can be unreasonably high, so it’s worth considering creating one from scrap materials.
In our article we will talk about how to assemble this device from a washing machine. This article will be especially relevant for those who have old household appliances that are out of order. Don't rush to throw it away, it can be reused.
The content of the article
A simple version of a smokehouse from an activator-type washing machine
First, let's look at the simplest option for creating a smokehouse from a machine with an activator type of operation.. The main body is made of stainless steel, which gives the structure strength and does not allow the metal to react with food. To create a smokehouse you will need to follow these steps:
- Turn the washing machine upside down, remove all unnecessary structural parts, leaving only the inner casing.
- Use a welding machine to close all the holes on the bottom of the housing.
- For convenience, make a hole in the lower part on the side in order to throw wood chips during smoking.
- Inside the tank, make special fastenings to support the grate, on which the products will be placed.
- Place the grill inside and secure it. A simpler option would be to use metal rods that will act as a supporting structure.
After completing all the steps, you will be able to use the smokehouse for its intended purpose. After the first use, you can modify the design and add elements for convenience. You can also think through the details for installing the structure over the fire.
Attention! To complete the work, you will need a solid body without mechanical damage, holes or dents. Before starting work, do not forget to thoroughly rinse the tank and pour boiling water over it to remove excess dirt and microorganisms.
Homemade smokehouse made from two washing machines
If desired, you can increase the volume of the working tank and improve the design. To do this, you will need to use two washing machine tubs. In this case, there are two ways to improve the hull. Use the following plan to complete the work:
- Prepare all the necessary parts and tools. Pre-clean your car tanks.
- Connect the two tanks using a welding machine. At the same time, leave the top open; you will need to make a special lid for it.
- After this, follow all the steps as described above. Make fastenings and install the grille.
Such a design will also require an open fire, on which wood chips will smolder and produce smoke for hot smoking of products. The advantage of this design is its large size and the ability to prepare several portions of food at once, which will significantly speed up the process. However, the dimensions of the smokehouse will be much larger - this option is perfect for a summer house.
DIY mini smokehouse
If you like to travel and go on picnics, you need to consider a miniature version of the smokehouse. Such a product can be created using conventional washing machines. To operate, you only need a drum. If you have the correct part, you can get to work. For convenience, use the following plan:
- Remove the drum from the machine and remove all unnecessary parts.
- After this, cover the bottom and top with metal plates using a welding machine.
- Make a small hole on the side surface to allow a fire to start inside the drum.
- You can make a special door that will be attached to small hinges. This will provide quick and convenient access to the fire.
- It is also necessary to make a hole to allow smoke to escape through the pipe.
This option will look like a potbelly stove; the operating principle is also similar. It will be enough to install a grille on top of the structure using hooks. After this, you can begin the smoking process.
Attention! The grill can be installed inside the drum or placed on top of the lid.
Electric smokehouse from a washing machine
If you wish, you can automate the process - this will save you from constantly checking the temperature inside the tank and adding wood chips to the fire. To do this, use an electric heating coil. You can create an electric smokehouse according to the following plan:
- Install an electric spiral around the outer perimeter and attach it using special bolts.
- Attach a special electrical wire to the spiral for further connection to the power source.
- Connect the equipment to the network, and, if necessary, adjust the current strength and power using adapters.
The further cooking process will be carried out in the standard manner. Food is placed on the grill and smoked due to the smoldering of sawdust and wood chips.
The power supplied to the circuit should be approximately 1 kW. If you doubt your capabilities, entrust the matter to a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous.
Difficult, but possible