DIY Flower Pot Smoker

Creating a flower pot smoker is a popular and cost-effective way to enjoy smoking food at home. Here’s a simple guide on how to make a DIY flower pot smoker:

Materials:

• Large terracotta flower pot (at least 16 inches in diameter)
• Large saucer or tray for the bottom of the pot
• Cooking grate or rack that fits inside the pot
• Charcoal pan or a disposable aluminum foil pan
• Charcoal
• Wood chips for smoking (such as apple or hickory)
• Cooking thermometer
• Drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit
• Tin snips (if needed)
• High-temperature grill paint (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Flower Pot:
  • Make sure the terracotta flower pot and saucer are clean and free of any coatings or residues.
  • If desired, you can spray the outside of the pot with high-temperature grill paint for a finished look.
• Drill Ventilation Holes:
  • Using the drill and a 1/4-inch drill bit, create several holes around the bottom rim of the flower pot for ventilation. These holes will allow air to flow into the smoker to keep the charcoal burning.
• Create the Charcoal Pan:
  • Place the charcoal pan or aluminum foil pan in the center of the saucer. This will hold the charcoal and catch any ashes.
  • If you’re using an aluminum foil pan, you may need to cut it down to size with tin snips.
• Add Charcoal:
  • Fill the charcoal pan with charcoal. You can use either lump charcoal or briquettes.
• Add Wood Chips:
  • Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then sprinkle them over the charcoal. This will create smoke and add flavor to your food.
• Place the Cooking Grate:
  • Put the cooking grate or rack on top of the flower pot. This is where you’ll place the food.
• Set Up the Temperature Control:
  • Adjust the airflow by partially covering some of the ventilation holes to control the temperature. You can use a small piece of aluminum foil to cover the holes as needed.
• Start Smoking:
  • Light the charcoal and allow it to burn until it’s covered with white ash. Place your food on the cooking grate.
• Monitor Temperature:
  • Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the smoker. You may need to adjust the airflow or add more charcoal to maintain the desired temperature.
• Enjoy Your Smoked Food:
  • Smoke your food until it reaches the desired level of doneness, and enjoy the delicious flavors you’ve created.

Remember to always follow proper safety precautions when using a smoker, such as placing it on a fire-resistant surface, keeping it away from flammable materials, and never leaving it unattended while in use.

Try out your DIY smoker on your next camping trip to Meramec Campground!