Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker Mods

[rg02]

I am new to the forum, but I wanted to post a write up of how I modified my Brinkmann Gourmet Charcoal Smoker to be very similar to how the WSM operates. I obtained these ides from a write up I found online. These mods will definitely help with temperature control with the ECB and to assist with longer cooks. The longest cook i have done so far was 10 hours with only adding water to the water pan and wood chunks for smoke! this little thing is amazing now! Initially i cooked on it without adding longer legs to the bottom, but i ended up making longer legs which you can see later on in this post. Please let me know your thoughts/feedback :D

here is the finished product:


now down to business------



started by plugging the hole at the base with electrical box knock out plugs:


Next were the handles for the charcoal base:


Now to drill holes for the dampers on the base:


Now to add the dampers and bolts with nuts for levers:


All 3 dampers and levers installed:


bolts marked to raise charcoal grate:


bolts installed to raise charcoal grate:


grate raised:


screws installed to mark settings on bottom dampers---1/4 open, 1/2 open, 3/4 open, fully open:


view of finished base with extra charocal grate at 90 degrees to alleviate lump coal fall through:


WSM replacement temp gauge installed:


lid damper installed:


fire rope installed:


all done:


in action:



LEGS ADDED!

[SmokinOutBack]

Impressive, VERY impressive! Like a lot of people, I went through several of these over the years. I now have a WSM, but after looking at yours, it looks like it would work just as well. Excellent job man!

[gmotoman]

Very Cool! I like all of it. for thinking outside the box. My favorite part are the handles for the damper(s) GENIUS!

[L20A]

Very well done. I gotta wonder about the effort & cost versus cost of just getting the WSM. I don't know the cost of the initial smoker and the costs of the upgrades but I can't help wondering if it is worth it. I know the satisfaction factor of making your smoker way better than when you bought it is something to consider.

[rg02]

Very well done. I gotta wonder about the effort & cost versus cost of just getting the WSM. I don't know the cost of the initial smoker and the costs of the upgrades but I can't help wondering if it is worth it. I know the satisfaction factor of making your smoker way better than when you bought it is something to consider.

I bought the smoker for $80 and probably spent another $60 or so on materials for mods--- I had some stuff around in the garage. Time spent is probably 3-4 hours. It sure was fun though :D !

[Richtee]

YupYup! Great work RG! Hve some custom build/mod !

[tadowdaddy]

I agree, great work! for the final product!