Concrete as Insulation???

[aczeller]

i'm working up a new cock-a-may-me scheme again... anyone ever used concrete as insulation on their smoker? or even seen it done? I know a lot of guys use it as thermal mass in their WFO's and what-not, but what about something like a cabinet smoker? it would obviously add a TON of thermal mass, making recovery times great, but my biggest concern is longevity... how long will it last against the heat? i don't want to do it if it's going to crack and break after the first year, but if it's going to last just as long, if not longer, than the "usuals" like Kao-wool or SuperWool, it may be an option.

Later,
Andy

[SmokinLee]

could add wire or shaved fiberglass maybe to keep it together.

[Richtee]

Another option...altho prolly not cost effective- is refractory cement. Here's a lead...maybe? Refrax mortar from Fornobravo.

[aczeller]

Another option...altho prolly not cost effective- is refractory cement. Here's a lead...maybe? Refrax mortar from Fornobravo.

that was my other option. i looked into it a little bit, but got scared at the prices. over $100 per cubic foot!!! if that's what it takes though to put out a quality product, then so be it.

Later,
Andy

[Richtee]

You could probably come up with a "mix" using something like gypsum to extend the stuff... as you are not after strength per say...I am assuming it would be contained in a metal "jacket".

[Blowin Smoke]

Concrete sounds like a lot of extra weight vs SuperWool.

[aczeller]

You could probably come up with a "mix" using something like gypsum to extend the stuff... as you are not after strength per say...I am assuming it would be contained in a metal "jacket".

yeah... i'd build the "shell", reinforce the walls, get it on casters, etc, and then pour in the concrete, vibrating it as i go. when it's filled, cured, and fired, i'd cap it off with some more steel, weld the cap, clean it up, paint, etc...

i'm mainly just doing some research for an upcoming project of mine...

Later,
Andy

[aczeller]

Concrete sounds like a lot of extra weight vs SuperWool.

yeah, but it's a lot more thermal mass, and it "feels" stronger... i'm not positive if it's worth it yet or not...

Later,
Andy

[Whisky Fish]

Two guys come to mind. Gun Slinger and Uncle Honky. Ryan just did that wood fired oven, he might have some tips for ya.

[GOT14U]

I would think it would be just ridiculously heavy....and not sure on the expansion and contraction with all the heat cycles it's gonna see. I would think it would need to be more a clay then a cement for the heating reasons

[IrishChef]

It would add thermal mass for sure, but keep in mind that will also increase your preheat time as well. And in a cabinet smoker, I would really worry about center of gravity issues with all that weight. It would really suck pushing it around, hitting a bump, and watching it go over on its side, etc...

[Jimh]

I have never really look at a big green egg but I think they are all concrete or concrete/clay mixture.center of gravity is definitely a concern

[Bbq Bubba]

All commercial cookers have a concrete firebox.

[blues_n_cues]

Another option...altho prolly not cost effective- is refractory cement. Here's a lead...maybe? Refrax mortar from Fornobravo.

this +1

[aczeller]

I have never really look at a big green egg but I think they are all concrete or concrete/clay mixture.center of gravity is definitely a concern

from my understanding, i though they were all ceramic-based stuff... i duno for sure though.

Later,
Andy