Backyard Block Pit

[92xj]

Always needed/wanted another one since moving out here.  I have 46 bucks into this thing.  Only need to fab up a lid of some sort and it will be done. 

[jaymark6655]

I just found one of these online yesterday.  I was curious on how to bbq a whole pig.  Pictures I saw, the guy was using a giant piece of cardboard.  Article said a piece of plywood would work too for the lid.

[92xj]

I've used all sorts of things for the lid in the past from plywood to foil wrapped around fencing to cardboard.  This time around I am hoping to make something a little nicer looking.

[270Flat]

Let me know when the pigs done!! I'll bring the bibs 😎

[Kc_Kracker]

you have the perfect makings for double usage as a cold smoke house  dont forget to add a entry to get to the fire while the pigs on 

[Whitpirate]

Was just going to ask what the plan was to access the fire when you have it going.  I've always build temp ones that had aluminum foil across the first layer both horizontal and vertical to reflect heat.

[92xj]

I have a block on the first level on the side towards the yard that slides out.  I will shovel in coals/wood when adding to the fire.

[92xj]

[h20hunter]

Thats awesome....looking forward to seeing that baby in action.

[Fishstiq]

Do you have a link or anything on building one of those?  A little "pig in the ground" pit would be awesome!

The holes on the end, where you are using the paver to cover it, is that the hole to regulate temperature like a UDS uses?

[92xj]

A link?  You're already in the thread 
There is really nothing you really need to research.
Just determine your cooking surface size by the size of grating you can get.  Mine just happened to be 3 foot by 4 foot ish.  Placed the blocks in the appropriate size shape and layer up. 
The open square you see is for air intake and is regulated by the block, sliding it to open or close.  I also have a second opening on the back side. 
I am going to make a cover out of untreated wood and let nature and the smoke and sun and moisture open it up and crack it for exhuast vents. 
There is not much to it and you forsure dont need to over think it at all. 

[Kc_Kracker]

A link?  You're already in the thread 

[Fishstiq]

A link?  You're already in the thread 

Damnit, I had that coming!         

I tend to overthink things.  I usually want a plan, measurements, to know how it all works....  Keep it simple, stupid.  Got it!

[92xj]

Here's your plan....seriously....
First things first.  Find grating that you want to use.  Honestly it can be any shape, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, etc.  Once you have that.  Get whatever kind of block you want to use.  Whatever you think looks the best and seals up nicely with itself.  I would make your grating sit at least halfway in the block so the row above the grating holds it firmly in place.  My grating has zero support besides the top row of cinder blocks.  I can stand in the middle of my grating, for whatever its worth.
In the bottom row or whatever block you use, make a few gaps that you can cover or uncover for air intake. 
Other than that, there is not much to it.  Once you have it made you will play around with coal/wood amount to regulate temperatures and then you will use your airflow intake vents to fine tune the temps. 
Clear as mud?

[Jingles]

Having made several "Pig cookers" in the past I would recommend adding some form of support in the middle either lengthwise or evenly spaced on the width to avoid the weight of the pig on the grate from lifting the blocks holding the grate in place and adding rigidity to the grate. A piece of 1" x 1" angle iron would work with one side of the angle iron in the space between the blocks.
Otherwise a nice looking pig cooker

[92xj]

I would agree with you completely if this was a full size one.  But being smaller than even a half of a full size cooker, I dont really have a need for that support.  The grating now holds 80 pounds worth of dog without lifting the top layer or cinder blocks and they only start to move when I myself get on the grating.  I will never see more than 50 pounds max on this thing and thats pushing it...  Full size with a 4x8 sheet, absolutely correct, this mini one, not needed at all.

I also got a piece of wood down under the block that slides in and out to add to the fire.  I was pushing dirt and gravel everytime I slid it in causing the gap to get larger and larger.  Now it slides on a board so no going down anymore.  I will get of pic of that soon for anyone wanting to make one and see what I am talking about.

Got a cover made this morning. Going with the cheapest the best way but having somewhat of a decent look, this is what I came up with for 15 bucks....

[Smossy]

Always needed/wanted another one since moving out here.  I have 46 bucks into this thing.  Only need to fab up a lid of some sort and it will be done. 

Should build a jet stove off to the side man with the same style of bricks. Works great for quick cooking smaller things.

[92xj]

No such thing as quick cooking with this thing.  Quick cooking is for one of the other 3 cooking devices I have in the yard. 

[Fishstiq]

Is the plan for this a whole pig, or just part?  Also, what temp do you try to maintain?  I'm guessing 230ish...?

[92xj]

For this size pit, a half of a pig feetless will go on it perfectly.  I will use it for butts, half pigs, chickens, and the likes.  I will be able to do 15 whole chicken on this or 8ish butts if I need to do a lot.  90% of the time there will be 2 butts on it and in the process of them cooking I will throw on chicken wings and legs for snacks throughout the day and appetizers.
I like to keep it between 220-240 degrees and get my pork to 198 degrees internal temp before pulling off. 

[rtspring]

When are we having a BBQ??  Damn im hungry

[Greenhorn]

Not the best picture of my setup, but every 4th of July I am in charge of roasting a 250# or so whole pig for our community get together.  Very similar but I just set it up the day before and take it down when done.  I scald the pig and scrape the hair off then butterfly it and wire it between two expanded sheets of steel.  One is reinforced to support the weight.  I just lay it on the top of a four high block oven and flip it once about half way through.  It takes about 8 hours at 225.  It is only covered with foil on the top of the pig.  All are welcome on the 4th.  We have a patriotic program and potluck.  The program and pig are sponsored by our local church.  So come on over if you are looking for something to do on the 4th.  Bickleton, WA.

[92xj]

Got another good burn in yesterday and remembered to take a few pics this time.  Experimenting with some new rubs and sauce and honey, they all came out perfect to my likings.

[Blacklab]

Nice! I'd hit that with a fork 

[deerhunter_98520]

Nice! I'd hit that with a fork 

A fork? U must be from the city  u eat those with your fingers 

[Blacklab]

Nice! I'd hit that with a fork 

A fork? U must be from the city  u eat those with your fingers 

Damn!!!! I either mis spoke or I got called out?  No matter what I'm still gonna hit it 

[sirfunkeybut]

Nice! I'd hit that with a fork 

A fork? U must be from the city  u eat those with your fingers 

  
Ribs need nothing but hands, a napkin, and good beer.

[Blacklab]

Nice! I'd hit that with a fork 

A fork? U must be from the city  u eat those with your fingers 

  
Ribs need nothing but hands, a napkin, and good beer.

A men!

[MatthewHunter98]

looks awesome, i like cookin the pig in the ground looks good though

[nw_bowhunter]

very cool idea.. ribs look great.

[92xj]

 Got this guy cleaned and fired up last weekend for the summer time cooking. The lid has opened up a few larger gaps so I added some more fence boards to close them up some. She smoked beautifully.  Going to experiment this weekend with a configuration, not that it needs it but I can't leave things alone that do food, I'm always playing around. Will hopefully get some better food pics this weekend.

[DRobnsn]

That thing is awesome, don't know how I missed it originally. Hmmmm got me thinking, I have access to almost every material you used aside from the expanded metal. Problem is I also have some food grade barrels laying around. I wonder which would be better, I don't necessarily need a huge cook area to start with.

[92xj]

That thing is awesome, don't know how I missed it originally. Hmmmm got me thinking, I have access to almost every material you used aside from the expanded metal. Problem is I also have some food grade barrels laying around. I wonder which would be better, I don't necessarily need a huge cook area to start with.

I'd say make both.
The block pit is sweet but takes babysitting throughout the whole cook, if you are as anal about temps as I am.  It's a great pit to use when you are going to be home all day, have friends over and hangout having a drink In the yard till you're ready to eat.  It also doubles as an open pit grill, which is awesome for chicken parts, dogs, burgers, etc.  You will not be moving it, so if transportation is needed or moving around the yard, a barrel would be much easier. 

[Woodchuck]

Dude you are killin me.  Looks good.

[MAGhunter]

I bet your neighbors loved the smell of that

[DRobnsn]

That thing is awesome, don't know how I missed it originally. Hmmmm got me thinking, I have access to almost every material you used aside from the expanded metal. Problem is I also have some food grade barrels laying around. I wonder which would be better, I don't necessarily need a huge cook area to start with.

I'd say make both.
The block pit is sweet but takes babysitting throughout the whole cook, if you are as anal about temps as I am.  It's a great pit to use when you are going to be home all day, have friends over and hangout having a drink In the yard till you're ready to eat.  It also doubles as an open pit grill, which is awesome for chicken parts, dogs, burgers, etc.  You will not be moving it, so if transportation is needed or moving around the yard, a barrel would be much easier.

Thinking something like this would suffice in the short term and still be mobile http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-barrel-smoker/?ALLSTEPS

Some of this guys comments on his write up are hilarious. 

[92xj]

Google "uds" ( ugly drum smoker). Could also be a good cheap option for you. They work great and cook amazingly.

[Blacklab]

Keep on rockin the free world! 

Bucket list is a whole pig   

[92xj]

Cooked chicken quarters and a rack of spare ribs, my favorite of all ribs. Just a light rub on all meat, no glaze of any sort this time. Held temps from 275 to 300 during the cook. Ribs were two hours in cooker, then two hours sitting on foil with beer not covered, then one hour back on cooker with no foil. Chicken were a 2 hour cook after a 24 hour broke with light rub.

[lokidog]

Dang, that looks tasty!