Feldon’s BBQ Calculator is a valuable tool for barbecue enthusiasts and DIYers who want to build their own barbecue smokers. This calculator helps determine the dimensions of various smoker parts based on the size of the cooking chamber. By using this tool, you can ensure that your smoker operates efficiently, providing balanced heat and smoke flow throughout the cooking chamber.
Purpose and Functionality
The main purpose of Feldon’s BBQ Calculator is to provide accurate dimensions for key components of a barbecue smoker. These components include the cooking chamber, firebox, chimney, air intake, and the throat/opening between the firebox and the cooking chamber. Proper sizing of these parts is crucial for the efficient functioning of the smoker.
Formula Inputs
Here are the primary inputs required for the calculations:
- Length of the Cooking Chamber: This is the main cylinder where the cooking takes place, usually measured in inches.
- Diameter of the Cooking Chamber: The diameter of the cylinder, which helps determine the surface area and volume for heat retention and airflow.
- Desired Firebox Size: Typically, the firebox size is one-third the volume of the cooking chamber.
- Chimney Size: Based on the internal diameter and the length, which affects the draw of air and smoke through the smoker.
Calculations
Firebox Volume Calculation:
To find the firebox volume, you first need to calculate the volume of the cooking chamber and then take one-third of that volume.
Firebox Volume=Volume of Cooking Chamber×0.33\text{Firebox Volume} = \text{Volume of Cooking Chamber} \times 0.33Firebox Volume=Volume of Cooking Chamber×0.33
Volume of Cooking Chamber:
The volume of the cooking chamber can be calculated using the following formula:
Volume of Cooking Chamber=π×(Diameter2)2×Length1728\text{Volume of Cooking Chamber} = \frac{\pi \times \left(\frac{\text{Diameter}}{2}\right)^2 \times \text{Length}}{1728}Volume of Cooking Chamber=1728π×(2Diameter)2×Length
This formula converts cubic inches to cubic feet.
Firebox Dimensions:
The firebox is generally a square box attached to the side or the end of the cooking chamber. Its dimensions can be derived to achieve the required volume calculated above.
Chimney Size:
Proper airflow is crucial for an efficient smoker. The chimney size is calculated as follows:
Chimney Volume=Firebox Volume×0.8\text{Chimney Volume} = \text{Firebox Volume} \times 0.8Chimney Volume=Firebox Volume×0.8
The recommended chimney height is:
Chimney Height=Diameter of Cooking Chamber×1812\text{Chimney Height} = \frac{\text{Diameter of Cooking Chamber} \times 18}{12}Chimney Height=12Diameter of Cooking Chamber×18
This converts inches to feet.
Air Intake Size:
The air intake size should be approximately 25% of the area of the firebox opening.
Throat/Opening from Firebox to Cooking Chamber:
To ensure a smooth transition of heat and smoke, the area of the throat should be:
Throat Area=Firebox Volume×0.1\text{Throat Area} = \text{Firebox Volume} \times 0.1Throat Area=Firebox Volume×0.1
This ensures the opening is neither too restrictive nor too loose.
Step-by-Step Examples
Let’s walk through an example to illustrate these calculations.
Example:
- Length of Cooking Chamber: 36 inches
- Diameter of Cooking Chamber: 18 inches
- Volume of Cooking Chamber:
Volume of Cooking Chamber=π×(182)2×361728≈5.3 cubic feet\text{Volume of Cooking Chamber} = \frac{\pi \times \left(\frac{18}{2}\right)^2 \times 36}{1728} \approx 5.3 \text{ cubic feet}Volume of Cooking Chamber=1728π×(218)2×36≈5.3 cubic feet
- Firebox Volume:
Firebox Volume=5.3×0.33≈1.75 cubic feet\text{Firebox Volume} = 5.3 \times 0.33 \approx 1.75 \text{ cubic feet}Firebox Volume=5.3×0.33≈1.75 cubic feet
- Chimney Volume:
Chimney Volume=1.75×0.8≈1.4 cubic feet\text{Chimney Volume} = 1.75 \times 0.8 \approx 1.4 \text{ cubic feet}Chimney Volume=1.75×0.8≈1.4 cubic feet
- Chimney Height:
Chimney Height=18×1812=27 feet\text{Chimney Height} = \frac{18 \times 18}{12} = 27 \text{ feet}Chimney Height=1218×18=27 feet
- Throat Area:
Throat Area=1.75×0.1=0.175 square feet\text{Throat Area} = 1.75 \times 0.1 = 0.175 \text{ square feet}Throat Area=1.75×0.1=0.175 square feet
Table of Relevant Information
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Length of Cooking Chamber | 36 inches |
| Diameter of Cooking Chamber | 18 inches |
| Volume of Cooking Chamber | 5.3 cubic feet |
| Firebox Volume | 1.75 cubic feet |
| Chimney Volume | 1.4 cubic feet |
| Chimney Height | 27 feet |
| Throat Area | 0.175 square feet |
Conclusion
Feldon’s BBQ Calculator is an essential tool for anyone looking to build an efficient and effective barbecue smoker. By providing precise dimensions for critical components, this calculator ensures that your smoker will maintain balanced heat and smoke flow, resulting in better cooking performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a DIY enthusiast, Feldon’s BBQ Calculator will help you create the perfect smoker for your barbecue needs.