How to Build a Grill Out Of a 55 Gallon Drum

Most people just buy a grill, but other more innovative minds want to build a grill themselves. A 55 gallon drum is a great way to get started. The following article will tell you how to build a grill out of a 55 gallon drum.

How to Build a Grill Out Of a 55 Gallon Drum

By Anthony Delgado


Step1
First thing you have to do is get your oil drum and cut it in half. It is really important that this be done carefully and accurately, other wise the grill may not line up.

Step2
Once you get it cut in half, it needs to be hinged together. If you choose to use bolts to put the hinge on, make sure you put a tack weld on the bolts so they can’t come undone easily. Same for the handle which goes on the other side of the barrel. If you want, you can also mount a latch to hold it tight when it is closed.

Step3
Build a steel frame to hold the grill. This is not any specific design. Make due with what you have and make sure it is sturdy and at a decent height. Other than that, you can do this step however you want. Even if you don’t know how to build a grill out of a 55 gallon drum, if you have any welding experience you can do this.

Step4
You will need to get a grill now. Measure the inside of the drum at the top of the cut opening. You need the grill to sit about one inch below the lip of the drum. It is likely that you will have to purchase a grill that is too big and cut it down. You will need to do this for the bottom grate too. It should sit about six inches or so off the bottom.

Step5
Cut some air holes in the bottom on the sides. Cover these with a flap of metal secured by one screw so that you can rotate the metal to adjust the air flow.

Step6
You can usually buy a propane burner kit at your local hardware store, but real men grill with charcoal.


Tips & Warnings

* Once you know how to build a grill out a 55 gallon drum, try adapting it into a smoker. You can do this by attaching a smaller drum to the side and putting your fire in there. The air whole you cut earlier works great to monitor the smoke intake.
* Now that you know how to build a grill out of a 55 gallon drum, what are you waiting for?
* Be careful cutting oil drums in half as oil is combustible.

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