Smoking Pit-Going Whole Hog

[luvcatchingbass]

So I built myself a pit to smoke/roast a whole hog coming in the next couple weeks. I have everything about how I want it for the most part but know that adjustments or improvements can and will probably be made. This is the first time attempting something this large scaled and from picture comments some additional ideas have come about such as a sloped lid vs a flat lid and dancing cats.
Now I am starting to wonder what else could be added to my setup in the future? Maybe some sort of rotisserie?
Figure it should be interesting to hear any ideas you guys might have.

 

[svnmag]

If you can't get a lid going on time, you're going to have to bury it Hawaiian style IMHO. Wet burlap...

 

[luvcatchingbass]

How much slope would a guy need for the lid, can't imagine much is needed just to get any moisture to move away.
Also forgot to mention I will primarily be using lit charcoal as needed and then for smoke some wood chunks of some sort. I'm partial to pecan and cherry myself but have also used apple and oak in the past.

 

[svnmag]

or keep on turning with a re-bar spit. There are worse things in life.

 

[Kickemup]

Go with about a 1 inch rise on one side for the slope. I wouldn't worry about the glue in the plywood causing a problem as far as fumes. My smoker is lined with plywood along with one other that I know about and have never had a problem. Just make sure u season it well so it seals it up. I'll be there the day before in case u want to change something. I would just add 2x4 around the top and bevel the edge to create the slope.

 

[guywhofishes]

How much slope would a guy need for the lid, can't imagine much is needed just to get any moisture to move away.
Also forgot to mention I will primarily be using lit charcoal as needed and then for smoke some wood chunks of some sort. I'm partial to pecan and cherry myself but have also used apple and oak in the past.

kickem is correct - only a modest slope is needed and his design sounds good. Besides, you want rain to run off too!

If you're sticking with wood and not metal then you likely won't get much condensation from compared to steel/aluminum. On cold days metal really sucks because moisture naturally condenses out on it. Smoking salmon in an uninsulated little smoker was worst case scenario for me.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

kickem is correct - only a modest slope is needed and his design sounds good. Besides, you want rain to run off too!

If you're sticking with wood and not metal then you likely won't get much condensation from compared to steel/aluminum. On cold days metal really sucks because moisture naturally condenses out on it. Smoking salmon in an uninsulated little smoker was worst case scenario for me.

Insulation of the plywood was one thing I was trying to consider versus metal just in case I decide to use at colder temps.

 

[Davy Crockett]

That should work like a charm. I have a round one something like that , To get her stoked up fast and make coals at 10 times the normal rate I have somebody hold my beer and watch when I pull alongside with the lawnmower and aim the discharge at the draft hole.

 

[svnmag]

That is completely beautiful in simplicity and brilliance.

 

[arrowdem]

That should work like a charm. I have a round one something like that , To get her stoked up fast and make coals at 10 times the normal rate I have somebody hold my beer and watch when I pull alongside with the lawnmower and aim the discharge at the draft hole.

sounds like you need to upgrade your mower to something with a beer holder in it!?

 

[LBrandt]

If you lose to much heat I would fill blocks with sand or dirt. It will stay hotter longer.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I got a leaf blower so I can still hold and enjoy my beer.
Or better yet you could have said friend run the mower, haha

 

[svnmag]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh3o1_whqu4

 

[sierra1995]

nice use of fence posts!

 

[luvcatchingbass]

Yeah almost the whole thing is salvaged by myself, family, and friends. Figured we can make use of things laying around our places and give them new purpose.

 

[fishman]

put some rocks in pit to hold the temp, we usually cook out hogs for 24 hrs

 

[Retired Educator]

I wouldn't be in a hurry to add a rotisserie. Have a little experience with them and am not convinced the extra work adds all that much to the flavor. To work real well they have to have some balance or they bet floppy and that can lead to disaster. A rotisserie might add a little but the smoked, tender and tasty pork is the star, not the cooking vessel. Make sure you have a way to control heat and smoke, add in the distance from the meat to the heat and you are on the way.

Might consider a way to have the heat off to the sides of the hog. Pork fat dripping on the heat is a sure way to have flareups and possibly a hog that is blacker than you prefer.

Don't know how you plan on serving this meal but don't just throw the bones in a scrap pile unless you allow those who like to graze on said delicacy a chance. I find the meat next to the bone the most tasty of the whole hog.

One last suggestion. Plan several hours to cook, low and slow is the key. Make sure beer is cold during process. You will be the most popular neighbor in your area.

 

[DirtyMike]

I'm just wondering when we're supposed to show up.

 

[Davy Crockett]

sounds like you need to upgrade your mower to something with a beer holder in it!?

Believe it or not my mower was built in 1946 when they were still using "church keys" to open North Star.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I like the rocks idea.
As for educator you bring up a lot of good pionts, rotisserie isn't for a pig just something to tinker with on smaller things like chickens. Heat is planned to not be direct but off in the corners. I know I didn't explain but I have 4 draft/coal adding openings around which is where you see the fence posts for braces. Will also have temp probes for pit temp ham shoulder and loin probably. Meat near bone is awesome and I am excited to try the head meat myself. Beer is planned for very cold in the coolers with many neighbors friends and family coming to enjoy and help.
Thanks for the advice and ideas everyone just keep it coming.