Hi All,
I've recently purchased plans for a 48" by 24" diameter reverse flow smoker. However, I am starting to think I may have sized it a little bigger than I need, as I will mainly be using it for weekend family BBQ's feeding about 4-8 people at a time. I plan on cooking all cuts of meat (ribs, brisket, pork shoulders, etc.) but I'm wondering if anyone could let me know if this might be a bit over sized for my needs?
Also, just out of curiosity, if I plan on running it on charcoal with wood chunks added for smoke, what volume of charcoal should I be expecting to use over the course of say an 8 hour cook?
Thanks for all the help!
Smoker Size and Fuel Consumption
-
- beginner
- Posts: 13
- Joined: August 2nd, 2017, 2:51 pm
- Title: Member
- BBQ Comp Team Name: Not competing yet...
- Location: Campbell River, BC, Canada
- Rodcrafter
- Moderator
- Posts: 8456
- Joined: July 21st, 2012, 5:46 pm
- Title: Member
- BBQ Comp Team Name: Not competing yet...
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Re: Smoker Size and Fuel Consumption
First things first.
Welcome to the crew!
Now about the size;
I would say if there were never going to be an addition number of people you could have gotten a bit smaller size. But if you were cooking ribs you will like having the extra room for side dishes and such.
jm2cw
As for the charcoal, in my experience I only use it to light my offset RF smokers. The main fuel is sticks, a couple of fist sized splints every 1.5 hours and so on.

Welcome to the crew!
Now about the size;
I would say if there were never going to be an addition number of people you could have gotten a bit smaller size. But if you were cooking ribs you will like having the extra room for side dishes and such.
jm2cw
As for the charcoal, in my experience I only use it to light my offset RF smokers. The main fuel is sticks, a couple of fist sized splints every 1.5 hours and so on.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
- Big T
- Moderator
- Posts: 5642
- Joined: September 1st, 2013, 2:40 pm
- Title: Go Getter
- BBQ Comp Team Name: Backyard Boys
- Location: Lower Alabama
Re: Smoker Size and Fuel Consumption

Measure Twice.....Cut Three Times.
- Squiggle
- Expert
- Posts: 2611
- Joined: December 19th, 2015, 5:04 pm
- Title: Reformed non-smoker!
- BBQ Comp Team Name: Not competing yet...
- Location: Mole Creek, Tasmania
Re: Smoker Size and Fuel Consumption
I definitely think it's better to have slightly larger & not need it(good for adding extra stuff too) than having to cram everything in a smaller one even just once.
I start with charcoal & run on splits too.

I start with charcoal & run on splits too.
Formerly known as "Hey you there in the bushes!"