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Tuesday, November 25, 2025

DIY Smoker Grill for Under $20

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

DIY Smoker Grill for Under $20

If you're into DIY projects that save money and actually work, this one’s a gem. Whether you're prepping for a disaster, want a backup cooking method, or just like building cool stuff, this homemade smoker is worth your time. It's cheap, easy to make, and works great for smoking chicken, sausage, or anything else that fits inside.

This particular build comes from the YouTuber, The Crawlspace Craftsman, who put together a functioning mini smoker using just two flowerpots and a few basic supplies, spending less than $10 total. You can watch him do it and read the instructions below.

What You’ll Need

  • Two 12-inch terra cotta flowerpots
  • Small rocks or ceramic spacers
  • Metal baking or pie pan
  • Old cookie rack or grill grate
  • Grinder or metal snips (to cut the rack)
  • Marker
  • Small piece of wood for a handle
  • Screw, washer, and nut for handle
  • Charcoal or wood chips
  • Lighter or firestarter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Rocks to the Bottom Pot

Drop in a layer of rocks to elevate the pan and allow airflow from the drain hole in the pot. This helps keep oxygen moving so your fire doesn’t suffocate.

Rocks at Bottom

2. Place a Pan Over the Rocks

Use a metal pie pan or small baking pan. This is where you’ll place your charcoal and/or wood chips.

Pan at Bottom

3. Make the Cooking Grate

Use a cookie rack or any metal grate that can support food.

Trace a circle on a piece of cardboard using the top of the pot as a guide.

Using the circular cardboard piece as a guide, make a circle on the grate.

Tracing Cirlce on Grate

Cut the rack with a grinder or snips to fit snugly just below the rim of the bottom pot.

Cutting the Rack

Place the grate in the pot.

Grate in Pot

4. Create a Handle for the Lid

Drill a hole in two small blocks of wood.

Hole in Block

Tie a knot in a piece of rope, then loop it through one of the blocks of wood.

Place the block inside the upper pot and pull the rope through the hole in the pot.

Rope Through Pot

Now slide the rope through the second block, and secure it in place with another knot.

Finished Handle

Bonus: The handle doubles as a damper—you can lift the lid slightly to vent smoke if needed.

6. Load the Smoker

Add charcoal to the pan and light it.

Charcoal in Smoker

Once the coals are hot, toss in a handful of wood chips for smoke.

7. Start Smoking Food

Add your meat or veggies, chicken thighs, wings, burgers, etc.

Wings on Smoker

Place the top pot (lid) over it to start smoking.

Cooking Tips

  • Start with just a few coals. The small space heats up quickly.
  • Monitor the heat by touching the outside of the pot or using a meat thermometer inside.
  • You can finish the food in an oven if you want crispier skin or higher temps.
Wings done Smoking

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