Smoked food is wonderful, but you don’t have to buy an expensive smoker to be able to enjoy it. You can build your own smoker with just a few components and in only an hour or so. So, go and buy yourself a garbage can - one of the old-fashioned galvanized jobs (don’t even think about plastic), and get ready to smoke.

Here’s what else you need:

• Galvanized garbage can with lid.
• Single burner hot plate (yes, they still sell them).
• Heavy duty extension cord (optional).
• Metal wood chip box.
• Wood chips.
• Circular rack that will fit in the top of the garbage can.
• Temperature gauge or thermometer that can gauge the ambient temperature.

Ready? Good.

1. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the garbage can and file the edges so that they’re not sharp. The hole has to be large enough to snake the hot plate cord through.
2. Cup a few (two or three) small air holes into the garbage can lid.
3. Put the hot plate in the bottom of the can.
4. Place the wood chip pan filled with wood chips that you’ve pre-soaked (for at least 30 minutes) on top of the burner.
5. Turn on the burner.
6. Close the lid and let the smoke build up.
7. Check the temperature; you’re looking for between 220° and 230° - remember, you’re smoking, not burning.
8. Put your food on the grill rack and close the lid.
9. Change the wood chips as needed (every 2 hours or so).
10. Wait patiently.
11. Enjoy.