We strive to provide you with authoritative, trustworthy, and expert advice. In doing so, the staff at bbqdropout.com performs extensive research, editing, and fact checking to every post on this webiste. If you feel that this article can improve, please feel free to reach us at staff@bbqdropout.com
Before continuing this article, I wanted to let you know that I have a YouTube channel where I showcase all sorts of video content related to BBQ. Subscribing would mean a lot to me, and I very much appreicate all the support!
As the weather gets colder, many people start to think about using a smoker under their porch. After all, it’s a great way to keep warm and enjoy the outdoors simultaneously.
But is it really safe to use a smoker under a porch? It is not safe, but it is possible if the right precautions are taken.
Safety has to be at the front end of every decision when dealing with smoke and fire. The reason is that who wants to lose their porch or home due to an unwanted fire?
Should You Use a Smoker Under a Porch?
There are both pros and cons to using a smoker under a porch.
On the plus side, it can provide warmth and ambiance on chilly evenings. Smokers also produce less smoke than fire pits or grills, making them less likely to bother your neighbors.
And if you have a gas-powered smoker, you won’t have to worry about dealing with ashes.
On the downside, though, smokers can produce a lot of heat.
This means that they can be a fire hazard if not used properly. You’ll also need to be careful about where you position the smoker, as it could damage your porch if it’s not placed correctly.
So, what are the pros and cons of using a smoker under a porch? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Just be sure to take all safety precautions into consideration before lighting up.
Pros:
- It can provide warmth and ambiance on chilly evenings.
- Smokers produce less smoke than fire pits or grills.
- Gas-powered smokers don’t produce ashes.
Cons:
- Smokers can produce a lot of heat and be a fire hazard if not used properly.
- It may damage your porch if not positioned correctly.
- It could produce smoke that could bother your neighbors.
How Far Away Should a Smoker Be from the House?
Smokers are great for cooking up food, but they can also pose a risk to your home. If you’re thinking about using a smoker under your porch, you should keep a few things in mind.
Smoke from smokers can cause damage to your home.
The smoke can discolor paint and siding, and it can also cause staining on porous surfaces like brick and stone. In addition, the smoke can seep into cracks and crevices, causing problems like drafts and odors.
Another consideration is carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts.
When using a smoker, make sure there is good ventilation to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide. Smoke can and will get in through the cracks of the doors and windows.
Once the smoke gets inside the home, it will cause problems and cause smoke inhalation, which can kill faster than the flames themselves.
It is not worth the risk, but there are ways to work around it to enhance your cooking experience, such as using tarps or having a steady wind blowing in the opposite direction.
You just have to be careful that the wind doesn’t change direction, blowing the smoke back into the home.
So, can you use a smoker under a porch? It’s not recommended due to the risks involved. If you use a smoker, make sure it’s far away from the house and good ventilation to avoid problems.
It should be ten feet away from doors, windows, and walls. At the same time, you have to keep in mind which way the wind is blowing.
If the wind blows the smoke towards your house, it will increase the chances of damage and carbon monoxide poisoning.
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on caution.
If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to use a smoker under your porch, talk to a professional before proceeding or take the safest way out of the situation possible, which is don’t do it at all.
Find some other safe location to operate your smoker.
One mistake and one bad opportunity are all there is to put a damper on your plans for a cookout with the smoker.
Does It Matter What the Porch is Made Of?
The material of your porch can also affect whether or not it’s safe to use a smoker underneath it. For example, if your porch is made of wood, there’s a greater fire risk.
The heat from the smoker could cause the wood to catch fire, and the smoke could also discolor and damage the wood.
On the other hand, if you have a concrete porch, you don’t have to worry about fire as much. However, the heat from the smoker could still cause damage to the concrete. In addition, the smoke could still seep into cracks and crevices.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to use a smoker under your porch.
There are pros and cons to using a smoker, and it’s important to weigh those before making a decision.
If you use a smoker, just be sure to take precautions to avoid problems. Keep the smoker away from the house, and ensure there is good ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Also, be aware of how the wind is blowing so that the smoke doesn’t get blown back into the house. And finally, keep in mind what your porch is made of.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.