I've recently started a new hobby... right, because I have plenty of free time (not really). Anyway, I've started smoking meats. It is quite easy, and I managed to build my own smoker from a 55 gallon, steel drum with a removable lid.
Here's a link to an Ugly Drum Smoker (55 Gallon drum smoker):
http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Ugly-Drum-Smoker/. It's fairly over-the-top, but it give you a good idea on what to do. Mine is MUCH more basic. I built mine for ~$65, and it works AWESOME!
and here's a link about making your own 'lump' charcoal:
http://www.nakedwhiz.com/makinglump.htm. Super simple...
I like the idea of having a smoker for bug-in situations because it allows for variety. It also (due to slow-and-low cooking techniques) helps to tenderize/soften otherwise tougher meats. I recently smoked a deer ham (after soaking in a brine, then marinading), and it was as tender as a filet. You can also tune your temperatures down and use the smoker as a dehydrater, but it'll take some practice.
The CONs:
- it requires fire
- non-portable for bug-outs
- smoke will indicate someone is 'home'
- the smell is AWESOME, and it might attract non-preppers
- it requires fuel (wood) vice something else (like a solar oven/cooker).
Just a few thoughts.