S7 Ep5: Welding Carbon Steel to Stainless Steel for Smoker Projects

Welcome to the SmokerBuilder Podcast, hosted by Frank Cox, the BBQ Pit Engineer (@smokerbuilder), your go-to guide for mastering smoker design, fabrication, and pit mastery.

In this episode, Frank tackles a key question from SmokerBuilderU.com member Alvin: Can you weld carbon steel to stainless steel for smoker projects?

Spoiler alert—yes, you can! Frank breaks down the process, exploring stainless steel grades like 316, MIG welding with shield gas or flux core, and even torch welding with silica bronze filler rods.

Whether you’re building a custom BBQ smoker or upgrading your pit, this episode delivers practical welding tips to help you succeed.

Discover why welding carbon steel to stainless steel is common in restaurant equipment and how to apply these techniques to your smoker builds without overcomplicating your setup—no tri-mix gas required!

From managing weld contamination to choosing the right wire, Frank’s real-world advice makes smoker fabrication accessible for beginners and seasoned builders alike.

Join the SmokerBuilderU.com community to connect with fellow BBQ pit engineers, access exclusive resources, and take your smoker-building game to the next level.

Hit subscribe for more episodes on designing, fabricating, and running smokers of all kinds—because great BBQ starts with a great build!