"Safe" Home Built Propane Burner for BBQ Smoker

Check here, here or here for some information.

Would a standard barbecue burner from a salvaged BBQ work?

Or just google your question.

True barbeque smokers don't need high Btu output, just enough heat to make the wet wood smoke. Something on the order of a small gas stove burner or a propane camp stove is about right. The type of homemade burner you are talking about are high pressure, high Btu output burners used for fish and turkey friers that need to heat and maintain oil at temperatures of 350+ degrees F. Most smokers only run 180 to 240 degrees F. You can buy low pressure burners for about $15+ S/H from Agri Supply, but if I were you I would instead use an eye element from an electric stove. You can rig it with a relay controlled by a settable/programmable digital thermometer sold at most big box hardware stores. You then will not have to be watching the smokebox temp and adjusting the propane burner to maintain your temp. Also, propane burners generate moisture and some people can detect a taste from the combustion by products. Meats smoked for four to eight hours may experience this. Not a problem with electric heat. Use oak, pecan or apple wood chunks or sawdust for best results. Mesquite and hickory may be a little strong for long term smoking.