re: BBQ pit shopping

Let me offer my .02 on the offset smoker. I've got an old New Braunfels - basically the same as the Brinkman. The problem with the offsets in the 150 range is simply that the steel is too thin to retain the heat. Thus you have large tempature fluctuations and the fuel constantly needing to be replaced. I've also used the Webers (which are great) and the Old Smokey. They both can do indirect by how you build your coals. If you are hell bent on a barrel, go to Albertsons or someplace similar that sells the old 55 gal drum pits. We bought one and cut the legs off, welded a trailer hitch to it and used it for tailgating when in college. They are about $80 and work fine too. If you really want a nice offset, I'd suggest finding a bigger propane tank (100-200 gal) and finding a welder to build one for you.