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Offset smoker recs
Posted on 7/13/21 at 4:29 pm
Posted on 7/13/21 at 4:29 pm
Last year I got a Chargriller Smokin Champ as a gift. Never had a smoker so even though its not a well built smoker I've enjoyed learning on it.
Looking to upgrade now. I don't need or desire much grill space. Just something solidly built in the $500-1000 range in the offset design. Any recommendations?
Looking to upgrade now. I don't need or desire much grill space. Just something solidly built in the $500-1000 range in the offset design. Any recommendations?
14
Posted on 7/13/21 at 4:43 pm to ThuperThumpin
quote:
solidly built in the $500-1000
That's not going to get a Lang, even a very well used unit. IMHO, save your $$$, 'til you get $2500-3k, then start seriously looking...
Posted on 7/13/21 at 4:46 pm to ThuperThumpin
If you can't spend 2 or 3 grand, just grab that Oklahoma Joe and call it a day. It's better built that the Char Grill and overall not bad.
Posted on 7/13/21 at 4:48 pm to ThuperThumpin
Old Country pits at Academy. Well built middle of the road smokers. Should have a model in your price range.
Posted on 7/13/21 at 5:05 pm to ThuperThumpin
Klose. Houston Tx. Many sizes. Will custom build.
Posted on 7/13/21 at 5:13 pm to Tiger4Life
quote:
Old Country pits at Academy.
Do these come pretty well sealed or will I need to do some extra work? Thanks
Posted on 7/13/21 at 5:35 pm to ThuperThumpin
For that price point I’d go with an OJ from academy. There is a large list of mods for these smokers online to help improve your Q. I always tell prime to buy bigger than they think, one for capacity and two bigger pits are easier to run. Be posted prepared to have to break down your firewood for the easiest temperature control.
Posted on 7/13/21 at 6:41 pm to ThuperThumpin
quote:
offset design.
Are you 100% set on an offset smoker?
Different design could open up the doors in your price range
Posted on 7/13/21 at 6:51 pm to Saskwatch
quote:
Are you 100% set on an offset smoker?
Not exactly but I feel like I got a handle on the one I have and just want something that maintains heat better. The gravity fed ones are cool. Kinda seem like a decent compromise between a stick burner and the ease of a pellet.
This post was edited on 7/13/21 at 6:56 pm
Posted on 7/13/21 at 9:26 pm to ThuperThumpin
Old Country Pecos on the lower end of your price range, but if willing to spend more towards the $1k mark get the Brazos for sure. Both at Academy.
Posted on 7/14/21 at 3:21 am to ThuperThumpin
I went from an original Oklahoma Joe Longhorn smoker. It was a horizontal type, but built really well. Actually made from 1/4 inch steel pipe. After the buyout, they started making the Oklahoma Joe smokers from cheap stamped steel. Not wanting to pay a higher price for lower quality I switched to their Bandera model. It's a vertical smoker with an offset firebox.
At the time it was half the price of the Longhorn. Being a vertical box it offered a much more efficient use of the available cooking area, and much better temperature control in the entire cooking area. At the time I paid $359 for mine, at Academy. Here's a link to Home Depot for the same unit. The price has gone up some. Walmart sells them too for the same price, and I bet Academy will be the same. If you're not ready to spend the money for a quality built smoker, like Klose, this is the way to go. There are plenty of mods online for all of the different Oklahoma Joe's smokers.
Oklahoma Joe's Bandera Smoker - Home Depot
At the time it was half the price of the Longhorn. Being a vertical box it offered a much more efficient use of the available cooking area, and much better temperature control in the entire cooking area. At the time I paid $359 for mine, at Academy. Here's a link to Home Depot for the same unit. The price has gone up some. Walmart sells them too for the same price, and I bet Academy will be the same. If you're not ready to spend the money for a quality built smoker, like Klose, this is the way to go. There are plenty of mods online for all of the different Oklahoma Joe's smokers.
Oklahoma Joe's Bandera Smoker - Home Depot
Posted on 7/14/21 at 6:16 am to ruger35
Just got an Old Country Pecos the other day. I would highly recommend them. just make sure you go through the floor models to make sure you get a good one. QC isn't the greatest but material is heavier than the OJ. The Pecos is only 100$ more than OJ.
Cooked a brisket and chicken thighs already. Everything turned out great.
Mods: I'm going to add lava lock to the door and the fire box damper needs a washer and spring to keep it from moving on it's own.
Cooked a brisket and chicken thighs already. Everything turned out great.
Mods: I'm going to add lava lock to the door and the fire box damper needs a washer and spring to keep it from moving on it's own.
Posted on 7/14/21 at 6:29 am to ThuperThumpin
You can find a really good one used with 1/4" steel for 800-1500 but be patient for the right one. Even some custom made, used, smokers will be in that range. Brazos as mentioned earlier is $1000 new at academy. You want thicker metal for heat retention. Some guys do mods to seal them better.
Either way, you will probably do some mods to make it better. It will take a couple of cooks to dial in the temp and wood burning, and you need to account for wood moisture - I've given up on cooking on it with all the rain as my wood is soaked from just the humidity.
Once you've figured everything out there is nothing better. You'll figure out rough burn times on various sizes of wood, where your baffles need to be, how to regulate temperature...they are awesome. Once going, mine only needs a log every 15-30 minutes so I can still get things done around the house while cooking.
Either way, you will probably do some mods to make it better. It will take a couple of cooks to dial in the temp and wood burning, and you need to account for wood moisture - I've given up on cooking on it with all the rain as my wood is soaked from just the humidity.
Once you've figured everything out there is nothing better. You'll figure out rough burn times on various sizes of wood, where your baffles need to be, how to regulate temperature...they are awesome. Once going, mine only needs a log every 15-30 minutes so I can still get things done around the house while cooking.
Posted on 7/14/21 at 7:17 am to ThuperThumpin
They definitely need some extra work, but I wouldn't call it work. All you need to do is get that lavalock gasket sealer . It is easy to apply. I don't think you can go wrong with the Old Country smokers as a starter offset.
Also though chek out the Oklahoma Joe Highland reverse flow. If you are planning on using wood, the temp can spike easily in the smaller offsets. I always though the reverse flow would make a difference in temp control. I don't have any real reviews on it though.
Also, look at craigslist and facebook marketplace. You might be able to find a steal for a decent smoker that someone doesn't want to put up with anymore.
Also though chek out the Oklahoma Joe Highland reverse flow. If you are planning on using wood, the temp can spike easily in the smaller offsets. I always though the reverse flow would make a difference in temp control. I don't have any real reviews on it though.
Also, look at craigslist and facebook marketplace. You might be able to find a steal for a decent smoker that someone doesn't want to put up with anymore.
Posted on 7/14/21 at 8:15 am to ThuperThumpin
Whatever you buy, I’d pay a little extra for a reverse flow. Worth it imo
Posted on 7/14/21 at 10:32 am to ThuperThumpin
Check out Allen's Welding. Very reasonably priced for what you get.
Posted on 7/15/21 at 1:32 am to AyyyBaw
Check out meadow creek, I have a ts60 with stainless tables and all. If intrested johnmalone816@yahoo.com has all the extras.
Posted on 7/15/21 at 6:05 am to ThuperThumpin
I had a Klose. It was awesome before it was destroyed in a move. I paid $1800 for it in 2009. To replace it with the same one in 2018 was over $4k.
Agree with others that an Old Country might be a good next move. If you're willing to spend a little more, you might be able to get a Shirley patio model or a used Lang.
If you're not absolutely set on an offset, I'd recommend a 22" Weber Smokey Mountain. It is one of the best options under $500 IMHO.
Agree with others that an Old Country might be a good next move. If you're willing to spend a little more, you might be able to get a Shirley patio model or a used Lang.
If you're not absolutely set on an offset, I'd recommend a 22" Weber Smokey Mountain. It is one of the best options under $500 IMHO.
Posted on 7/15/21 at 9:09 am to Swine Spectator
quote:
I'd recommend a 22" Weber Smokey Mountain. It is one of the best options under $500 IMHO.
I was shopping in the sub $1k range right as covid was setting in last march. I figured I'd be spending more time around the house so time to upgrade my smoker. I was in between a pellet grill/smoker, Backwoods Chubby, or Weber Smokey Mountain/drum smoker. I ended up getting a OK Joe Bronco. It's worked out well and I couldn't be happier with the purchase over a year later.
Offset would be intriguing but wanted something simpler to use at the time. The one's they sell at Buccees seem pretty well made to my novice eye. I don't know the brand/welder name though.
Posted on 7/15/21 at 9:31 am to Swine Spectator
quote:I was told that you cannot do a brisket properly in a kettle smoker. It has to be an offset. This was told to me by the owner of a place that makes the best brisket I've ever had.
If you're not absolutely set on an offset, I'd recommend a 22" Weber Smokey Mountain. It is one of the best options under $500 IMHO.
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