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Recommend me an offset smoker

Posted on 7/25/20 at 8:33 am
Posted by Mouth
Member since Jan 2008
20969 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 8:33 am
I’ve researched the Old Country but it seems to have welding and sealing issues due to poor craftsmanship. But it looks like a great deal.

I also like the Oklahoma Joe Highland bc it has better reviews. Some say it rusts really quick which can be expected and embraced, but I don’t want it falling apart.

I will be strictly using chopped oak for fire and not charcoal.
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
15120 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 9:04 am to
Can't recommend one since I don't own one but do have 2 smokers, one bullet type and the other homemade.

The problem I see with mass produced smokers by a lot of companies out there is the same as what you are reading about. Cheaply made, don't seal well, too light metal used, leading to them not lasting as long.

I've looked into some small companies that specialize in offset smokers and it comes down to how much you really want to spend. You would be hard pressed to find a good smoker for less than $1500+ if made by one of those companies. But they do use heavier steel and pay more attention to detail.

I'll be following this thread.
This post was edited on 7/25/20 at 9:05 am
Posted by Mouth
Member since Jan 2008
20969 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 9:13 am to
That’s exactly my findings as well. I have a pellet smoker but I really want to get into stick smoking.

I’ve seen many YouTube videos with modifications on both the models in my OP that really help make them quality smokers when finished. Probably all in for about $400-$500 after mod purchases.
Posted by lacajun069
franklinton
Member since Sep 2008
2089 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 9:29 am to
Lang out of Georgia, or Country Built Allens Welding out of Shreveport. Allen has FB page and Youtube channel..

Higher dollar pits
Lonestarz Grill
Gator Pits
Pitmaster

399.00 for Old Country Pecos
$999.00 for Brazos your best deal though
Posted by Mouth
Member since Jan 2008
20969 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 9:51 am to
shite. How did I miss the old country Brazos.

For $1000 that seems like a steal. Just watched a review and that thing is built to last.

I may be switching gears here. Thanks.
Posted by IlikeyouBetty
Bossier City, LA
Member since Nov 2010
1251 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 10:09 am to
Jambo Pits
Posted by LSU Tiger Bob
South
Member since Sep 2011
3002 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 5:10 pm to
Klose. Custom made in Houston Tx. My favorite pit on the patio is a 20x48. Built in 2007.
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
15120 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 6:42 pm to
quote:

$999.00 for Brazos your best deal though


I checked that one out and Academy handles them but around N.O. they seem to be out of stock.

Check out the delivery fee if you need to order one. Looks to be $299 shipping and delivery, but the damn thing is well over 300 lbs.


ETA: Looks like they may have some in stock at their Covington store from the website information.
This post was edited on 7/25/20 at 6:46 pm
Posted by patnuh
South LA
Member since Sep 2005
6717 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 7:10 pm to
If you watch Aaron Franklin on YouTube, he is smoking on an old country in his backyard. I think he bought it for the series just to show you don’t need a $1k smoker to make good bbq. He may have moved the thermometer on it.
Posted by TigerRealtor
Member since Sep 2013
238 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 9:31 pm to
quote:

Klose. Custom made in Houston Tx. My favorite pit on the patio is a 20x48. Built in 2007
quote:

Klose. Custom made in Houston Tx. My favorite pit on the patio is a 20x48. Built in 2007


I’ve got one also. They’re amazing.
Posted by Earthquake 88
Mobile
Member since Jan 2010
3011 posts
Posted on 7/25/20 at 10:21 pm to
I would buy a Horizon. The owner of the company built the original heavy duty Oklahoma Joe’s. He sold Oklahoma Joe I think over 20 years or more ago and they were cheapened up and mass produced. I have a friend that owns a Horizon and it’s built like an Army tank. There is a lifetime guarantee that it won’t rust through the bottom. Other posters above gave you the name of some expert grill and smoker craftsman. The main thing I see in common is the truly great smoker you desire is going to cost you and the elite ones are made in America. You get what you pay for.

LINK

LINK
Posted by GoAwayImBaitn
On an island in the marsh
Member since Jul 2018
2141 posts
Posted on 7/26/20 at 8:42 am to
This might not be a popular opinion but you can find some heavy built smokers at the Angola Prison Rodeo for the money
Posted by OTIS2
NoLA
Member since Jul 2008
50121 posts
Posted on 7/26/20 at 8:54 am to
I have the Old Country Angus model. Been using it @ 17 years. Works fine.
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
15120 posts
Posted on 7/26/20 at 9:38 am to
quote:

This might not be a popular opinion but you can find some heavy built smokers at the Angola Prison Rodeo for the money



I've only been to the Prison Rodeo once and it was a hoot. And you're right about them having some very nice crafted items for good prices.
Posted by TXT
Member since Oct 2019
24 posts
Posted on 7/26/20 at 12:12 pm to
There is nothing better than this: LINK /

If you go for the all stainless option, it will last a lifetime and pass on to you heirs.
Posted by Junky
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2005
8375 posts
Posted on 7/27/20 at 8:17 am to
The brazos is good, the great part about Academy is you can look at all they have a choose which or if you want to buy.

Don't overlook craigslist and Facebook marketplace. You can find a deal if you're not in a rush. Usually a $35 harbor freight angle grinder and some high heat paint are all that is needed to freshen one up.

Just make sure it is at least 1/4" steel for heat retention.
This post was edited on 7/27/20 at 8:18 am
Posted by TH03
Mogadishu
Member since Dec 2008
171036 posts
Posted on 7/27/20 at 12:24 pm to
quote:

I’ve researched the Old Country but it seems to have welding and sealing issues due to poor craftsmanship. But it looks like a great deal.

I also like the Oklahoma Joe Highland bc it has better reviews.


This is the opposite imo.

OK Joe’s are in a box and you have to put it together. You will not have a good seal at the firebox/cooking chamber connection unless you use a good high heat RTV sealant when putting it together. The old country is an all weld design so as long as you inspect in person before buying, you’ll have no issues with the seals. I got the old country pecos at academy for $399 and through about 10 or so cooks, I’ve had zero issues with leaks.

I researched for about a month before buying, and came to the conclusion that unless I was going to spend $1000+ on something like a Yoder, the Old Country was the best in the sub $500 range. You’d have to spend $100-200 in mods to make the OK Joe comparable to it based on everything people were saying on the 2 big BBQ forums.
Posted by TH03
Mogadishu
Member since Dec 2008
171036 posts
Posted on 7/27/20 at 12:31 pm to
quote:

shite. How did I miss the old country Brazos.

For $1000 that seems like a steal.


Yeah if you’re in that price range, look at that, Lang, and Yoder as well as custom options.

Also, old country sells a couple different lines on their website direct. 3/16th and 1/4” pits in that price range. Supposed to be much higher quality than what they make for academy.

LINK
Posted by Tiger Ryno
#WoF
Member since Feb 2007
103069 posts
Posted on 7/27/20 at 12:36 pm to
Yoder 1500 would be my choice. Incredible build quality.
Posted by CaptSpaulding
Member since Feb 2012
6505 posts
Posted on 7/27/20 at 12:42 pm to
Can’t speak to offsets but I’ve never used a single Oklahoma Joe product that hasn’t been complete garbage. I wouldn’t ever buy a grill or smoker from them.
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