The BBQ Bug Bit Me Hard - Wanna Upgrade!!!
 

I have an 18" WSM and I love it!

.......

But I wanna upgrade to an offset and learn how to use one that the generalised BBQ world uses and loves.

Klose? Lang? Gator pit? Looking for about a budget of $1,000-$1,500

Just using it for backyard family get together and challenge myself with multiple cuts of meat at the same time!

Thanks

Jason

You better go shopping ( craigs List) for a used pit and a Very desperate seller on that budget for those names, add another grand and you can a get new a basic model.

I can dig it that you want to learn a new pit, but a WSM can keep up with anything out there.

I used to have an offset and loved cooking on it. If you can control your fire on an offset, you can cook on anything. Whichever brand you choose, I'm sure you'll love it. Just be aware it's not an upgrade, just different. You already have what a lot of people settle on after trying everything else. Lots of barbecue contests have been won using WSMs.

I just sold my WSM 22 and replaced it with an offset smoker. I read many posts from people going the other way though so don't think of it as an upgrade so much as a learning experience. They are different cookers and both have pros and cons.

If you have space for both then I recommend that you keep your WSM and add an offset smoker to your arsenal. I love my offset smoker but it is not a set it and forget it type of cooker like the WSM. I miss having my WSM in that regard.

However, I absolutely love the flavor I get when cooking solely with wood. Not everyone can taste the difference but to me I think it has a cleaner flavor and the extra effort required to cook on an offset cooker is worth it.

Given your budget, you will have to search for a used pit to get something from the builders you mentioned. There are other pit makers out there that will fit your budget though.

Sounds like you should check this one out!!

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=161611

I have a Klose offset, and though I love it, I feel obliged to cook a large amount of meat when I fire it up. I also have a Kamado style cooker that heats up faster and will do almost the same job, except smaller amounts. If I'm entertaining, I'll fire up the Klose, but if it's just me and my wife, I use the smaller one (most of the time).

Or get WSM 22 for like $400 =)
Or do a double WSM 22 like I did with 2 doors and 4 racks..........

I second this opinion.

I like the Jambo!!

Each one has desirable qualities as stickburners.... yet each design has their own personality and different hot/cold zones.
Whatever you do decide on - get the thickest steel you can buy.

I love my yoder.

Heat management plate is mandatory...

I also agree about cooking with all wood. Much better flavor, and wood is cheaper than charcoal/lump.

Thanks guys, seriously loving the fast replies! I've never seen a forum with so muh fast response it's unbelievable thank you!!

I like the Lang 36" Patio model myself. When I save up $1000 for it, I live close enough to go pick it up which will save several hundred dollars. So, while you're looking there might be a pit maker close to you to save on shipping, but always make sure they're reputable and they know how to build good cookers. Good luck with your search!

This x1000. You won't do better than this in Illinois.