Smoker Preferences for Catering

[txschutte]

I have been cooking on the large reverse flow for a while. Even some on the drum for catering/vending. The reverse flow is getting to be a PIA when I have so much going on. It's more of a "kick back and relax" sort of cooker.
I noticed many use the Southern Pride smokers, but every place I have been to, the food is marginal at best. I need to go a larger, more efficient smoker. But I WON'T sacrifice quality while doing so.

What would you do in my situation?

 

[smokinit]

I use Backwoods for all my catering long burn times and turns out a great product. There are many different sizes as you business grows. Add a guru and life is just that much easier. They also have auto gas options to add more versatility.

 

[blues_n_cues]

I use Backwoods for all my catering long burn times and turns out a great product. There are many different sizes as you business grows. Add a guru and life is just that much easier.

that was my suggestion too.

 

[HoDeDo]

FEC-300/500

They are pellet fired, and produce killer food. Ultimate in ease of use/volume.... but produces great BBQ to boot.

 

[armor]

Look at the Spicewine by Spicewine Ironworks

 

[getyourrubonbbq]

I know it will vary, but how much meat are you cooking at one time usually?

 

[FlCracker]

I use a spicwine.A fiend of mine has a large spicewine and converted it to gas ,works great.He can still use carcoal by sliding the burner out and puutting the charcoal tray back in.

 

[FatBoyz]

I have been cooking on the large reverse flow for a while. Even some on the drum for catering/vending. The reverse flow is getting to be a PIA when I have so much going on. It's more of a "kick back and relax" sort of cooker.
I noticed many use the Southern Pride smokers, but every place I have been to, the food is marginal at best. I need to go a larger, more efficient smoker. But I WON'T sacrifice quality while doing so.

What would you do in my situation?

ok so quality we know your not doing brisket lol all i know is my consistency is there with the pellet pooper.

 

[barbefunkoramaque]

I, for one, don't think there is a wrong or right smoker. This is a dangerous question from Shane. I hope we don't get into a fight. We need to be careful as that is not what this forum is all about, its about loving relations with our brethren. We should all reach around to get along with each other.

I mean smokers are irrelevant in Texas where he have BOTH liquid smoke for a marinade for brisket and Big Red Soda for the smoke ring. Throw it in a crock pot and its so tender. Then all you need is to pour Hunts Original BBQ sauce all over it and send it through the Food processor and it will spread on, provided there's enough sauce added, a nice ritz cracker like liverwurst.

 

[Rightstuff]

I mean smokers are irrelevant in Texas.

Yeah! They rub two sticks together to start their fires and slow cook the meat for 12 days holding over the fire with their bare fingers and don't sleep the entire 12 days. :-D:-D:-D

 

[smokinit]

I think what he is trying to figure out as I did when I first started my catering business is what will produce a good product and allow me time to run and increase my business with out constant pit watching. I started out with a Lang 84 and quickly found it didn't fit what I wanted to do. There are many pits that will fit his application he just needs to find what will work best and grow with him.

 

[barbefunkoramaque]

Yeah! They rub two sticks together to start their fires and slow cook the meat for 12 days holding over the fire with their bare fingers and don't sleep the entire 12 days. :-D:-D:-D

:icon_shy

 

[barbefunkoramaque]

Shane... the more square or rectangular your pit is, the happier you will be.

 

[Rightstuff]

I think what he is trying to figure out as I did when I first started my catering business is what will produce a good product and allow me time to run and increase my business with out constant pit watching. I started out with a Lang 84 and quickly found it didn't fit what I wanted to do. There are many pits that will fit his application he just needs to find what will work best and grow with him.

BBQ Joint in Atlanta had 2 Langs and did a booming business. Business increassed so much the Langs just wouldn't handle the load. They purchased 2 Ole Hickory Smokers and still put out the best BBQ in Atlanta. Give them a call. Its Fox Brothers BBQ in Atlanta and ask for Jonathon.

 

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

If I had the need, and had the money I think I would go either with a fec 300/500 or a large spicewine. Lots of folks on the site use one or the other of these and i've never read a bad word about them. The FEC would be the ultimate in set it and forget it, but the spicewine might be cheaper (not sure). The Spicewine would feel more traditional to me if that matters at all to you (might not).

For a pure business related purchase looking to get no personal bbq therapy from the smoker I can't see a better cooker than the FEC line.

 

[smokinit]

The Fec built into a custom trailer will probably also be my final purchase in a few years. Great product once I need that capacity.

 

[Divemaster]

So you are getting Wyatt a new smoker??? (duck and cover mod)

I guess I would have to lean toward a pooper, beyond that, I don't have a recommendation.

 

[big brother smoke]

Shane, make sure you understand your customer base before purchasing anything. Are they wanting a show or not? (stickburners are part of the show, pellet poopers or cabinet smokers may be disappointing to your client base). In my neck of the woods, we do not get a lot of request for brisket; tri-tip is the mainstay here for beef.

 

[Divemaster]

Shane, make sure you understand your customer base before purchasing anything. Are they wanting a show or not? (stickburners are part of the show, pellet poopers or cabinet smokers may be disappointing to your client base). In my neck of the woods, we do not get a lot of request for brisket; tri-tip is the mainstay here for beef.

I must admit for some reason my customers do like watching me toss more wood in the box....

 

[smokinit]

Shane, make sure you understand your customer base before purchasing anything. Are they wanting a show or not? (stickburners are part of the show, pellet poopers or cabinet smokers may be disappointing to your client base). In my neck of the woods, we do not get a lot of request for brisket; tri-tip is the mainstay here for beef.

Never had a client complain about the service because of the lack of a show. The smell has done it for all of them. It doesn't seem practical to buy something that costs more to run and takes more time to use especial as you business grows. Just my thoughts.