[jt]

With the shipping involved I understand why you're wanting to make the right decision. Let me put it this way - the Kingfisher looks like a nice unit but less capacity than the Bandera. Now I don't have personal experience with the Kingfisher but I would think you'd have a hotspot next to the firebox. This will limit you somewhat and you've only got 24" to play with. I didn't read too deeply on the site - how thick is the steel? If it's not going to hold heat any better then I'd go for the Bandera. I currently feed 3 people although I typically invite friends over when I'm smoking. The way I figure it is if I'm gonna spend all day smoking a butt or a brisket then I'm gonna do 2 or 4 or whatever it takes to fill up the beast. Then I just freeze what I don't eat that day. BBQ is great reheated.

On the other hand if you want a small set it and forget it smoker, the WSM is the way to go. 2 racks, holds temps a long time, etc etc etc. I plan on having one of these sometime so I can satisfy both my urge to smoke and appease my wife by not spending all day tending the pit.

Wanna spend $600? Get the Bandera AND the WSM. Best of both worlds.