Reverse flow or not?

I was torn on this one for a long time. Did a lot of reading and a lot of research. It boils down to preference. I well built stick burner with tuning plates will be just as efficient as a reverse flow. Came down for me thickness of the metal and if the firebox was insulated.

I looked at Lang, JohnsonSmokers,Jambo, R&O, Gator, and a few others. Ended up deciding on an R&O. Reasons were:

1. Lang never returned my calls or my emails
2. Local - JohnsonSmokers, Jambo, R&O, Gator all in Texas.
3. In the end Firebox efficiency and flow of heat won out over the reverse flow.
4. Price - more bang for my buck. Saw a Jambo/R&O/Gator in person. All are quality built. R&O though had pricing that saved me a bit of money. I actually finalize my order next week with them ...

Again though - each has their own opinion and preference.

Gerry

I don't think you can go wrong with either offset or reverse flow. The RF really reduces the hot spots and temp differences between one side of the pit and the other. I personally don't think the variation is such a bad thing though. Say you want do ribs that are low and slow and a bird at a higher temp- you just place the meat in the area on the offset that have the corresponding temp.

That's a frequent topic... here's a few threads on it.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150816
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129617
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126796
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122296

Since you are inquiring about a 500 gallon monster - drop a line and PM a Brethren member '5-0 BBQ' and he'll fill you in.