Offset Options Needed From The Experts!

FIREPIT · Dec 30, 2012

Hey everyone,

I'm getting closer to ordering an offset smoker from Gator Pit of Texas and was hoping to get some ideas on options. I'm a novice smoker, I don't compete and I cook for no more than 20 people at a time. The smoker's chamber will be 24 inches wide and maybe 42 inches long. For you offset owners, what options are a must for you? What options do you wish you had or wish you didn't have?

A million thanks in advance,

FIREPIT

gtr · Dec 30, 2012

Get the thickest firebox you can, slide out shelves are great - 2 levels of shelves are great, not sure if a vertical chamber in addition to the horizontal is in the cards for you, but I really like mine.

MilitantSquatter · Dec 30, 2012

agreed on the firebox thickness.

I would not go less than 42" wide.

also, if budget allows get the best casters you can. makes it easier to move around.

also, a ball valve drain if that's not standard.

stainless steel front shelf is nice, otherwise, you could spend a lot of money in foil longer term laying down a long sheet each time out to keep the expanded steel free of mess and drippings when you pull out racks.

superdan · Dec 30, 2012

I cook on a 24x40 party Gator. It is a great pit.
Here's my two cents...
I do not have the upright and don't ever feel like I miss it.
It should come with removable upper shelves in the main.
Just on the main grate I can fit six big butts so feeding a large crew is easy.
I got the expanded metal front shelf that drops down. I like being able to drop the shelf out of the way especially with my kids running around.
I also had him put threaded probe holes on either side which to me is a must. I wouldn't want to close that door on a probe wire...
I also went with a 2" drain. It is nice for cleaning. His ash rake is also nice for scraping the grease down the hole.
I like the removable tuning plates. Klose, I've heard, welds his in place but Ritch does his removable. It is easy to tune to get roughly even temps left to right just don't go crazy trying to make it perfect.
Lastly I got the round fire box with the flat top. I don't use the flat top much but I do use the fact I can open the top of the fire box and put grates in and cook in there. Reverse sear is a breeze.
My only regret was I didn't do an insulated fire box. That would have been awesome I think. Other than that I would get the same pit again.

superdan · Dec 30, 2012

I thought of some more...
I got two door gauges, left and right. They are really only good to see that it is even left to right so I know it's tuned. Like most door gauges it isn't real accurate for grate temp.
I also got a half rib rack. I don't use it that often.

Bludawg · Dec 30, 2012

Log lighter, Ball valve drain, tuning plates,probe ports. Thats my list and I'm stickin to it.

stephan · Dec 30, 2012

Im not an expert [ but I did stay in a Holiday inn once ] get a smoker bigger than the one you want at this time [ you will probably want a larger one in the future ] +1 on the thickest fire box steel you can get, slide out shelves also, again a ball valve drain, stainless outside shelves, and casters, but then again Im spending your money

FIREPIT · Dec 30, 2012

Great suggestions, thanks everyone! Is there a noticeable difference between the 1/4", 1/2" and insulated fire box? I plan on getting tuning plates and a drop down shelf. I might just get the solid metal shelf instead of stainless though, not sure yet. I'll also get the 2" valve and the threaded probe holes sound like a great idea. I'm still debating on the log lighter. Superdan, could you explain the flat top firebox? I've seen Gators with a lid on the round fire boxes but is yours a flattop with the lid on top?

Thanks again!

FIREPIT

BBQ Bandit · Dec 30, 2012

Get as many options, bells and whistles the above have mentioned. Must consider where and how the pit will move from the delivery truck to your intended location. You'll need 8" wheels, a few thick plywood boards to lay down across the lawn, and additional muscle to guide. The pit in question will be in the neighborhood of 1,000 lbs.

24 X 48 chamber, 1/2" firebox (will add significant weight and heat retention properties), side vertical chamber, sliding shelves, ball valve.

Enjoy for many many years.

FIREPIT · Dec 30, 2012

BBQ Bandit said:
Get as many options, bells and whistles the above have mentioned. Must consider where and how the pit will move from the delivery truck to your intended location. You'll need 8" wheels, a few thick plywood boards to lay down across the lawn, and additional muscle to guide. The pit in question will be in the neighborhood of 1,000 lbs.

24 X 48 chamber, 1/2" firebox (will add significant weight and heat retention properties), side vertical chamber, sliding shelves, ball valve.

Enjoy for many many years.

Thanks for the suggestions! I plan on driving to Houston and picking up the smoker myself. I live in the country and I'll be able to unload it with a tractor. The weight does bring up a great point. Do you think 1000 lbs. with 8" casters will be too heavy for a flagstone patio?

BBQ Bandit · Dec 30, 2012

Something of a prepared surface - sitting on 2 ft. square paver blocks on the grass - no problem.

If you don't - the wheels will sink into the soft ground, tilt, and flop over like a wounded animal.
(Happened to somebody we know).

bbqbull · Dec 30, 2012

superdan said:
I like the removable tuning plates. Klose, I've heard, welds his in place but Ritch does his removable. It is easy to tune to get roughly even temps left to right just don't go crazy trying to make it perfect.
Lastly I got the round fire box with the flat top. I don't use the flat top much but I do use the fact I can open the top of the fire box and put grates in and cook in there. Reverse sear is a breeze.
My only regret was I didn't do an insulated fire box. That would have been awesome I think. Other than that I would get the same pit again.

I have a Klose 30" X 8 foot long mobile pit. I have the tuning plates and they all are removable on mine. I also got the stainless steel wood/fire rack with the insulated fire box. When this monster is up to heated up with 400 # of pork but it requires a chunk of log every hour to hour and a half. I got everything else Dave suggested except for the s/steel shelf. I still kick myself in the arse every time I use it. :thumb:

superdan · Dec 30, 2012

Here's my firebox. The removable cooking grate I like. The flat top, not so much. I've heard round boxes don't rust as easy cuz they're easier to clean out and not leave ash in the corners.

FIREPIT · Dec 30, 2012

bbqbull said:
I have a Klose 30" X 8 foot long mobile pit. I have the tuning plates and they all are removable on mine. I also got the stainless steel wood/fire rack with the insulated fire box. When this monster is up to heated up with 400 # of pork but it requires a chunk of log every hour to hour and a half. I got everything else Dave suggested except for the s/steel shelf. I still kick myself in the arse every time I use it. :thumb:

Thanks for the suggestions! According to everyone, it seems that a stainless steel shelf is the way to go. I'm still debating on a 1/2" firebox or an insulated one. Decisions, decisions.....

FIREPIT · Dec 30, 2012

superdan said:
Here's my firebox. The removable cooking grate I like. The flat top, not so much. I've heard round boxes don't rust as easy cuz they're easier to clean out and not leave ash in the corners.

Thanks for the pics! That's a nice pit! What do you not like about the flat top?

I'm really having trouble deciding on a firebox for my future Gator.
My choices (as of now) are:

1. Round Firebox with a grilling door like yours
2. Round Firebox with a square non-opening griddle top like Daryl Cincy's
3. Round Firebox with a square/flat grilling door on top (like Pits by JJ)

BTW, would a griddle top be effective on a 1/2" firebox or an insulated firebox?

BBQ Bandit · Dec 30, 2012

Go for the hinged flat top... and ask for the grilling option.

My Klose pit has a hidden grilling grate inside the firebox (under the lid).
Keep the lid flat for warming purposes, too.

Swamp Donkeyz BBQ · Dec 30, 2012

Enough counter space, so you don't have to worry about dropping a pan while opening the door and I wish I had sliding shelves.

superdan · Dec 30, 2012

I wouldn't really say I don't like it, I just don't use it much. As long as you can grill in that firebox you're good!

FIREPIT · Jan 1, 2013

Thanks all for the great advice! I'm not "as" confused as I was a couple of days ago, lol. I'm ordering the Party Gator and the options I'm definitely going with are:

24"
Tuning Plates
Gas Assist
Probe Ports
SS Drop Down Shelf
Birdhouse Smokestack
Large Locking Casters
Charcoal Basket

Options I'm still debating on are:

Fire Box Size, Thickness, Shape
Cooking Chamber Length
Counter Weight on Single Door

Thanks again for all the help!

DarylCincy · Jan 1, 2013

I'm ordering the Party Gator and the options I'm definitely going with are:

24"
Tuning Plates
Gas Assist
Probe Ports
SS Drop Down Shelf
Birdhouse Smokestack
Large Locking Casters
Charcoal Basket

Options I'm still debating on are:

Fire Box Size, Thickness, Shape
Cooking Chamber Length
Counter Weight on Single Door

Thanks again for all the help![/QUOTE]

I would go 24"x 24" on a round firebox with a 48" length cooking chamber.
If you go say 40" to 44" cooking chamber I would go alitte shorter on the firebox say 20" for the 40" and 22" for the 42-44".
I did not mention before about the door counter weight, yes if I had it to do over yes on that counter weight.
You may have metioned before about front shelf ? Wider is better 12",13" or 14" wide is what you want, 10"or 11" not wide enought.
Wheels the five inch now standard may work just fine for you, the only reason I went with the 8 inch locking wheels was that I knew I was going to have to push it around the block when I moved and locking because it originally was on a driveway with a grade to could have rolled down, now that I've moved and its on a flat concrete slab I really dont need the bigger locking wheels.

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