UDS.. a downgrade? - Page 2

SmittyJonz · 08-30-2013, 08:24 AM

I have a UDS and love it but if I could afford it Id have one of the cabinet smokers FOR SURE

The main drawback to UDS is access when cooking Multiple meat varieties - pulling grates full of meats to get to meat below SUCKS - of course having Multiple UDS's would solve that.

peeps · 08-30-2013, 08:26 AM

Maybe I'm missing something, but why not just put some money into the offset to get it to perform as you expect?

SmittyJonz · 08-30-2013, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peeps

Maybe I'm missing something, but why not just put some money into the offset to get it to perform as you expect?

He doesn't want to "Tend" the fire or babysit it....... I've left for 4-5 hrs during a Brisket cook on my UDS.( during an 8 hr semi Hot n Fast cook even).

peeps · 08-30-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmittyJonz

He doesn't want to "Tend" the fire or babysit it....... I've left for 4-5 hrs during a Brisket cook on my UDS.( during an 8 hr semi Hot n Fast cook even).

But perhaps he could fix that with a better setup in his firebox, like adding a charcoal basket.

jlane · 08-30-2013, 09:07 AM

If you plan on cooking year round, I'd really look into the insulated cabinets.

Fwismoker · 08-30-2013, 09:47 AM

If someone wants a true set it and forget it charcoal cooker that produces the best flavor it's a UDS with a Guru or IQ. Sure they hold temp great with out the controller but they are sure are nice with.

DownHomeQue · 08-30-2013, 11:20 AM

Pic of said offset would be nice! lol

nopantsdan · 08-30-2013, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DownHomeQue

Pic of said offset would be nice! lol

don't have too many pics of the smoker straight on. this one was from the side, early on my offset career...before i understood enough about tending the a hot smaller fire, then controlling a big fire. still shows a lot of the leaking around the cooking chamber. i did try red rtv - but the gap is quite big and couldn't get it to work. if the leak is that bad, and you all would agree that it would effect my cooking experience, i will look into a different way to seal it up.

tons of good information guys! i found a reseller of barrels not to far from my location, and am looking on craigslist for weber parts.

i think you gave me the information i was looking for. i got the holiday weekend to think about my choices and read any more suggestions you all may have!

thanks again guys!

DownHomeQue · 08-30-2013, 04:21 PM

those handles are really nice.. keep that offset and add to the family.. That little bit of gap can be fixed with some RTV Rope Gasket and High temp silicone in about an hour.. Really its no big deal..

funugy · 08-30-2013, 04:23 PM

My suggestion is to build 1 UDS and keep your offset. Try the UDS for a bit, and if you like it as much as the rest of us do, then build the 2nd. If you don't like it you won't be out big bucks.

peeps · 08-30-2013, 11:08 PM

Love that handle! Hook 'em!!! \m/

mikeleonard81 · 08-30-2013, 11:18 PM

Try high temp felt to seal that leak. If it leaks more in one are than another judt add a second layer to that spot if you need it. Great looking smoker btw! She's a keeper!

nopantsdan · 09-07-2013, 09:02 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Took a week to find a weber 22.5 on Craigslist, but I finally got one. Monday I'm making a drive to pickup an unlined drum.

I'm searching on this website and Google trying to find resources or helpful tips for the UDS. If you know of any resources that stick out, let me know!

borzwazie · 09-07-2013, 09:36 AM

we have a gigantic thread here about the UDS. you won't be sorry, the UDS just sits there holding temps all day with nary a problem.

you'll want two cooking grates for sure. I would strongly recommend a heat deflector, but that's as simple as hanging a big tinfoil turkey pan off the bottom grate.

you'll wonder why you ever bothered with an offset.

J-Rod · 09-07-2013, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeleonard81

Who says you have to get rid of the off set? why can't you keep it and the 2 UDS?

DING DING DING!! There's you're real problem right there! No one here will understand your statement because most of us have backyards full of cookers. Different tools for different jobs.

Couple points-

If you obsess about temps, you'll love a UDS. They come standard with "cruise control"

IMO Keep the offset if you like it and build a UDS and try it. As far as an UDS being an attention grabber, don't worry you'll still have many people marveling at the tasty Q that came out of well, an oil drum.

Oh and build the UDS coal basket with provisions to place it up near the cook grate for grilling. Makes the cooker much more versatile.

08-30-2013, 08:26 AM	#17
peeps somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-09-13 Location: Round Rock, TX	Maybe I'm missing something, but why not just put some money into the offset to get it to perform as you expect? __________________ - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Earl [/COLOR][/B]- My Custom Vertical Offset Smoker by AJ's Custom Cookers ([URL="http://bit.ly/1gelc9M"]build link[/URL]) - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Colt[/COLOR][/B] - Superior SS-2 w/ DigiQ DXII- Courtesy of Gainesville Jaycees and Superior Smokers - [B]Weber Kettle 22.5 OTG[/B] w/ Craycort Cast Iron Grates - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Major[/COLOR][/B] - Mini WSM (from SJS) [B][COLOR="Blue"]Certified IMBAS MOINK Baller![/COLOR][/B] ([URL="http://bit.ly/1lr5cKx"]Certificate of Authenticity[/URL]) / [B][COLOR="Blue"]Join the fun in the [URL="http://bit.ly/1ew3H57"]Throwdowns[/URL]![/COLOR][/B]

08-30-2013, 09:47 AM	#21
Fwismoker somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-22-13 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana	If someone wants a true set it and forget it charcoal cooker that produces the best flavor it's a UDS with a Guru or IQ. Sure they hold temp great with out the controller but they are sure are nice with. __________________ Change the way you rotisserie for the BETTER![COLOR="Red"][B]Cajun Bandit Kits for your WSM or Weber Kettle Now Available![/B][/COLOR] Visit [COLOR="Red"]OctoForks[/COLOR] in Sales & Ventures Website & Blog: [url]www.octoforks.com[/url]

08-30-2013, 11:20 AM	#22
DownHomeQue is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-11-12 Location: Jonesboro. AR Name/Nickname : DHQ	Pic of said offset would be nice! lol __________________ [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243527[/URL] 150 Gallon Build (2017) [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148660[/URL] 250 Gallon Offset Build (2012) [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211078[/URL] 600 Gallon Offset Build (2016)

08-30-2013, 04:21 PM	#24
DownHomeQue is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-11-12 Location: Jonesboro. AR Name/Nickname : DHQ	those handles are really nice.. keep that offset and add to the family.. That little bit of gap can be fixed with some RTV Rope Gasket and High temp silicone in about an hour.. Really its no big deal.. __________________ [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243527[/URL] 150 Gallon Build (2017) [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148660[/URL] 250 Gallon Offset Build (2012) [URL]http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211078[/URL] 600 Gallon Offset Build (2016)

08-30-2013, 11:08 PM	#26
peeps somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-09-13 Location: Round Rock, TX	Love that handle! Hook 'em!!! \m/ __________________ - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Earl [/COLOR][/B]- My Custom Vertical Offset Smoker by AJ's Custom Cookers ([URL="http://bit.ly/1gelc9M"]build link[/URL]) - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Colt[/COLOR][/B] - Superior SS-2 w/ DigiQ DXII- Courtesy of Gainesville Jaycees and Superior Smokers - [B]Weber Kettle 22.5 OTG[/B] w/ Craycort Cast Iron Grates - [B][COLOR="darkorange"]Major[/COLOR][/B] - Mini WSM (from SJS) [B][COLOR="Blue"]Certified IMBAS MOINK Baller![/COLOR][/B] ([URL="http://bit.ly/1lr5cKx"]Certificate of Authenticity[/URL]) / [B][COLOR="Blue"]Join the fun in the [URL="http://bit.ly/1ew3H57"]Throwdowns[/URL]![/COLOR][/B]

08-30-2013, 08:24 AM	#16
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	I have a UDS and love it but if I could afford it Id have one of the cabinet smokers FOR SURE The main drawback to UDS is access when cooking Multiple meat varieties - pulling grates full of meats to get to meat below SUCKS - of course having Multiple UDS's would solve that.

08-30-2013, 09:07 AM	#20
jlane Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 06-01-11 Location: Saint Louis MO	If you plan on cooking year round, I'd really look into the insulated cabinets.

08-30-2013, 04:23 PM	#25
funugy Take a breath! Join Date: 05-21-12 Location: Oak Harbor, WA	My suggestion is to build 1 UDS and keep your offset. Try the UDS for a bit, and if you like it as much as the rest of us do, then build the 2nd. If you don't like it you won't be out big bucks.

08-30-2013, 11:18 PM	#27
mikeleonard81 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 12-11-12 Location: kettering. ohio	Try high temp felt to seal that leak. If it leaks more in one are than another judt add a second layer to that spot if you need it. Great looking smoker btw! She's a keeper!

09-07-2013, 09:02 AM	#28
nopantsdan Got Wood. Join Date: 03-26-13 Location: denver, co	Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Took a week to find a weber 22.5 on Craigslist, but I finally got one. Monday I'm making a drive to pickup an unlined drum. I'm searching on this website and Google trying to find resources or helpful tips for the UDS. If you know of any resources that stick out, let me know!

09-07-2013, 09:36 AM	#29
borzwazie Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 04-07-11 Location: Ellwood City, PA	we have a gigantic thread here about the UDS. you won't be sorry, the UDS just sits there holding temps all day with nary a problem. you'll want two cooking grates for sure. I would strongly recommend a heat deflector, but that's as simple as hanging a big tinfoil turkey pan off the bottom grate. you'll wonder why you ever bothered with an offset.