Brinkmann Square Vertical

KuradiEit · 03-06-2011, 10:56 AM

At only $70 from Home Depot, the Brinkmann Heavy-Duty Square Vertical Smoker http://www.brinkmann.net/products/ou...tem=810-5503-S appears to be a screaming bargain.

Is it really?

According to reviews I've read online, the charcoal tray needs to be modified or replaced with something vented and the single-door model had issues with its hinges. But this is a (redesigned?) TWO-door model -- one for the fire/water and the other for the food. Easy access! On paper, the two-door system seems like an intelligent design. What do you think, is it? Compare it to bullets and eggs that need to be taken half apart to access whatever is on the lower rack. Having to do that strikes me as a rather glaring design flaw, yet we still hold units like the WSM in very high regard.

Unfortunately, my local Home Depots do not stock the square Brinkmann. I would have to special order and buy it sight unseen just to be able to see, feel and scrutinize it.

What do you all know of this square smoker? Unlike the other (round) ECBs, it doesn't seem to be very popular. Why not? Is it simply overlooked? Or is it fatally flawed?

Thanks,
~Kai

Callahan-que · 03-06-2011, 12:55 PM

That same smoker is available and in stock at all of the Walmarts around here where I live. If I were you I'd find one where you can look it over real good.

capnrob97 · 03-06-2011, 01:09 PM

I have it, only cooked on it one time so far.

I replaced the charcoal pan with the grill top wok (which serves as a charcoal basket). The one I bought at Academy for $14 fits perfect.

It is thin gauge metal, but for the price, works well enough. I got the split door version, I have seen a single door version as well, but I like the split one better.

KuradiEit · 03-06-2011, 01:28 PM

I'll go take a look at it tomorrow. My local Walmart claims to have it in stock.

Most of the reviews at the Walmart website had the same complaint -- that it wouldn't get up to temperature due to the poorly designed solid coal tray. As I already mentioned, that issue can be remedied by either drilling holes in the original or replacing it with something like square grill wok. Someone suggested long bolts as legs.

Some also complained of the leaky doors. According to other reviews I'd read... Temporary fix = aluminum foil at the edges. Permanent fix = I don't remember what it's called but it's rope-like caulking made for fireplaces.

Whether or not this particular model is "chintzy," I still wonder why this design with the easy-access doors hasn't caught on. Would it be a more successful design than the bullets/eggs if it were of a higher quality?

campdude · 03-06-2011, 01:33 PM

The steel is very thin. I think my ECB has heavier steel and it's cheaper, if that's what you're looking for.

KuradiEit · 03-06-2011, 01:56 PM

No, I'm not looking for cheap. I only pointed out its price because it is comparable to ECBs.

I'm mostly wondering why the "vault" design hasn't caught on. It SEEMS like a smarter design than the bullet/egg designs because the doors allow quick and easy access instead of having to take off the lid, set it down somewhere safe, remove the top grate/food and then set them down someplace safe to get to whatever is on the lower grate.

If the ones with the doors were of better quality (thicker metal, better coal tray, better doors, etc) would they be as popular as the top-access verticals? Or is there some kind of inherent flaw in their shape/design? And if not, why haven't more manufacturers gone in that direction? Top-access seems unnecessarily difficult.
~Kai

Callahan-que · 03-06-2011, 02:21 PM

Matbe you should should take a look at something like this http://www.academy.com/index.php?pag...&lnkSRC=HMR2P2 I was looking at this yesturday and was getting really excited (my wife wasn't however)

capnrob97 · 03-06-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J'ville Grill

Matbe you should should take a look at something like this http://www.academy.com/index.php?pag...&lnkSRC=HMR2P2 I was looking at this yesturday and was getting really excited (my wife wasn't however)

I bought that one at the Academy on Atlantic 3 or so weeks ago.

I really like it.

KuradiEit · 03-06-2011, 03:14 PM

Edited to fix something DUMB that I said: That Academy is nice but as an offset firebox unit, it's not a WATER smoker, right?

Sorry, guys, I phrased my initial question poorly. I used the Brinkmann as an example of the design and marveled at its low price. I'm *NOT* looking to buy one.

I am questioning whether the split door "vault" design isn't smarter than the top-access smokers and why manufacturers/consumers don't seem to have embraced the idea. Why are top-access vertical smokers more popular?

For example, if the Brinkmann's design were made as well as a WSM (and priced accordingly) would it give the ever-popular WSM a run for its money?
~Kai

FreeRange · 05-01-2011, 07:57 PM

I just modified my UltraCheap Brinkmann Square Vertical by using a grill wok like

to use as a charcoal pan. I used 1/4 bolt and nuts to hold it off the bottom of the grill. The holes are large enough to let the ash fall through and increases airflow. I'm using a small baking sheet underneath to catch the ash for easier clean up. First use on baby backs today. Seems to burn at 225 to 250 quite a bit easier.

FreeRange · 05-01-2011, 07:58 PM

Sorry, can't seem to post my pics. Help...

Muzzlebrake · 05-01-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KuradiEit

Edited to fix something DUMB that I said: That Academy is nice but as an offset firebox unit, it's not a WATER smoker, right?

Sorry, guys, I phrased my initial question poorly. I used the Brinkmann as an example of the design and marveled at its low price. I'm *NOT* looking to buy one.

I am questioning whether the split door "vault" design isn't smarter than the top-access smokers and why manufacturers/consumers don't seem to have embraced the idea. Why are top-access vertical smokers more popular?

For example, if the Brinkmann's design were made as well as a WSM (and priced accordingly) would it give the ever-popular WSM a run for its money?
~Kai

it is a water smoker, it has a water pan in the bottom of the smoke chamber. It's the classic "bandera" design which was the cooker that started this whole brethren thing. They have been made by a couple of different companies over the years including the sought after New Braunfels and the Brinkmann BKSD left hand model.
If you are interested in one, we might be able to work something out....

03-06-2011, 10:56 AM	#1
KuradiEit Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 03-05-11 Location: Poconos, PA	Brinkmann Square Vertical At only $70 from Home Depot, the Brinkmann Heavy-Duty Square Vertical Smoker http://www.brinkmann.net/products/ou...tem=810-5503-S appears to be a screaming bargain. Is it really? According to reviews I've read online, the charcoal tray needs to be modified or replaced with something vented and the single-door model had issues with its hinges. But this is a (redesigned?) TWO-door model -- one for the fire/water and the other for the food. Easy access! On paper, the two-door system seems like an intelligent design. What do you think, is it? Compare it to bullets and eggs that need to be taken half apart to access whatever is on the lower rack. Having to do that strikes me as a rather glaring design flaw, yet we still hold units like the WSM in very high regard. Unfortunately, my local Home Depots do not stock the square Brinkmann. I would have to special order and buy it sight unseen just to be able to see, feel and scrutinize it. What do you all know of this square smoker? Unlike the other (round) ECBs, it doesn't seem to be very popular. Why not? Is it simply overlooked? Or is it fatally flawed? Thanks, ~Kai

03-06-2011, 12:55 PM	#2
Callahan-que Babbling Farker Join Date: 11-18-10 Location: Callahan Fl Name/Nickname : Rick	That same smoker is available and in stock at all of the Walmarts around here where I live. If I were you I'd find one where you can look it over real good. __________________ Rick

03-06-2011, 01:33 PM	#5
campdude Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-04-10 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA	The steel is very thin. I think my ECB has heavier steel and it's cheaper, if that's what you're looking for. __________________ Used to have more stuff... thinned the herd Happy with what I have Life is good

03-06-2011, 02:21 PM	#7
Callahan-que Babbling Farker Join Date: 11-18-10 Location: Callahan Fl Name/Nickname : Rick	Matbe you should should take a look at something like this http://www.academy.com/index.php?pag...&lnkSRC=HMR2P2 I was looking at this yesturday and was getting really excited (my wife wasn't however) __________________ Rick

03-06-2011, 03:14 PM	#9
KuradiEit Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 03-05-11 Location: Poconos, PA	Edited to fix something DUMB that I said: That Academy is nice but as an offset firebox unit, it's not a WATER smoker, right? Sorry, guys, I phrased my initial question poorly. I used the Brinkmann as an example of the design and marveled at its low price. I'm NOT looking to buy one. I am questioning whether the split door "vault" design isn't smarter than the top-access smokers and why manufacturers/consumers don't seem to have embraced the idea. Why are top-access vertical smokers more popular? For example, if the Brinkmann's design were made as well as a WSM (and priced accordingly) would it give the ever-popular WSM a run for its money? ~Kai Last edited by KuradiEit; 03-06-2011 at 03:35 PM.. Reason: poor wording, clarification

03-06-2011, 01:09 PM	#3
capnrob97 On the road to being a farker Join Date: 02-16-11 Location: Jacksonville, FL	I have it, only cooked on it one time so far. I replaced the charcoal pan with the grill top wok (which serves as a charcoal basket). The one I bought at Academy for $14 fits perfect. It is thin gauge metal, but for the price, works well enough. I got the split door version, I have seen a single door version as well, but I like the split one better.

03-06-2011, 01:28 PM	#4
KuradiEit Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 03-05-11 Location: Poconos, PA	I'll go take a look at it tomorrow. My local Walmart claims to have it in stock. Most of the reviews at the Walmart website had the same complaint -- that it wouldn't get up to temperature due to the poorly designed solid coal tray. As I already mentioned, that issue can be remedied by either drilling holes in the original or replacing it with something like square grill wok. Someone suggested long bolts as legs. Some also complained of the leaky doors. According to other reviews I'd read... Temporary fix = aluminum foil at the edges. Permanent fix = I don't remember what it's called but it's rope-like caulking made for fireplaces. Whether or not this particular model is "chintzy," I still wonder why this design with the easy-access doors hasn't caught on. Would it be a more successful design than the bullets/eggs if it were of a higher quality?

03-06-2011, 01:56 PM	#6
KuradiEit Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 03-05-11 Location: Poconos, PA	No, I'm not looking for cheap. I only pointed out its price because it is comparable to ECBs. I'm mostly wondering why the "vault" design hasn't caught on. It SEEMS like a smarter design than the bullet/egg designs because the doors allow quick and easy access instead of having to take off the lid, set it down somewhere safe, remove the top grate/food and then set them down someplace safe to get to whatever is on the lower grate. If the ones with the doors were of better quality (thicker metal, better coal tray, better doors, etc) would they be as popular as the top-access verticals? Or is there some kind of inherent flaw in their shape/design? And if not, why haven't more manufacturers gone in that direction? Top-access seems unnecessarily difficult. ~Kai

05-01-2011, 07:57 PM	#10
FreeRange Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 04-03-11 Location: Portland, OR	I just modified my UltraCheap Brinkmann Square Vertical by using a grill wok like to use as a charcoal pan. I used 1/4 bolt and nuts to hold it off the bottom of the grill. The holes are large enough to let the ash fall through and increases airflow. I'm using a small baking sheet underneath to catch the ash for easier clean up. First use on baby backs today. Seems to burn at 225 to 250 quite a bit easier.
	1 members found this post helpful.

05-01-2011, 07:58 PM	#11
FreeRange Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 04-03-11 Location: Portland, OR	Sorry, can't seem to post my pics. Help...

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