Bandera or Brinkman

bcrow · 04-27-2005, 09:51 PM

I've been researching the smokers for several months and am going to pull the triger this weekend. Had pretty much settled on the Bandera, but after reading some post on this site, noticed that folks are happy with Brinkmans.
My first judgment on the brinkmans are that they are not as well made as the Bandera.
Also, I cant find the Bandera on the Charbroil website anymore...
Plus, I live in Atlanta, home to HomeDepot, and can only find the Bandera at one HD. I have looked for them at over 15 in the area just to try and look (stare) at them. I can't even find them listed on HD's web site. Whats up with that...
I think the Brinkman is about $150 cheaper than the Bandera, but again, I dont think it as well made. I like th heaver duty feel of the bandera.

Thoughs, Sugestion, Coments, Opinons??????

PS, I'm on top of the mods listed on this site. I'll get started on them this weekend also.

icemn62 · 04-27-2005, 10:33 PM

Welcome your questions will be answered, people here have opinions on everything. Go to Cattle Call and introduce yourself.

Wayne · 04-27-2005, 10:51 PM

I have had a Bandera for lots of years and if you find one then get it. I have never needed to go back to NB or Charbroil for anything. So if I was buying the thing I would not eliminate the Bandera even if it was the last one on earth. On the other had I would not eliminate the Brinkman just because it is not as well made as the Bandera. The lower price might be worth it to you and it might also get you into a pretty good pit sooner. I have seen the Brinkman and I bet I could cook some mighty tasty stuff in one of them. I guess this post has not helped you make up your mind. If I had to replace my Bandera today I would look for another one just like it. If I couldn't find one then I would look for a Brinkman.

Bigdog · 04-28-2005, 05:57 AM

Both good smokers. Would not go wrong with either. Saving $ 150 is a bonus. The Bandera is the original, but the BSKD is a good clone. The USA made Bandera was better made, but after the Co. was bought, they started making them in China and the quality went down. So I would only reccomend the Bandera if it were US made, which I doubt is the case.

jt · 04-28-2005, 07:40 AM

What BigDog said. Either one will do a fine job for you. I have a Bandera - several on here have the BSKD. What you're buying here is capacity with an offset firebox. Both are thinner gauge metal and so won't hold temps for hours like a Klose or something like that. Both will provide you with stick burning capabilities and let you produce good Q.

$150 savings? Unless the Bandera was made in the US, I'd go with the BSKD.

JMHO

bcrow · 04-28-2005, 07:55 AM

The bandera at HD is $298 plus $20 for someone else to put it together. I figure I will take me an hour or more to assemble and my hourly rate is a good bit higher than $20/hr.

Not too concerned about price at this level.

jt · 04-28-2005, 08:34 AM

My opinion here, but I've always had to go back over something HD or any hardware store assembles. I would save the $20 and do it yourself. Besides, then you can bolt the baffle in as you do it rather than take it apart again later.

nmayeux · 04-28-2005, 10:33 AM

Living in Marietta, I also started looking for a Bandera, as it was what my buddy had. My wife and I could only find two in this area, but both were left overs and in pretty bad shape for the price they were asking!! We finally ordered the BSKD from Northern Tool in Marietta, and are impressed with this smoker. As stated above, the BSKD is pretty much exactly like the Bandera, and even the Bandera mods work perfectly with the BSKD. However both smokers have their own issues, as the Brinkmann door handle suck, and the Bandera wheels fall off. My neighbor with the Bandera is pretty impressed with my BSKD, because it comes with a thermometer, it has more racks, and the water pan slides out. As far as everything else, there are no differences accept that the BSKD is a mirror image of the Bandera. After replacing the springs on the handles, and doing the required mods, I am very pleased with my BSKD, and it adds a little security that this unit is still in production.
Noah

dapittboss · 04-28-2005, 11:53 AM

I am the proud new owner of the BSKD and so far it's worked great for me. It wasn't perfect out of the box, but with a little tweaking and a few mods it's doing great. Since I have never owned the Bandera I can't compare the two, but I'm very happy with my purchase.

brdbbq · 04-28-2005, 11:54 AM

Quote:

BSKD is a mirror image of the Bandera

It's a "E" Machine

Jorge · 04-28-2005, 12:12 PM

The difference in price sure would buy a lot of meat :D

kcquer · 04-28-2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

It's a "E" Machine

Whatchootalkinbout Willis?

Solidkick · 04-28-2005, 06:00 PM

For the new brothers, let me explain the "E".

KCQuer was (I believe) first here on the board to have a BSKD. When he started talking about it being backwards to the Bandera, the extra "E" got added to his reference, thus KC cooks on the "queer", because it is backwards. You'll see several posts that refer to "E", that's a nickname given to KCQuer, for the missing "E".

Make sense??

scottm4300 · 04-28-2005, 06:04 PM

Thanks Mr. Kick. Appreciate you bringing us newbies up to speed! I've seen the references a bunch of times and never asked. Too funny

Bigmista · 04-28-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidkick

For the new brothers, let me explain the "E".

KCQuer was (I believe) first here on the board to have a BSKD. When he started talking about it being backwards to the Bandera, the extra "E" got added to his reference, thus KC cooks on the "queer", because it is backwards. You'll see several posts that refer to "E", that's a nickname given to KCQuer, for the missing "E".

Make sense??

Hmph...I always thought everyone was just calling queer in general. That's why I never joined in. Learn something new everyday...

04-27-2005, 09:51 PM	#1
bcrow Found some matches. Join Date: 04-26-05 Location: Atlanta	Bandera or Brinkman I've been researching the smokers for several months and am going to pull the triger this weekend. Had pretty much settled on the Bandera, but after reading some post on this site, noticed that folks are happy with Brinkmans. My first judgment on the brinkmans are that they are not as well made as the Bandera. Also, I cant find the Bandera on the Charbroil website anymore... Plus, I live in Atlanta, home to HomeDepot, and can only find the Bandera at one HD. I have looked for them at over 15 in the area just to try and look (stare) at them. I can't even find them listed on HD's web site. Whats up with that... I think the Brinkman is about $150 cheaper than the Bandera, but again, I dont think it as well made. I like th heaver duty feel of the bandera. Thoughs, Sugestion, Coments, Opinons?????? PS, I'm on top of the mods listed on this site. I'll get started on them this weekend also.

04-27-2005, 10:33 PM	#2
icemn62 Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-10-04 Location: Los Angeles, CA	Welcome your questions will be answered, people here have opinions on everything. Go to Cattle Call and introduce yourself. __________________ Weber Kettle, WSM, Dyna-Glo Offset, George Foreman Grilll I AM LOVING THE SMOKE WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

04-27-2005, 10:51 PM	#3
Wayne is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-26-03 Location: Fall River, Kansas	I have had a Bandera for lots of years and if you find one then get it. I have never needed to go back to NB or Charbroil for anything. So if I was buying the thing I would not eliminate the Bandera even if it was the last one on earth. On the other had I would not eliminate the Brinkman just because it is not as well made as the Bandera. The lower price might be worth it to you and it might also get you into a pretty good pit sooner. I have seen the Brinkman and I bet I could cook some mighty tasty stuff in one of them. I guess this post has not helped you make up your mind. If I had to replace my Bandera today I would look for another one just like it. If I couldn't find one then I would look for a Brinkman. __________________ Wichita Wayne Long in the tooth, Long in the tooth, I'm lookin' 'round the corner, An' I'm long in the tooth...

04-28-2005, 05:57 AM	#4
Bigdog somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 09-17-03 Location: Wichita, Kansas	Both good smokers. Would not go wrong with either. Saving $ 150 is a bonus. The Bandera is the original, but the BSKD is a good clone. The USA made Bandera was better made, but after the Co. was bought, they started making them in China and the quality went down. So I would only reccomend the Bandera if it were US made, which I doubt is the case. __________________ Bigdog Senior member of the Brethren Weber Platinum Kettle, Weber OTS, Meco square grill, a PK, ECB, UDS, Large BGE, a camping grill, a Blackstone flattop, a Camp Chef grill,The MOAB, and a YS640. MOINK. Pitman for Andy Groneman at the All Things BBQ cooking classes. Smoke on Brother KC Father of the Fatty (the name) 4/20/04 on the BBQ Brethren with inspiration from Brother parrothead.

04-28-2005, 07:40 AM	#5
jt Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-10-04 Location: BFE	What BigDog said. Either one will do a fine job for you. I have a Bandera - several on here have the BSKD. What you're buying here is capacity with an offset firebox. Both are thinner gauge metal and so won't hold temps for hours like a Klose or something like that. Both will provide you with stick burning capabilities and let you produce good Q. $150 savings? Unless the Bandera was made in the US, I'd go with the BSKD. JMHO __________________ I didn't hijack the thread. I just took it in a completely different direction. Spicewine, 2 Dutch Ovens, Weber OTP, 18 " Weber Kettle, White Mountain Ice Cream Freezer, Whirly Pop, Cast Iron Hot Dog cooker, and a 15 year old. Moink. RIP - my NB Bandera "Sweet Blue to all" - E

04-28-2005, 07:55 AM	#6
bcrow Found some matches. Join Date: 04-26-05 Location: Atlanta	Price is not main concern. The bandera at HD is $298 plus $20 for someone else to put it together. I figure I will take me an hour or more to assemble and my hourly rate is a good bit higher than $20/hr. Not too concerned about price at this level.

04-28-2005, 08:34 AM	#7
jt Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-10-04 Location: BFE	My opinion here, but I've always had to go back over something HD or any hardware store assembles. I would save the $20 and do it yourself. Besides, then you can bolt the baffle in as you do it rather than take it apart again later. __________________ I didn't hijack the thread. I just took it in a completely different direction. Spicewine, 2 Dutch Ovens, Weber OTP, 18 " Weber Kettle, White Mountain Ice Cream Freezer, Whirly Pop, Cast Iron Hot Dog cooker, and a 15 year old. Moink. RIP - my NB Bandera "Sweet Blue to all" - E

04-28-2005, 10:33 AM	#8
nmayeux Babbling Farker Join Date: 04-03-05 Location: Marietta, GA	Living in Marietta, I also started looking for a Bandera, as it was what my buddy had. My wife and I could only find two in this area, but both were left overs and in pretty bad shape for the price they were asking!! We finally ordered the BSKD from Northern Tool in Marietta, and are impressed with this smoker. As stated above, the BSKD is pretty much exactly like the Bandera, and even the Bandera mods work perfectly with the BSKD. However both smokers have their own issues, as the Brinkmann door handle suck, and the Bandera wheels fall off. My neighbor with the Bandera is pretty impressed with my BSKD, because it comes with a thermometer, it has more racks, and the water pan slides out. As far as everything else, there are no differences accept that the BSKD is a mirror image of the Bandera. After replacing the springs on the handles, and doing the required mods, I am very pleased with my BSKD, and it adds a little security that this unit is still in production. Noah __________________ Noah \#/ Nauti-Que BBQ Team Pitmaster and KCBS CBJ & CTC Lang 60 Marie Laveau Deep South Single Chamber Glenda WSM 22.5 Asmarelda 22.5 OTG Samantha Weber Genesis Mocha

04-28-2005, 11:53 AM	#9
dapittboss Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 04-26-05 Location: Alvaton, Kentucky Name/Nickname : John	I am the proud new owner of the BSKD and so far it's worked great for me. It wasn't perfect out of the box, but with a little tweaking and a few mods it's doing great. Since I have never owned the Bandera I can't compare the two, but I'm very happy with my purchase. __________________ John ======= "And remember.... the most important safety rule, is to wear these safety glasses" Norm Abram, Master Carpenter Oklahoma Joe Highland Smoker Brinkmann Trailmaster Vertical offset 35LB commercial deep fryer

04-28-2005, 12:12 PM	#11
Jorge somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 01-23-04 Location: DFW, San AntonioTx	The difference in price sure would buy a lot of meat :D __________________ You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline - it helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer. --Frank Zappa Keeping Valspar in BBQ, one cook at a time. Recipient of a Huggies box! Shut up, and cook!!!!

04-28-2005, 06:00 PM	#13
Solidkick somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-21-03 Location: Bandera Owner in Missouri	For the new brothers, let me explain the "E". KCQuer was (I believe) first here on the board to have a BSKD. When he started talking about it being backwards to the Bandera, the extra "E" got added to his reference, thus KC cooks on the "queer", because it is backwards. You'll see several posts that refer to "E", that's a nickname given to KCQuer, for the missing "E". Make sense?? __________________ Mr. Kick ------------------------------------------------ *Belly Brothers BBQ Team* "Sister Flame" Spicewine Trailer Smoker,Modified Bandera, Uni-Flame Chicken Cooker with a Spicewine Thermometer mod,Kingsford Barrel cooker and a super fast RED thermapen KC always said "fat cap up!!

04-28-2005, 06:04 PM	#14
scottm4300 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-01-05 Location: Maine	Thanks Mr. Kick. Appreciate you bringing us newbies up to speed! I've seen the references a bunch of times and never asked. Too funny __________________ Brinkmann SKD GMG Daniel Boone Pizza Oven Turkey/Fish Fryer Weber Grill Campfire Pit Trashcan

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