Best trailer smokers

Smoke House Moe · Sep 16, 2012

Hey folks.

I have been getting ready to start catering here in MN. Also looking to do some vending at fairs and such. What are some of the better trailer smokers that could accommodate a starter like myself?

Been looking at the Jambo's, Pitmaker's, Klose, Holstein.

jbrink01 · Sep 16, 2012

If you want to cater, look at FEC500's, Ole Hickory or Southern Pride. If your intent to use charcoal look at the 32 Rebel. I cater, and own 2 FEC500's.

neuyawk · Sep 17, 2012

Never heard of Rebel. Why not a backwoods if that's the style one would be looking at?

Jambo's aren't built for catering. I just saw a new rotissurie pit by Klose by a local pitmaster vending at a fair and it was SWEET.

Shipping to MN, Meadowcreek makes great catering smokers and would probably be cheaper for you on same quality than shipping from Texas

jbrink01 · Sep 17, 2012

Rebel is similar to a Stumps. Nothing like a Backwoods. Cookshack, Ole Hickory and Southern Pride are THE catering and restaurant pits.

Smoke House Moe · Sep 17, 2012

Thanks guys. Very helpful.
Do you both cater? Any wise words for a newb?

jbrink01 · Sep 17, 2012

We cater. Not huge. Depending on the week, we go through 500 - 1000 pounds of meat a week.

INmitch · Sep 17, 2012

You might want to take a look at a Southern Yankee. My buddy (and good friend) Shane has a new shop in Ft Wayne IN making them. They've made 6 or 7 in the last couple months and are looking really nice. Hopefully they will have my new one made in the next month. I compete on a 6 footer. Downsizing to a 2' with 12 racks spinnin for comps.:thumb:

neuyawk · Sep 17, 2012

Southern Yankees are SWEET but pretty pricey. Bigmista caters with Spicewine if that helps.

Cast Iron Chef · Sep 17, 2012

jbrink01 said:
Rebel is similar to a Stumps. Nothing like a Backwoods. Cookshack, Ole Hickory and Southern Pride are THE catering and restaurant pits.

Did you pick the FEC because they are NSF? Some day I want to get something bigger for comps like a Backwoods or FEC. I would also like to do some catering so I was thinking best to go NSF. What have you found?

big brother smoke · Sep 17, 2012

NSF is not mandatory for most states whilst catering (check your local regs). Brick and mortar and serving to the public, yes, you will need NSF to be legit.

Pyle's BBQ · Sep 18, 2012

You may want to look at an insulated smoker if you are in MN. Are you going to work through the winter?

pawlen · Sep 18, 2012

This is a cool sight but my phone is smarter than I am.I don't know if anything is going out or if anything is comung in.So I'm going to cut out if anyone is out there.Smokem if u gotem!

42BBQ · Sep 18, 2012

Meadowcreek has a dealer just across the MN border in Wisconsin. You can get smokers with insulated fire boxes. http://www.stcroixbarbecue.com/

kurtsara · Sep 18, 2012

pawlen said:
This is a cool sight but my phone is smarter than I am.I don't know if anything is going out or if anything is comung in.So I'm going to cut out if anyone is out there.Smokem if u gotem!

did I miss part of the original post, what are you talking about?

jbrink01 · Sep 18, 2012

Cast Iron Chef said:
Did you pick the FEC because they are NSF? Some day I want to get something bigger for comps like a Backwoods or FEC. I would also like to do some catering so I was thinking best to go NSF. What have you found?

NSF isn't required, but it makes it easier if you have a picky HD inspector. The feature that sold our HD person was the "cook and hold". They like to see that you have a "temp controlled warming cabinet", which the FEC's with IQ4's are after they are done cooking.

Smoke House Moe · Sep 18, 2012

Wow, tons of great replies. Thanks to everyone. Keep it coming.

The smaller Cookshack units are more within my starting budget as opposed to the 500. I am also looking at the MeadowCreek TS120 towable unit.

Anyone from Minnesota able to chime in?

Bigdog · Sep 18, 2012

jbrink01 said:
We cater. Not huge. Depending on the week, we go through 500 - 1000 pounds of meat a week.

Jeeeeeezzz Jeff, I would call that huge. :icon_bugeyed

jbrink01 · Sep 18, 2012

And it's almost all my wife my friend. She left her accounting job, soaked up my BBQ knowledge like a sponge and ran with it. We worked hard every weekend while she was employed, and now it's her deal and all she does.

While I'm off playing at a contest this coming weekend, she has $7500 in sales on the books, and that's just for Saturday. She works her arse off, and wouldn't have it any other way. With our group of "help", she makes every school function, earns more than she did as an accountant, and let's me play at contests! I certainly married "up".......

PigTamer · Sep 18, 2012

Not in the game,but when you are up and running let me know. I would love to throw you some business if I can.

Smoke House Moe · Sep 19, 2012

Thanks Pig Tamer.

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