I have 5k to spend

[Jacked UP BBQ]

I have 5k budget to spend on a new cooker for vending and catering. What is my best bet for the money. PLease help, I am having a hell of a time making a decision.

[chad]

Bro, you've got a tough call to make.

$5K will get you a variety of cookers, but a lot depends on how much volume you need as well as how you want to cook.

I got my Kingfisher rotisserie stick-burner for under $5K delivered to FL. You can also get a FEC100 for under $5K. The large Spicewine falls into that category.

If you need mobility with a cooker on its own trailer or axle, well things get more problematic.

Check out Spice's site for an idea or two.

Also look at http://www.kck.com/kingfisher_kookers_specials for Kingfisher cookers - Bob treated me right when I ordered mine.

Also look at http://brittsbarbecue.com/html/jack_...h_cookers.html for additional ideas.

The Lang cookers give a lot of volume and portability.

Most fabricators can put any of their cookers on an axle or trailer.

[Jacked UP BBQ]

Thanks for the info

[CrazyChef]

If I had that to spend, I'd go with a used J&R Manufacturing Oyler 700. They're a little hard to find, but they're out there.

[jbrink01]

I started with a OK Joes (Horizon) 36" that I bought for $5700.00. Wanna buy it?

[getyourrubonbbq]

Check out the Diamond Plate Pits. Easy to operate and tow like a dream http://www.extremebbqtrailers.com/smokersfat40.html

[Jacked UP BBQ]

Man, now I am really confused. Thanks for all the info. I now have to make a decision. Anymore input would be great. Thanks

[chad]

Originally Posted by OC PIG ASSASSINS

Man, now I am really confused. Thanks for all the info. I now have to make a decision. Anymore input would be great. Thanks

Dude! You thought it would be EASY?

1. Determine what you will spend. That's easy - $5K
2. How much cooker do you need? Not so easy but figure out how much you will cook on 90% of your biggest sessions.
3. Wood, charcoal, pellets?
4. Do you need a trailer/axle?
5. Sit in a chair and whine a bit!

All the cookers mentioned and plenty that aren't will get the job done for you. My only regret with my Kingfisher is I didn't buy the bigger 6 shelf rotisserie model. My 4-shelf has taken care of the 90% (#2 on the list) and I've cooked pulled pork for 400 folks on my cooker.

Now, that being said, I'd kill for an FEC500 or Jack's Old South Shoulder or pig cooker. The FEC for volume (I happen to love rotisserie shelves) and pellet convenience, the JOS for volume and INSULATION. Of course, you pay for these features. I live and cook mostly in FL so my single skin cooker has been ok, but there have been times I would have killed for an insulated cooker.

So, keep looking and kicking the tires. Nothing beats a trip to a cook off, or a dealer/fabricator. Check out your local area - you might be amazed at some of the work being done in your own back yard! My next rig will probably come from a guy in Lakeland that I met at one of my first cook offs.

[The Pigman]

It is easy Lang 84 long neck

[Bbq Bubba]

Originally Posted by The Pigman

It is easy Lang 84 long neck

I would love to agree with that Roger but not as much space as 1 would think.

We had a Lang 60 last year....way to small for even medium size events.

Got the Lang 84 now and i can see were still gonna be short on space for larger parties.

IMO, it all comes down to what size crowds you'll be cooking for and the most important factor....ease of use.

You do NOT want to be running a cooker when you should be serving food.
Set it and forget it that serves quality product is what your after.

Good luck bro, if i had the funds, i have NO clue what i would get either.

[big brother smoke]

I am dead set on a stick burner! When catering you should have people doing setup and people doing the cooking (YMMV). We try to keep stations seperate. For large parties or weddings, I rarely get to cook, I call on Country and also Mista for this. I am too busy doing other chit such as chatting with the client, supervising various stations, tablescapes, etc.

Of course this is my opinion time and time again, I just think stickburners offer the client something special versus an oven that receives pellets

This thread also touches on the subject: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=59117

Disclaimer: YMMV

[frankenswine]

Originally Posted by chad

Dude! You thought it would be EASY?

1. Determine what you will spend. That's easy - $5K
2. How much cooker do you need? Not so easy but figure out how much you will cook on 90% of your biggest sessions.
3. Wood, charcoal, pellets?
4. Do you need a trailer/axle?
5. Sit in a chair and whine a bit!

All the cookers mentioned and plenty that aren't will get the job done for you. My only regret with my Kingfisher is I didn't buy the bigger 6 shelf rotisserie model. My 4-shelf has taken care of the 90% (#2 on the list) and I've cooked pulled pork for 400 folks on my cooker.

Now, that being said, I'd kill for an FEC500 or Jack's Old South Shoulder or pig cooker. The FEC for volume (I happen to love rotisserie shelves) and pellet convenience, the JOS for volume and INSULATION. Of course, you pay for these features. I live and cook mostly in FL so my single skin cooker has been ok, but there have been times I would have killed for an insulated cooker.

So, keep looking and kicking the tires. Nothing beats a trip to a cook off, or a dealer/fabricator. Check out your local area - you might be amazed at some of the work being done in your own back yard! My next rig will probably come from a guy in Lakeland that I met at one of my first cook offs.

I have to agree with Chad. I love my Kingfisher. I have the 6 rack rotisserie and have never had to fill it. Only downside is tending fire while trying to get everything else ready for a gig.

[Bbq Bubba]

Originally Posted by big brother smoke

I am dead set on a stick burner! When catering you should have people doing setup and people doing the cooking (YMMV). We try to keep stations seperate. For large parties or weddings, I rarely get to cook, I call on Country and also Mista for this. I am too busy doing other chit such as chatting with the client, hanging out with the pretty waitresses, playing Mafia wars and knocking over the cash bar.

Disclaimer: YMMV

Ya, i guess you do have it easier than most of us.

[big brother smoke]

Originally Posted by Bbq Bubba

Ya, i guess you do have it easier than most of us.

Farker

[chad]

Considerations on stick-burners:
1. Have access to plenty of seasoned wood.
2. Be willing to stay up and tend the beast
3. Make sure it has the capacity you need
4. Refer to #1.

I have a stick-burner. I have catered with it and done parties with it. But, there are times a trailer mounted pellet pooper or other cooker requiring less TLC would have been most appreciated.