Insulated Firebox

2001Heel · 02-12-2014, 01:27 PM

I placed an order for Shirley Fab smoker a couple weeks ago. I am thinking about adding a couple of "options" to the trailer such as a sink and an insulated firebox. However, I don't want to do both due to my budget. If you had to choose one, which would you choose and why? Personally, I'm leaning towards the sink, but I would like some feedback.

peeps · 02-12-2014, 01:32 PM

Just curious...what percentage of your budget is each option?

If it were me and the percentage was low (which I expect it is), I would bite the bullet and add both now rather than settle for one and wish you had the other or try to work it into the design down the road and it not look like a good integrated design (RE: the sink) unless you had Paul design the trailer to accept one down the road.

2001Heel · 02-12-2014, 01:34 PM

I'm not sure about the sink as I am still waiting on the quote, but the insulated firebox will increase the price of the unit I have chosen by about 15%. I suspect the sink will do the same, if not a little more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by peeps

Just curious...what percentage of your budget is each option?

If it were me and the percentage was low (which I expect it is), I would bite the bullet and add both now rather than settle for one and wish you had the other or try to work it into the design down the road and it not look like a good integrated design (RE: the sink) unless you had Paul design the trailer to accept one down the road.

SpicemanJames · 02-12-2014, 01:51 PM

I don't have a insulated firebox on my smoker, but I know a couple of people and they say they love it, and you don't have to tend to the fire near as much and cuts down on the cost of wood. If that helps.

TexasRT · 02-12-2014, 02:01 PM

Obviously it would be alot easier to add a sink later versus adding an insulated f/b later. I would go with the insulated F/b option based on that alone. If you don't get now, you'll never have one.

ajstrider · 02-12-2014, 02:08 PM

I like TexasRT's way of thinking. It is a one shot deal on the firebox without some serious reconstruction.

GoolsbyMD · 02-12-2014, 02:10 PM

I understand the burn time and increased efficiency but do you need an insulated FB in NC? Will you go out there in the cold and bbq? I also thought about adding an insulated FB to my shirley RF smoker but went with a thicker FB 3/8". But I do have a stumps for "real cold" times here in SE VA.

SmittyJonz · 02-12-2014, 02:18 PM

I'd get insulated firebox - sinks are easy to add.
I know a fellar in Midland and another out Abilene way who SWEAR by their insulated FireBoxes

CabinFever · 02-12-2014, 03:00 PM

My Backwoods is insulated and I like it more than I ever expected. It seems to cook more evenly. Yes it does perform better when it is cold, but it is also nicer to be standing next to when it is 90* out. Things don't melt if they come in contact with it, and it is safer around kids if that is an issue. If I could only do one it would be the fire box. I can add a sinlk later if I had to. CF

sliding_billy · 02-12-2014, 03:11 PM

Of the two options, I'd choose the insulated firebox. I do not have one on my offset, and I have no issues with not having it. To be honest though, I would be looking into increased capacity over either of those options if there was a little bit of play left in my budget (or just holding onto the extra money for the things you are going to figure out that you need after you get the cooker).

pitbossJB · 02-12-2014, 03:27 PM

These are some smart fellas around here, the firebox is the only choice. You can add a sink any ole time.

crb478 · 02-12-2014, 03:41 PM

I live just down the road from you in Denver, and have a somewhat insulated fire box with out a sink. (walls are lined with cement board and skinned with 1/8 inch metal sheeting) I like the way the fire box works, but still do not see the need for a sink since everywhere I cook has a sink nearby. I did help put a small sink on a friends rig with hot and cold water, but he very rarely uses it. He caters and finds it easier to pack up everything and was it at home. His sink rinses off a spoon or something every now and then but that's about it.

GoolsbyMD · 02-12-2014, 03:46 PM

What about mods to the trailer? Lock box, propane burner for deep frying, or boiling ribs, wire it to be able to plug into an electric supply(kind of off the wall), storage is always key. Just other random ideas

Pappy Q · 02-12-2014, 05:07 PM

Insulated firebox on a stick burner makes a huge difference. My fuel consumption was drastically reduced when I went from non insulated Lang to ininsulated Jambo

64Driver · 02-12-2014, 05:35 PM

I ordered my SF with a 3/8" firebox. I'm trying like mad to save enough money to change it to an insulated firebox before Paul and Tyler start to build it.

TexasRT said it best..."If you don't get now, you'll never have one".

If you ever decide to add the insulated firebox later, it will cost you more in the long run rather to just have it done now. Just make sure your trailer has the space for a sink to add at a later date, which I'm sure Paul and Tyler can do no problem.

02-12-2014, 01:27 PM	#1
2001Heel Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 12-07-13 Location: Kannapolis,NC	Insulated Firebox I placed an order for Shirley Fab smoker a couple weeks ago. I am thinking about adding a couple of "options" to the trailer such as a sink and an insulated firebox. However, I don't want to do both due to my budget. If you had to choose one, which would you choose and why? Personally, I'm leaning towards the sink, but I would like some feedback. __________________ Hey, Ma, the meatloaf! We want it now! The meatloaf!

02-12-2014, 01:32 PM	#2
peeps somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-09-13 Location: Round Rock, TX	Just curious...what percentage of your budget is each option? If it were me and the percentage was low (which I expect it is), I would bite the bullet and add both now rather than settle for one and wish you had the other or try to work it into the design down the road and it not look like a good integrated design (RE: the sink) unless you had Paul design the trailer to accept one down the road. __________________ - [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]

02-12-2014, 01:51 PM	#4
SpicemanJames On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Ft. Worth, Texas	I don't have a insulated firebox on my smoker, but I know a couple of people and they say they love it, and you don't have to tend to the fire near as much and cuts down on the cost of wood. If that helps. __________________ [URL="http://www.clifcospicesales.com"]www.clifcospicesales.com[/URL] My smoker is a work in progress.

02-12-2014, 02:08 PM	#6
ajstrider is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-02-12 Location: Kentucky	I like TexasRT's way of thinking. It is a one shot deal on the firebox without some serious reconstruction. __________________ Weber Summit Charcoal Grill and 22” WSM. Former user of pellet grills and XL BGE

02-12-2014, 02:10 PM	#7
GoolsbyMD Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-19-13 Location: Chesapeake, VA	I understand the burn time and increased efficiency but do you need an insulated FB in NC? Will you go out there in the cold and bbq? I also thought about adding an insulated FB to my shirley RF smoker but went with a thicker FB 3/8". But I do have a stumps for "real cold" times here in SE VA. __________________ US Navy. WSM 18.5", Stumps Smoker Baby, SF 24x48 RF, Weber OTG.

02-12-2014, 02:01 PM	#5
TexasRT Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 12-23-13 Location: Dickinson, TX	Obviously it would be alot easier to add a sink later versus adding an insulated f/b later. I would go with the insulated F/b option based on that alone. If you don't get now, you'll never have one.

02-12-2014, 02:18 PM	#8
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	I'd get insulated firebox - sinks are easy to add. I know a fellar in Midland and another out Abilene way who SWEAR by their insulated FireBoxes __________________ NO Such Thing as Over Smoked - just Over Dirty Smoked.............

02-12-2014, 03:00 PM	#9
CabinFever On the road to being a farker Join Date: 08-16-13 Location: Monticello, IL	My Backwoods is insulated and I like it more than I ever expected. It seems to cook more evenly. Yes it does perform better when it is cold, but it is also nicer to be standing next to when it is 90* out. Things don't melt if they come in contact with it, and it is safer around kids if that is an issue. If I could only do one it would be the fire box. I can add a sinlk later if I had to. CF

02-12-2014, 03:11 PM	#10
sliding_billy somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-27-13 Location: Princeton, TX Name/Nickname : )	Of the two options, I'd choose the insulated firebox. I do not have one on my offset, and I have no issues with not having it. To be honest though, I would be looking into increased capacity over either of those options if there was a little bit of play left in my budget (or just holding onto the extra money for the things you are going to figure out that you need after you get the cooker). __________________ Custom Offset/GMG Davy Crockett/Vision Kamado/Blackstone 36"/Weber 22" "redhead"/WSM 14.5" X2/Jumbo Joe/Pit Boss Copperhead/KCBS

02-12-2014, 03:27 PM	#11
pitbossJB is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 12-05-09 Location: Sandia Park,N.M. (land of entrapment) Name/Nickname : el jefe	These are some smart fellas around here, the firebox is the only choice. You can add a sink any ole time. __________________ "It's all done with smoke and mirrors..............I think I like smoke the best" UDS with 007 mods and pizza top Highly modified Bandera w/ griddle on firebox Mini SJ/UDS micro mini UDS Smokey Joe's 1983 22.5" Weber kettle

02-12-2014, 03:41 PM	#12
crb478 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 01-13-10 Location: Charlotte, NC	I live just down the road from you in Denver, and have a somewhat insulated fire box with out a sink. (walls are lined with cement board and skinned with 1/8 inch metal sheeting) I like the way the fire box works, but still do not see the need for a sink since everywhere I cook has a sink nearby. I did help put a small sink on a friends rig with hot and cold water, but he very rarely uses it. He caters and finds it easier to pack up everything and was it at home. His sink rinses off a spoon or something every now and then but that's about it.

02-12-2014, 03:46 PM	#13
GoolsbyMD Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-19-13 Location: Chesapeake, VA	What about mods to the trailer? Lock box, propane burner for deep frying, or boiling ribs, wire it to be able to plug into an electric supply(kind of off the wall), storage is always key. Just other random ideas __________________ US Navy. WSM 18.5", Stumps Smoker Baby, SF 24x48 RF, Weber OTG.

02-12-2014, 05:07 PM	#14
Pappy Q is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 04-08-10 Location: Elk Creek, KY	Insulated firebox on a stick burner makes a huge difference. My fuel consumption was drastically reduced when I went from non insulated Lang to ininsulated Jambo

02-12-2014, 05:35 PM	#15
64Driver Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-26-13 Location: San Diego, CA	I ordered my SF with a 3/8" firebox. I'm trying like mad to save enough money to change it to an insulated firebox before Paul and Tyler start to build it. TexasRT said it best..."If you don't get now, you'll never have one". If you ever decide to add the insulated firebox later, it will cost you more in the long run rather to just have it done now. Just make sure your trailer has the space for a sink to add at a later date, which I'm sure Paul and Tyler can do no problem. __________________ Shirley Fabrication 24x65 trailer, Brinkmann Smoke-n-Pit, Weber OTG 22.5 "Lest we Forget" Last edited by 64Driver; 02-12-2014 at 05:38 PM.. Reason: Typos