Need help deciding Horizon or Lang 36 / 48?

Good morning.

I am new to this site but not new to smoking. I currently have a COS from Home Depot that I was looking to replace. I have narrowed down my choices to a 16" Horizon or a Lang smoker. I will be cooking for my self and family and on occasion friends and neighbors.

I like the Horizon, price is right and is made of 1/4" steel but I am leaning towards the Lang 36 or 48. I really like the features of the Langs not to mention the quality that comes with the name. I feel that a 48 will be a bit much for me both in cost, weight and size thus the 36 is what I am looking at. However I have yet to find any reviews or anyone on the forums that can comment on the 36. I have spoken to Ben Lang twice now who has been very helpful. My concern is the 11 gauge steel on the 36 and wether it will hold heat well enough to cook low and slow. The way Ben is seeling the units, it seems to be more for a grill / cooker that can heat up fast more than a low and slow smoker.

So the question is, does anyone know of anyone that has the Lang 36 and cooks low and slow? What do you think about 11 gauge stainless steel? I am sure it will be a huge upgrade from the COS that I currently have.

The 36 weighs 365lbs and the 48 weighs 795lbs. Can anyone who has a 36 or even a 48 chime in and let me know what you think?

Thank you for the reply.

How heavy is the 48? Is it hard to move around the 800lbs? I know 1/4" steel will last a lifetime and that the 48 would be flawless in regards to low and slow and heat retention however I have some concerns about the longevity and heat retention of 1/8" stainless. The price on the 36 can't be beat. It is half the cost and half the weight but I still get all Lang.

So, the question is, in your educated opinions, will 1/8" steel still be good enough to last over the years if not left to the elements and will it retain heat good enough to cook low and slow and not go through a cord of wood in the process?

Does the reverse flow cook faster with the 'drip pan' / baffle being so close to the cooking grate? I am trying to stick to a budget but then again, Mastercard has a generous limit. :becky: IF I go with the Lang 48, I'll just have to try to justify the extra $750 to the wifey. Any tips on that?

Thank you again for your help guys!