Backwoods Party

[cdriggers]

Newbie here, so if I a posting in the wrong forum, please let me know. I am thinking about buying a Backwoods Party for some small comps and need some advice.

1. Do I need to purchase the optional heat diverter or will the water pan be enough?

2. Is it easily mobile without the casters or should I buy the optional casters?
3. Is the BBQ Guru worth the price or should I try it without first?
4. Is the Guru an easy addition if not purchased with the unit?

I would really appreciate any advice or tips provided.

[NorthwestBBQ]

Originally Posted by cdriggers

Newbie here, so if I a posting in the wrong forum, please let me know. I am thinking about buying a Backwoods Party for some small comps and need some advice.

1. Do I need to purchase the optional heat diverter or will the water pan be enough?

2. Is it easily mobile without the casters or should I buy the optional casters?
3. Is the BBQ Guru worth the price or should I try it without first?
4. Is the Guru an easy addition if not purchased with the unit?

I would really appreciate any advice or tips provided.

1. Most folks I know say yes.
2. It weighs about 130 pounds I believe. Casters would be handy.
3. Yes, but you could start without.
4. Yes, it's very easy.

[cdriggers]

Thanks Northwest. That helps. Any other mods I should consider?

[NorthwestBBQ]

Originally Posted by cdriggers

Thanks Northwest. That helps. Any other mods I should consider?

Not really - a cover would be nice.

[Bob S]

The heat diverter is a must have. I also got the cover. Casters are easy to install yourself and you will save a lot of money. A guru can be added at any time.

[kennedyma]

I started looking at the party but when I got done with the upgrades I found the Fat Boy to be a better deal. Then I found out about the unlisted Gator and that made even more sense for me. The Gator fits a hotel pan which I thought was a great feature.

Also I don't know how handy you are but I don't think the casters are worth it. I was going to get them but I really feel they are too small to make it easy to roll on anything but a smooth surface.

I got these: Amazon.com: Industrial Grade 1NXC2 Wheel, Semi-Pneumatic, 10 In, 200 Lb Cap: Industrial & Scientific@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21QMBauThlL.@@AMEPARAM@@21QMBauThlL and am going to fab up some kind of a axle to mount them on. Kind like a two wheel dolly. Tip the cooker back and it rides on those wheels.

Disclaimer: I don't have the cooker yet, it shipped today!!, my plan is to take lots of pics and post a write up of what I've done.

[cpw]

Originally Posted by cdriggers

Thanks Northwest. That helps. Any other mods I should consider?

Look into the 180 degree doors as well. They open wider, so it's a little easier getting things in and out.

Also, I've only cooked a few times on my Fatboy, but it holds temps like champ. I would try it out a few times before you decide to invest in the guru (or stoker if you prefer).

[btcg]

Originally Posted by cdriggers

Newbie here, so if I a posting in the wrong forum, please let me know. I am thinking about buying a Backwoods Party for some small comps and need some advice.

1. Do I need to purchase the optional heat diverter or will the water pan be enough?

2. Is it easily mobile without the casters or should I buy the optional casters?
3. Is the BBQ Guru worth the price or should I try it without first?
4. Is the Guru an easy addition if not purchased with the unit?

I would really appreciate any advice or tips provided.

Absolute musts:

a- Heat diverter

b- Upgraded charcoal tray (I had to add mine [read: order it and take it to a welder]) Much harder to add it later. With the upgraded, it slides in & out, making reloading much easier.

c- Cover

d- BBQ Guru adapter from Backwoods

e- Extra charcoal holding tray: I wrap it in foil, and place it over the water pan, as a drip tray. Makes cleanup much easier.

Stainless doors if you can. Buy your casters at Lowes. I got 5 (1 extra) and all the mounting hardware for just under $25.00

Rub it throughly with canola oil, and burn for 2 hours.

Best cooker on the market, IMHO.

[Jaskew82]

Just my $0.02 but maybe you want to consider a stumps. Pricing is similar and you don't need all the additional items. It isn't as versatile because it doesn't really work like a grill, but if this is being used as a smoker, you won't need that.

[Fishiest1]

I was on the fence with getting party or a baby.

The party came out on top due to it being half the weight and has a lot more surface area to smoke. I can throw the party in the back of my SUV no problem if need be.

Both are great smokers and I would be more than happy with a stumps too most likely

[btcg]

Originally Posted by Fishiest1

I was on the fence with getting party or a baby.

The party came out on top due to it being half the weight and has a lot more surface area to smoke. I can throw the party in the back of my SUV no problem if need be.

Both are great smokers and I would be more than happy with a stumps too most likely

It is said that the best BWS is the Chubby. Said mostly by me, and it's because I have one, but technically, it is being said.

[abangs]

Party w/ diverter, cover, and commercial fire box. That is a kick a$$ set up that has great capacity, great transportability, and is overall is a whole lot of cooker for the $$.

[btcg]

Originally Posted by abangs

Party w/ diverter, cover, and commercial fire box. That is a kick a$$ set up that has great capacity, great transportability, and is overall is a whole lot of cooker for the $$.

Got any in stock or any on order, Andy?

[abangs]

Originally Posted by btcg

Got any in stock or any on order, Andy?

You know I do!!!

[Rubmybutt]

Just got mine two weeks ago, love it to death, just came with heat diverter, got casters at northern tool $30.00, all 360, two with brakes.

I a real rookie here but over time I've seemed to pick up on quality and the Party does it for me but, I'm looking at a Fatboy and a Comp, just looking, but I don't have any doubt you'll love your new smoker!