Best Smoker for Catering

[Jamo]

Hey folks,

I know i may be opening up a can of worms here, but here goes...

In your opinion, what would be the ideal smoker for a catering company to utilize?

The FEC's look great, but require power. There is also a lot of smaller companies out there that simply build a bigger trailer smoker and call it a catering smoker.

I'm interested in getting feed back on what you wished you had purchased/built when you were first getting started, and for those who have been doing it for a while what you wished you had now.

Thanks!

Jamo

[Jacked UP BBQ]

Fec 750 want to buy one?

[Jamo]

I wish!

I'm actually putting together a feasibility study for my final project for my MBA. I'm trying to get input on what people are looking for when they are purchasing a smoker used to catering purposes.

I figured, why not ask the guys who do this for a living?

[C Rocke]

Originally Posted by Jamo

I wish!

I'm actually putting together a feasibility study for my final project for my MBA. I'm trying to get input on what people are looking for when they are purchasing a smoker used to catering purposes.

I figured, why not ask the guys who do this for a living?

Spicewine is never a bad choice - Versatile, holds plenty of product, multi function. Catering does require more than just a good pit. Most use a grill as well, plus trailer, etc etc.

[armor]

Love my Spicewine! I also have a gatorpit that is a trailered pit. I was saving for a Spice trailer but I came across a gatorpit that was local and had a agreeable price tag. For the "dog & pony show" I pull the gatorpit and everyone gets to see the wood fire and smell the smoke etc,etc.......

[Dr_KY]

I would love small Spicewine to run along side my Meat Beast. This would make life easier doing music festivals over a 3-5 day run but we manage just fine at the moment. It's more early morning work setting the cooker up for grilling after she's smoked all night but not too taxing.

This will be our second year and I have plans to build a second beast but just a bit smaller so we can take the double bookings.

[getyourrubonbbq]

I'm building my trailer which will be 8.5X20 7' porch and installing an FEC 500 through the rear wall.

[fireman_pete]

FEC. As close to set it and forget it that you can get. Power is not that big of a thing, plus you can use it in contests if you want to.

Pete

[txschutte]

FEC, hands down.

[smokinit]

I used a Backwoods for years and it worked great but there comes a time when ease of operation makes a big difference and thats were and FEC comes into play. I guess you have to look at your budget and what your are using it for.Are you planning on daily vending or just the weekend gigs.

[Jamo]

Right now the thoughts are for weekend gigs, and drop off catering. I love the idea of building it slowly, and growing the business over time. Right now with my wife about to deliver our second child... i'm kinda digging the health insurance.

I really like the insulation of the spice wine.. Is the backwoods also insulated?

[smokinit]

Yup sure is and not as heavy to move around I do offer Brethren discounts on new units also.I am just south of Albany

[bam]

Meadow Creek makes nice catering units priced reasonable and well built.

[Dr_KY]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Right now the thoughts are for weekend gigs, and drop off catering. I love the idea of building it slowly, and growing the business over time. Right now with my wife about to deliver our second child... i'm kinda digging the health insurance.

What's your budget look like and can you build? I built The Beast out of a water tank (bowser) for the cost of beer , meat and around 200.00 in parts. Yes it's a rough as a badgers azz and took a fair bit of scrap metal hunting but we got her done. She's a real croud pleaser and draws lot's of attenion.

[armor]

Very Nice (Beast)!!!