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View Full Version : Klose Square vs. Round Offset Smoker


HPD190
09-26-2013, 10:14 PM
I've been researching smokers for the past few months and plan to buy a pit from one of the custom builders in the Houston area real soon. I noticed on the KLOSE website that the 20x36 square smoker is cheaper than the traditional round smoker of the same size. Does anyone know if there is a difference in the cooking ability of a square smoker as compared to a round smoker? Thanks.

luke duke
09-27-2013, 09:20 AM
Square
http://www.bbqpits.com/New_Square_Grills%20_&_Smokers/20x36_sq_smoker.htm

Round
http://www.bbqpits.com/backyard_smokers/20x36_deluxe_smoker.htm

The main chamber of the square pit is made out of 12ga (0.1046") steel and the firebox is made out of 3/16" steel. Everything on the round pit is 1/4", unless you upgrade the firebox to 1/2".

HPD190
09-27-2013, 09:24 PM
I see the steel is a little thinner on the square smoker, but I wonder if that will make a huge difference in the performance of the pit. I guess it's better to spend the extra money and go with the thicker steel.

ChickenWang
09-27-2013, 11:29 PM
Yes, get the thicker steel.. Temp control will be alot easier to manage

Swine Spectator
09-28-2013, 08:01 AM
HPD,

Call David Klose and talk to him. He is a great guy and will steer you straight. If funds permit, get the 1/4" pipe and upgrade to the 1/2" firebox. You won't regret it.

Also consider the brass ball valve, its damn handy. I got the charcoal basket, but can't say its a must have. It took quite a while to master and I find enjoy tending a regular fire.

See my thread on the charcoal basket here:
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158046

David
The Swine Spectator

HPD190
09-28-2013, 03:10 PM
Will do David, I'm trying to stay under $1500 and want to get the most for my money. I've been looking at JJ Pits and LyfeTyme smokers as well. LyfeTyme seems to have a really good pit for the price, but I wonder if there are some things that you will get with a Klose smoker that justifies paying a little more.

luke duke
09-28-2013, 04:46 PM
Will do David, I'm trying to stay under $1500 and want to get the most for my money. I've been looking at JJ Pits and LyfeTyme smokers as well. LyfeTyme seems to have a really good pit for the price, but I wonder if there are some things that you will get with a Klose smoker that justifies paying a little more.

I'm not really familiar with JJ Pits, but Klose Pits are definitely a step above LyfeTyme pits.

Here's a used one.
http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4090381915.html

This one is closer, but you'll have to stretch your budget
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/for/4067686750.html

This is a steal. If I were you I would call this guy immediately and go pick it up first thing in the morning.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/for/4094408839.html

16Adams
09-28-2013, 04:48 PM
One thing you get with a Klose is "made in USA"

That's a biggie in my book.

sliding_billy
09-28-2013, 07:19 PM
Klose makes great pits obviously, but his prices are high. There are a lot of good pit builders in and around Houston besides Klose. I see you are in AZ, why are you looking in Houston?

Anyways, besides Klose, you have Gator, JJ, Texas Originals (for a little bit cheaper), Tejas (love their pits and they are really nice folks too) and Lone Star Grillz to name a few. Add to that the DFW (and surounding areeas) folks like Jambo, Big Hat, Johnson, etc and you have a lot of choices. Is this going to be a set it and never move it patio model, or do you plan to compete with it?

HPD190
09-28-2013, 10:31 PM
I'm a native Houstonian temporarily stuck (working) in AZ for the next couple of years, and since I'll be in the Houston area for the holidays I figured I would get a nice Texas made smoker and haul it back to AZ. The last time I was in Houston I saw a Lyfe Tyme smoker at HEB for a good price, but decided to hold off and do more research on different pit makers. One day I would like to compete, but for right now I'm just looking for a high quality pit that will allow me to make Texas style BBQ in my backyard. I've been living in AZ for the past three years and I'm not really fond of the BBQ in AZ, other than the Rudys location here. I figured it was time to start smoking my own meats so I can eat the type of BBQ I used to get back home.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

sliding_billy
09-29-2013, 05:41 AM
Just my opinion, but I would go one rung down from Klose (JJ, Tejas or Lone Star) and get a little bit more cooker for the same amount of money. The other thing to consider is the build time on any of these. Make sure you see where they are in terms of backlog given that you are planning on picking up during the holiday season. Best if luck, and thanks for clearing up the "Houston" question for me.

HPD190
10-14-2013, 09:35 PM
I actually sent an e-mail to Pits by JJ and no one ever replied. I liked what I saw with Lone Star Grillz, but the person I spoke with stated that they could not have my pit ready before Thanksgiving, and this was around Oct. 7th. I did pay a little more than I wanted for a Klose pit, but I feel good about getting a pit from a highly reputable builder.

SmittyJonz
10-14-2013, 09:59 PM
So you got a Klose coming? Cool. :thumb: