Need advice on stick burner

[BayouFrogCake]

Hello fellow brethren. It has been a while since I posted but I have a serious question and I need your expert (ah hem) opinions. I am looking to invest (I prefer that term versus buy cause it make me feel all warm inside about spending money) in a stick burner for primarily backyard use. My budget is between 1000 and 1500 preferably.

I have been doing some research and have been looking at various models out there but I want your recommendations and experience. I prefer NOT to be a slave to wood and temp management but do understand that I can't eliminate it all together so reasonable wood temp management is ok.

Finally, I have some ambition to get out there and do a few backyard comps for the fun of it and would use this for that. I currently have a PBC and love it but, I believe I can take my Que further with a true wood smoker.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Eric8839]

I have 2 chargriller offset smokers I bought from lowes they work great for bbq and relatively inexpensive .I also do competitive bbq with them

[SmittyJonz]

Any offset you will have to tend atleast once an hour.
Many guys on here are getting pits from Shirley Fab in Alabama - they are on here as TuscalusaQ or however it's spelled. Many other qaulity backyard pits come to mind - Like Lang - but you will have to pay shipping or big road trip.

A Brethren - DWFisk- is in FL. And builds pits for folks part time.

http://langbbqsmokers.com


http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126

[J&B'sBBQ]

There is another off-set builder here in GA that you could look into. Their set ups are similar to a Lang (off-set RF) but are substantially less expensive. We use their A1 model for competitions. They also make patio models. If you want more details on this manufacturer feel free to send me a PM; we love our cooker and recommend it to people all the time.

http://www.custompits.com/

[HookedOnQ]

If I was in the market for a stickburner it would be Shirley fab without a doubt. Top quality at a fair price and your supporting the little man which im all about although they are moving to the top quickly around here.

[SmittyJonz]

I prefer verticals myself offset or direct fire with the firebox below the cook chamber with the firebox below the cook chamber you should have longer time between tending

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2847190

[Bludawg]

If you want a Lower maintenance pit you need it to be insulated in the pit & the firebox. Both are out of your budget. Once you get them set up correctly a 179.00 CharGrillrer cooks real good I add 1 split every 45 min. to maintain 300 deg.

[Red Valley BBQ]

I have an original Oklahoma Joe trailer smoker for sale if you interested.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162007

[grill 'em all]

Lots of great builders out there that offer quality backyard stickburners within or slightly over your budget..After speaking with a few builders I went with Paul at SF.. I would advise anyone in the market to give TuscaloosaQ a chance before spending there hard earned $$$ elsewhere.

Happy Shopping!