Exciting New Model(s) from Old Country BBQ Pits

[SmittyJonz]

I just picked up an Old Country Insulated Gravity Fed prototype T/E Smoker from Alejandro in Laredo. :heh:. It is about the size of an Assassin 24 or T&K Medium - maybe a lil bigger . 14 guage inner and outer skins with 2” of insulation. 3/16” charcoal chute.
He is still meeting with Academy on the specs for the store model . It will most likely be a smaller unit -possibly go to 1 inch insulation -like the size of a T&K small - but possibly in the $1200 neighborhood. :thumb:
I will post pictures tomorrow as I am driving back from Laredo as I type. He also has a couple other things he is working on - that I cannot say yet - but it’s pretty cool.

[BKING!]

Cool! I’ve been eyeballing old country pits here lately to have as a patio smoker.

[Nuco59]

/pulls sealed envelope from pocket.

/opens and reads.

"yep- nailed it"

(some folk are curious and some are looking to add to their herd. Smitty is both of them.)

Good job!

[pjtexas1]

Happy for you brother! Sorry I had to bail on the Laredo trip. $1,200 is a really nice price point for one the size of the T&K small gf.

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[ronbrad62]

Talk about dropping hints and adding to the suspense!! Pay off, man! We need a pay off!

[pjtexas1]

Talk about dropping hints and adding to the suspense!! Pay off, man! We need a pay off!Dang! He got home but his brakes failed. Good news is that the new cooker got "mounted" in the kitchen.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180421/b05208657b2c09e51e3df08ab97c1f68.jpg

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[SmittyJonz]

https://i.imgur.com/fMpfhz2l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GtXHxHql.jpg

[Czarbecue]

That explains all the GF questions all of a sudden. What's next, a pellet cooker?

[SmittyJonz]

that explains all the gf questions all of a sudden. What's next, a pellet cooker?

:shock: Never....

[ronbrad62]

I have been thinking about my next smoker that my wife wouldn't divorce me over, and you may have the answer right there. Any idea when they will be available for the rest of us?

[SmittyJonz]

I have been thinking about my next smoker that my wife wouldn't divorce me over, and you may have the answer right there. Any idea when they will be available for the rest of us?

Could be in 2-3 months depending On what he and academy work out.......Could be a little longer

[SmittyJonz]

I was posting about and recommending and bumping threads about old country smokers on here and another forum before I ever had contact with old country . Old country made first contact with me in the thread posted linked above . From that contact we exchanged emails and he asked if I would be interested in being part of his test and evaluate market research team I would be given smokers in exchange for an honest review and recommendations on improving them . He also emails me when he has an idea and bounces them off of me and I tell him what I think about Them......

[Blythewood BBQ'er]

Very nice SmittyJonz!

[Clay-b-que]

I was posting about and recommending and bumping threads about old country smokers on here and another forum before I ever had contact with old country . Old country made first contact with me in the thread posted linked above . From that contact we exchanged emails and he asked if I would be interested in being part of his test and evaluate market research team I would be given smokers in exchange for an honest review and recommendations on improving them . He also emails me when he has an idea and bounces them off of me and I tell him what I think about Them......

Man that is awesome! Dreams do come true! Can't wait to see some pics of this thing fired up ... what are you waiting for?!?

[pjtexas1]

Man that is awesome! Dreams do come true! Can't wait to see some pics of this thing fired up ... what are you waiting for?!?He's still got 2-3 hours of driving to get home.

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[cfrazier77]

Congrats, I hope you really like it. You need another grill anyway.:-D

[Ron_L]

Mod Note:

Enough name calling and accusations!

[HogGrog]

Very cool and well deserved! Safe Travels.

[tom b]

What are you waiting for fire it up man!

[SmittyJonz]

Holy Chit, I’m Pooped. 16.5 hours and damn near 900 miles and I’m Home......

[Nuco59]

I hope your review(s) will show it to be another great cooker from OC.

Very interested in the price point - an affordable Gravity Fed would be a nice addition.

I can't afford to pay an arm and a leg- be nice to have something somewhere near my budget.

Can't wait to hear more - get some rest... I hear Sunday might be a nice day to cook something /big nudge.

[KevinJ]

Smoke rolling yet?

[Ron_L]

Mode Note:

Thread scrubbed. Let’s keep it on topic, gang!

[Ron_L]

Glad that you made it home, Smitty! I’m waiting for the first naked fatty pictures! :becky:

[CptKaos]

congrats Smitty
OC has a great asset now on there pit development team

Larry

[16Adams]

Glad you made the trip safely. LA Turnarounds can be hip killers.

Congratulations on the new toy (357Sig makes a great BBQ Gun)

God Bless Texas

[brochip1]

I'm excited to see how this thing turns out. I like what I've seen from Old Country.

[mcyork28]

Looking forward to seeing the report on this. Like others have said, an affordable gravity feed would be nice to see.

[TuscaloosaQ]

Are you going to paint it camouflage .....you better!!!!!!

[BBQchef33]

Seems Ron got up early and cleaned house. He's a lot nicer than I would've been. Wtf got into some if u guys?


Congrats Smitty... Get some sleep and fire her up!

[TuscaloosaQ]

Aight the RED marker is out......im getting the heck out of dodge.... I thought the grand poobah slept in on Saturday......

[Ron_L]

Seems Ron got up early and cleaned house. He's a lot nicer than I would've been. Wtf got into some if u guys?


Congrats Smitty... Get some sleep and fire her up!

They caught me in a good mood :-D

[SmittyJonz]

Alrighty, just finished my Nap so I’ll be Firing it up in a little bit.

Sexy Welds? Nope. Fit n Finish 2nd to None? Nope. Fancy Automotive Paint in a variety of Colors? Nope. Big Casters and Stainless Steel Options? Nope. Other Options? Nope.

Basic Welds that will Hold Up? Check. Basic Rustoleum Flat Black BBQ Paint that you can touch up with a rattle can? Check. Charcoal Chute? Check. Cook Chamber? Check. Ball Valve Intake? Check. Gaskets on doors and chute? Check. (This T/E Model has glue on felt gaskets but production units will have better gaskets - rope gaskets or tadpole gaskets). A Simple Basic design that’s nothing special but should work? Check.
An estimated Price Range that Po’ Boys and Working Class Stiffs can Afford? Check.
That concludes our Pre Flight Checks. Lift Off Shortly............

[Blythewood BBQ'er]

Can't wait!

[pjtexas1]

Trying to be patient...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180421/7d2325a8d0672855630259faa98a0c1a.gif

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[Nuco59]

Have to be patient

it's raining cats and dogs in DFW.... that would put a damper on a new pit break in.

if you are anxious, imagine how HE feels.

[SmittyJonz]

https://i.imgur.com/ZGzlk5el.jpg

I dont have a weed burner or even a thermometer for it. This is the firegrate. started up a full chimney, dumped in, pured some more KBB and a few chunks, then more KBB then a few Chunks and more KBB. Chute Held 20 lbs.

https://i.imgur.com/0qGOpSCl.jpg

Got Maverick probes running thru thermometer hole in Door. One on grate 2nd from top and one on bottom grate - in the centers. Not sure if these probes are both acurrate. I don't have any oven thermos. Started Far apart in temps now getting closer........I don't have a Temp Control Puffer - running on 2" Ball valve.

https://i.imgur.com/RpDCITAl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A2KDJKEl.jpg

I put 2 Fist sized chunks in the firebox. cant fit splits.........

https://i.imgur.com/Jmrfwfbl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/l2r19ffl.jpg

It has 4 grates - 23 x18"ish

https://i.imgur.com/AdULMczl.png

https://i.imgur.com/fQuBqg1l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fEaNnqXl.jpg

Floor in the cook chamber is slopped to the center with a drain.

https://i.imgur.com/8TNTjvHl.jpg

Not running a Water Pan this Time. Gonna see how it does without one but I generally run water pans.

[KevinJ]

Boomshakalaka looking kind of pissed :heh:

[SmittyJonz]

Well one of the probes temp is jumping around - reads 330 then 10 seconds later 240 then 270. Mavericks are Junk.
I've bought atleast 6 replacement probes including the "Better" ones - thats why I quit using this Maverick. So I can't tell you How far apart top to bottom temps are........ :frusty:

[Hotch]

And again, my phone never did ring....

I see what you did SmittyJonz!! :tsk:

:bolt:

[Blythewood BBQ'er]

Looks like a quality piece SmittyJonz! Yeah I agree with the mavericks, I'm slowly switching over to thermoworks.

[BeardedBassGuy]

Looks like a great value smoker! Really happy for you, and I'm looking forward to the reviews!

[SmittyJonz]

When the temp probe isn’t jumping around it’s 40* difference but I don’t know if that’s accurate.? I’m gonna put 2 thermos in the door but the door is 2” thick and River Country doesn’t have any 4” or 6” stems so I’ll have to get TelTru - so $100 for 2 thermometers.
It has a Large 5” Exhaust I was running half open- just closed it off to 1/4 way open and will let it run a lil bit to see if it makes a difference.

[SmittyJonz]

Ran it a bit with exhaust at 1/4 way open and it's much Better. 15-20* Difference is Good Enough for me. This is running Empty- No meats.....

https://i.imgur.com/zvU26Dkh.jpg

[SmittyJonz]

First Cook ....... Biscuits.

https://i.imgur.com/zIBo5CUh.jpg

[SmittyJonz]

10 minutes:

https://i.imgur.com/r81vcbrh.jpg

[gtr]

What did you rub those biscuits with and when do you sauce them?

Very cool stuff all around, Smitty!

[SmittyJonz]

https://youtu.be/vwKIj7-X7jE

[SmittyJonz]

15 minutes........

https://i.imgur.com/17w1rDnh.jpg

[SmittyJonz]

Biscuits are Pretty Even - only slight difference in top grate vs bottom grate.......

https://i.imgur.com/mcBVGIeh.jpg

[SmittyJonz]

https://i.imgur.com/vxQzjDUh.jpg

[pjtexas1]

I have a couple RC 5" thermometers new in the box but only 3" stems. Biscuit test is as good as my insulated cabinet. Without a heat baffle I would have thought the bottom reach would be 100+ hotter than the top. I'm impressed so far!

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[pjtexas1]

You need to make an ash pan. Even hd foil is better than nothing. Gotta protect the bottom of the FB as that's what takes most of the abuse. I also think the tube into the cc needs to be lower...or maybe that helps even out temps?

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[SmittyJonz]

You need to make an ash pan. Even hd foil is better than nothing. Gotta protect the bottom of the FB as that's what takes most of the abuse. I also think the tube into the cc needs to be lower...or maybe that helps even out temps?

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ya there's 10' under the tranfer tube- Wasted space and I think it Hurts it a bit. I think he only did that to use 1 piece across the front including firebox. If you look at your T&K the cook chamber doesn't come down as far as the Chute/firebox. Store models will probally not have that wasted space at the bottom......

[ronbrad62]

Congrats on a great score. I couldn't be happier unless it were me posting those pics. You do us proud, my friend.

[SmittyJonz]

I'm LIKING It...! I will replace the gaskets and add toggle latches, TelTru thermos, probally get an PitMaster IQ120 Puffer........... :heh:

I might weld in rails for a removable Floor to get rid of the wasted space in the bottom. Set it 2-3" below the heat transfer tube..........

[pjtexas1]

I'm LIKING It...! I will replace the gaskets and add toggle latches, TelTru thermos, probally get an PitMaster IQ120 Puffer........... :heh:

I might weld in rails for a removable Floor to get rid of the wasted space in the bottom. Set it 2-3" below the heat transfer tube..........

Tuned in to see if this helps or if less space makes the bottom rack too hot. Alejandro might be onto something here.

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[gtr]

food should be coming soon...

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/017/312/picnic_table_bear.jpg

[SmittyJonz]

Just checked the Ribs - Little tight - givin' it 30-45 minutes more......

[SmittyJonz]

https://i.imgur.com/hzwK2Wgl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CY5cMwJl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/duZkB42l.jpg

[Twisted T's Q]

ribs look killer smitty

[Czarbecue]

Nice additional to your squad. How long before this is trailer mounted? :heh:

[SmittyJonz]

Nice additional to your squad. How long before this is trailer mounted? :heh:

Would be Cool to put it on a little trailer - could take it to N Tx Bash . Probally Won’t Happen tho.

[mrpigs]

Glad to hear Old Country is coming out with new stuff.

If they would build an over and under out of a little heavier steel with a little higher cook chamber so there's more head room on the top grate and more room for grilling in the firebox, I'd be one of the first in line to get me one.

For $500, I flat out love this little cooker.

[SmittyJonz]

He also said a few models are at Bucees Travel Stop - which some of you all may have noticed. I stopped at the Bucees near Temple on the Way Back and they had several Smokehouse and Brazos models and a pallet of small tailgater grills by Old Country and a curved firewood rack.

[BeardedBassGuy]

He also said a few models are at Bucees Travel Stop - which some of you all may have noticed. I stopped at the Bucees near Temple on the Way Back and they had several Smokehouse and Brazos models and a pallet of small tailgater grills by Old Country and a curved firewood rack.

Dang, I wish I had looked at the smokers yesterday then. I was at the one on I-20 at Terrell.

Related to the thread note, I'm looking at a future "set and forget" smoker and this is now on the list to compare.

[thigpen1]

Nice looking unit, how much does it weigh? Was it hard to get out of the back of your pickup?

[mcyork28]

Do you know a rough price range for this?

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[SmittyJonz]

Nice looking unit, how much does it weigh? Was it hard to get out of the back of your pickup?

400-500 lb range....me and a Buddy slid it down the tailgate and stood it up. No way we could’ve put it In my truck.

[SmittyJonz]

Do you know a rough price range for this?

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See page 1........

[SmittyJonz]

I’m thinking they will be a Big Seller along with the other 2 he’s working on that I can’t say yet.........

[ColoradoSmoke]

I’m thinking they will be a Big Seller along with the other 2 he’s working on that I can’t say yet.........

Hmmm... I'm planning on finally getting a Brazos next month (I want a traditional offset). Are the other 2 he's working on worth waiting for? Maybe a larger version of the Brazos?

[SmittyJonz]

Hmmm... I'm planning on finally getting a Brazos next month (I want a traditional offset). Are the other 2 he's working on worth waiting for? Maybe a larger version of the Brazos?

Nope. Get the Brazos.

[SmittyJonz]

Are you going to paint it camouflage .....you better!!!!!!

:heh:

[SmittyJonz]

I’ve done 2 cooks so far. 4 racks of St Louis spares First cook and 6 racks and a 12 lb Brisket the 2nd cook. I’m Liking it.
I will be putting toggle latches on the charcoal chute door and firebox door and maybe cook chamber door and eventually upgrading the gaskets.
Store model should have better gaskets and toggle latches.
I havn't heard anything else on store model - I’m anxious to see what size n style n such they end up with.

[hogzillas]

I'd be interested in a closer look especially of the chute. I know many Stump GF owners would fill the chute then use some kind of torch/weed burner to light from w/in the bottom of the chute. Is there some kind of ball valve type on the side of the fb to control temp?

[SmittyJonz]

https://i.imgur.com/ZGzlk5el.jpg
.
.
.
.
.

Ummm......Do you not read thru the threads........? .:twitch: page 3.......Gasketed doors and ball valve intake.
First run I did not have a weed burner and since the cute was empty I just dumped in a lit chimney full then filled it up with unlit and wood chunks. 2nd cook I use a weed burner.

[hogzillas]

yes - missed that pic till after I posted :oops:. Does it seem as top heavy as the Smokehouse if stood upright on a trailer for transport as far as in cg sense? I saw you laid it down in your truck bed. I'd like to take a good look in person of one so maybe Academy will stock them next season???

[SmittyJonz]

Hopefully this summer. Store model will be a lil smaller.

[Mikhail]

:pop2:

I like the footprint and that it is insulated.

[SmittyJonz]

A few Folks have PM’d me — I havn't gotten any Updates but sometime this Summer there will be a cpl exciting new offerings from Old Country, Hopefully Sooner than Later.

[g2outfitter]

Anyone know if these ever went into production?

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[SmittyJonz]

Anyone know if these ever went into production?

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https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269517

[Richard_]

I found a video https://youtu.be/EZ-aR5J2NM8

[pjtexas1]

I found a video https://youtu.be/EZ-aR5J2NM8 I remember that video. He uses more bp on 1 brisket than i do on 3 briskets.

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[BBQscott]

I remember that video. He uses more bp on 1 brisket than i do on 3 briskets.

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What do you mean by "bp"? Just curious.

[pjtexas1]

What do you mean by "bp"? Just curious.Butcher Paper. Sorry

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[JWFokker]

So is Academy not going to have the Smokehouse anymore? Disappeared from the website.

[SmittyJonz]

So is Academy not going to have the Smokehouse anymore? Disappeared from the website.

Comes and goes depending on warehouse stock - don’t know why they don’t just put “out of stock”.......

[JWFokker]

Glad to hear Old Country is coming out with new stuff.

If they would build an over and under out of a little heavier steel with a little higher cook chamber so there's more head room on the top grate and more room for grilling in the firebox, I'd be one of the first in line to get me one.

For $500, I flat out love this little cooker.

That pretty much describes the Flowmaster but I don't think Old Country makes them anymore.

[SmittyJonz]

That pretty much describes the Flowmaster but I don't think Old Country makes them anymore.

I thought the Flowmaster was Pretty Cool - didn’t have one just saw it in the store - it apparently it didn’t Sell and was dropped.

[SmittyJonz]

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277422

[Wesman61]

Just discovered this. I’m considering a new bbq and this looks like a good choice. Are they pretty good with consistent temps? Does the charcoal ever bridge up and allow the temp to drop? Are you comfortable with the idea of putting a brisket on then leaving the house for a few hours?

[SmittyJonz]

Just discovered this. I’m considering a new bbq and this looks like a good choice. Are they pretty good with consistent temps? Does the charcoal ever bridge up and allow the temp to drop? Are you comfortable with the idea of putting a brisket on then leaving the house for a few hours?

this was the original that academy didn't pick up........

This thread is the Smaller Unit Academy did pick up :

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277422

No bridging using briquettes, I mix wood chunks in the chute - Holds Steady temps and Pretty Even Top to Bottom - when you first put meat on there will be a bigger difference then temps come back close together as cook goes on. I leave the House and do overnite cooks - I run a Pitmaster IQ120 on it but can do it on ball valve Only.

[Wessler]

I just bought on of these from Academy in Keller(North Fort Worth) and love it.
I made a ash tray form 16g metal to catch the ashes, added a smoke stack protector to keep the rain out in case it rains while using, and repainted it semi gloss to match my trailer I put it on.
It hold temp great and no bridging problems so far in 4 cooks with it.

[SmittyJonz]

:clap2:

[pjtexas1]

Pics?

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[Wessler]

Adding a 4th cooking grate this weekend also.:becky:

180881
Smaller grill on the back is my steak/burger/brat grill.


180882

180883

[johnnylightnin]

Looks great!


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[pjtexas1]

This trailer needs a thread all its own.

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[Wessler]

Is there any way to get extra racks from Old Country for this smoker?
I have tried to call and email them with no response.

I would just like to have more original racks like came in it.

[SmittyJonz]

Is there any way to get extra racks from Old Country for this smoker?
I have tried to call and email them with no response.

I would just like to have more original racks like came in it.

Probably not.

Just make some - just angle iron and 3/4” expanded metal.

[Wessler]

Probably not.

Just make some - just angle iron and 3/4” expanded metal.
I did just that and now have 5 racks to cook on. Works great!

[SmittyJonz]

:thumb:

[HuskerMan]

I did just that and now have 5 racks to cook on. Works great!

Where did you put the extra racks in location to current ones? How much space does it make inbetween?

[Wessler]

181487where did you put the extra racks in location to current ones? How much space does it make inbetween?


Picture is sideways so measurements may be easier to read.
The top 3 long racks have about 5" clearance. Short racks only about 3".
Still room for water pan on bottom. Holds meat and heat nicely.

[Whodat985]

This may have answered already but. I’m very interested in this smoker thought it was going to be my next one. But I’ve noticed the ones I can buy. Look about half the size of the one you have. Can you explain why. Now I’m second guessing my self. I can’t see myself paying 1200 for a smaller cooker very disappointed in the size I was really close to pulling the trigger on this pit.

[SmittyJonz]

This may have answered already but. I’m very interested in this smoker thought it was going to be my next one. But I’ve noticed the ones I can buy. Look about half the size of the one you have. Can you explain why. Now I’m second guessing my self. I can’t see myself paying 1200 for a smaller cooker very disappointed in the size I was really close to pulling the trigger on this pit.

This thread is the Larger Original Protype that Academy did Not Buy - Only 6 were Made and Not For Sale......it would have retailed for $2200..........

Wessler is posting in wrong thread -- The New Smaller Model that Academy Did pick up is this thread :

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277422

which is Slightly Larger than the Next Cheapest Gravity Fed - the T&K Small at $2499 ............

https://www.stlbbqstore.com/t-k-gravity-feed-small/

so $1299 or $2499 - Take your Pick :twitch: