MMMM.. BRISKET..
The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS.  



Our Homepage Donation to Forum Overhead Welocme Merchandise Associations Purchase Subscription Amazon Affiliate
Go Back   The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS. > Discussion Area > Q-talk

Notices

Q-talk *ON TOPIC ONLY* QUALITY ON TOPIC discussion of Backyard BBQ, grilling, equipment and outdoor cookin' . ** Other cooking techniques are welcomed for when your cookin' in the kitchen. Post your hints, tips, tricks & techniques, success, failures, but stay on topic and watch for that hijacking.


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 09-24-2020, 10:02 PM   #1
RemoGaggi
Full Fledged Farker
 
Join Date: 03-28-13
Location: NorCal
Name/Nickname : RemoGaggi
Default Red Box Smoker - Help me decide

Last year I came pretty close to getting Red Box Smoker, but held off. It's just me and my wife nowadays as the kids are moved out. My wife doesn't eat much meat anymore, so usually it's just me cooking a treat for me.

Over the years, I've had a lot of different smokers - Kamado, Charcoal, Electric, UDS, and multiple pellet smokers. I've never had an insulated cabinet smoker - its the only type of smoker (I think) I've never owned or used.

Right now, as far as smokers go, I have a Mak 1-Star (Rwalters Inspired) and a GMG Davy Crockett. I tend to use the Davy Crockett almost 100% nowadays as I'm just making small batches. I know, why don't I use the Mak? I love the Mak, but to me it's like driving the Limo to the corner grocery store to buy a carton of milk. I save it for when I really need the capacity and want to show off when I've got a group of people over (Pre-Covid).

So, the Red Box possibility popped in my head again. The cost would be $350 delivered to my house. I see Mark's got some new videos out there and he's even doing multiple racks of ribs and brisket. However, some of the videos he's using a BBQ Guru, which would add at least another $250 or so to the unit, making it nearly a $600 unit. I want to know how good it is as the $350 unit.

To all the Red Box owners out there, running it stock, does it do a good job on rack of Beef Short Ribs? How about a regular pork spareribs and babyback ribs? And of course, has anyone done a Brisket hot and fast in it? (I know the brisket would need to be separated to fit). Help me decide. Thanks!
__________________
Mak 1, PKGO, Akorn Jr., Gabbys 22"w/ Weber SS Performer, Blackstone 22" & Pizza Oven.
RemoGaggi is offline   Reply With Quote




Old 09-24-2020, 10:13 PM   #2
drunkenmeatfist
is One Chatty Farker
 
drunkenmeatfist's Avatar
 
Join Date: 12-03-18
Location: Texas
Name/Nickname : Sammy
Default

I've given that little rascal a look more than a few times. I could never bring myself to pull the trigger and that's saying something because I have an itchy trigger finger. I like small cookers, but I couldn't find anything that made me need this one.
drunkenmeatfist is online now   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-24-2020, 10:31 PM   #3
thirdeye
somebody shut me the fark up.

 
thirdeye's Avatar
 
Join Date: 01-14-06
Location: At home on the range in Wyoming
Default

Once upon a time..... I helped design a cabinet smoker and a customer built 2 of them which I have cooked on at least 25 times. They are the bomb because they perform like an oven, and the flavor is wonderful. We are normally cooking for 40 or 50 people, but once or twice we did mega cooks of burgers and brats. So, I'd love to have one at home. My vote is a solid YES, go for it. The Red Box looks cool, but if there is a chance you might outgrow it, look at some of the Backwoods models.



__________________
~thirdeye~

Barbecuist ~ Charcuterist ~ KCBS Master Judge & CTC
Big Green Eggs, Big Drum Smokers, Big Chiefs, Weber Smokey Joe "Custom Tall Boy"
Oil Patch Horizontal, SnS Deluxe Kettle

Visit my Cookin' Site by clicking HERE
Barbecue is not rocket surgery
“The problem with quotes on the Internet is that it's hard to verify their authenticity” ~ Abraham Lincoln
thirdeye is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-25-2020, 05:17 AM   #4
Fire and Ice
Full Fledged Farker

 
Join Date: 07-13-20
Location: Morgan City, LA.
Name/Nickname : Big Daddy
Default

I have seen those smokers up close last several years at our local BBQ Comp. That little smoker was on some comp teams. Portable, inexpensive, and worked well.
__________________
_______________
[B]Equipment[/B]
Lang offset, Gator offset
Backwoods, UDS
Weber 22, Smokey Joe,Weber go anywhere
Grilla Grill
Black Stone
Americana Walk About
Fire and Ice is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-25-2020, 06:32 PM   #5
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

I bought one of those as soon as they came out. Even had a cart built for it. Made a raised charcoal basket that helped a lot. Also took out the water pan and replaced it with a flat piece of steel.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 09-25-2020, 06:51 PM   #6
WilliamKY
is Blowin Smoke!

 
WilliamKY's Avatar
 
Join Date: 02-18-18
Location: Louisville,KY
Name/Nickname : William
Default

I bought one and I used it three times and then sold it. It's not that I didn't like the cooker as it is built well. Sturdy and heavy for sure. I just expected a stronger smoke profile. That's just me though. It's a very easy cooker to operate although a long cook isn't happening unless you reload the charcoal tray sometime through the cook or modify the tray like PJ did. It's a stout little cooker for sure and should do short ribs or baby backs just fine. Good luck.
__________________
Shirley Vertical + Fire Pit
Pit Boss 700
Weber 28 griddle
Weber 26
WGA
Old Smokey Electric.
Go Cards!
WilliamKY is online now   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 09-25-2020, 06:58 PM   #7
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WilliamKY View Post
I bought one and I used it three times and then sold it. It's not that I didn't like the cooker as it is built well. Sturdy and heavy for sure. I just expected a stronger smoke profile. That's just me though. It's a very easy cooker to operate although a long cook isn't happening unless you reload the charcoal tray sometime through the cook or modify the tray like PJ did. It's a stout little cooker for sure and should do short ribs or baby backs just fine. Good luck.
Yeah the basket mod is almost necessary to cook long enough. Add more wood or stronger wood to get more flavor.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from: --->
Old 09-25-2020, 09:35 PM   #8
RemoGaggi
Full Fledged Farker
 
Join Date: 03-28-13
Location: NorCal
Name/Nickname : RemoGaggi
Default

PJTexas, just curious - how many hours can you get using your modified charcoal basket? Thanks.
__________________
Mak 1, PKGO, Akorn Jr., Gabbys 22"w/ Weber SS Performer, Blackstone 22" & Pizza Oven.
RemoGaggi is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-25-2020, 09:50 PM   #9
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RemoGaggi View Post
PJTexas, just curious - how many hours can you get using your modified charcoal basket? Thanks.
7-8 hours but I could probably go longer. I stack the charcoal really thin towards the end of the snake so temps don't climb out of control.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-25-2020, 10:51 PM   #10
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

I always wanted to add a ball valve but never did. Probably because I don't use it very often. Still gotta sell at least 5 more cookers.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-26-2020, 02:58 AM   #11
mph33
Full Fledged Farker
 
mph33's Avatar
 
Join Date: 10-23-13
Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Name/Nickname : Charlesgriet
Default

Can you cook a brisket in the smoker? It looks really small
mph33 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-26-2020, 09:48 AM   #12
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mph33 View Post
Can you cook a brisket in the smoker? It looks really small
The racks are 11x12 so it would have to be a small brisket. I did a 6 pound brisket once. Anything much bigger would not fit unless separated. Here's a pic of the brisket in a half pan. Maybe draping over a bowl would help.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 09-26-2020, 01:01 PM   #13
RemoGaggi
Full Fledged Farker
 
Join Date: 03-28-13
Location: NorCal
Name/Nickname : RemoGaggi
Default

Thanks for pushing me over the edge - I'm going to order one!
__________________
Mak 1, PKGO, Akorn Jr., Gabbys 22"w/ Weber SS Performer, Blackstone 22" & Pizza Oven.
RemoGaggi is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-27-2020, 09:38 PM   #14
pjtexas1
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
Join Date: 12-28-11
Location: Belton, Tx
Name/Nickname : Texas Pete
Default

How I setup my charcoal maze. Once hot this little thing doesn't need much to hold temp. That's the old Stubb's charcoal and it is the smallest charcoal I've ever seen. I only use it in the Red Box and still have a few bags left.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
__________________
Paul (aka Texas Pete)
SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr

Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! (Link)
pjtexas1 is offline   Reply With Quote


Thanks from:--->
Old 09-27-2020, 10:41 PM   #15
RemoGaggi
Full Fledged Farker
 
Join Date: 03-28-13
Location: NorCal
Name/Nickname : RemoGaggi
Default

Thanks! I've got some expanded metal I think I can use to make this. I confirmed that it comes with the firebox insert, so that will help as well. I also ordered the dry heat diffuser ($15) to use with hot and fast cooks, but I'll have to find some metal to replace the water pan on the low and slow cooks.
__________________
Mak 1, PKGO, Akorn Jr., Gabbys 22"w/ Weber SS Performer, Blackstone 22" & Pizza Oven.
RemoGaggi is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


Forum Custom Search: Enter your Search text below. GOOGLE will search ONLY the BBQ Brethren Forum.
Custom search MAY not work(no display box) in some configurations of Internet Explorer. Please use compliant version of Firefox or Chrome.







All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:28 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
2003 -2012 © BBQ-Brethren Inc. All rights reserved. All Content and Flaming Pig Logo are registered and protected under U.S and International Copyright and Trademarks. Content Within this Website Is Property of BBQ Brethren Inc. Reproduction or alteration is strictly prohibited.
no new posts