Workhorse vs Mill Scale vs Franklin

H

Hugot

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Hi folks, quick question. I am looking for a new offset smoker (not reverse) and i've read a lot about these smokers. Looking @ all the specs of all 3, I'm wondering why would someone pay more / wait 2 years to get a Franklin or mill scale ? Seems like the workhorse is cheaper, thicker, 2 grates, etc. Not dissing just asking why. Thx
 
Not sure why but cant go wrong with the 1975. If I were buying an offset and there was zero wait time I would likely go workhorse or outlaw


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If I had not bought a Shirley 24x36, a 1975 would be sitting on my back Patio in its place. Would still like one, but my wife said one big Cooker out there at a time.
 
Prob be better off finding a local builder.
 
There's a design difference in the heat deflector and airflow, all three are amazing smokers. If you don't care about the hip factor, go Workhorse and don't look back. 1969 would be my choice
 
I have a 1975 and picked it due to wait time, patina finish, even temps, huge firebox and cowboy option (which I use all the time) and steel thickness. I have only seen franklin and mill scale on the Internet but it APPEARS that they might be a little more refined on the fit and finish. Prettier welds, etc. I do like the water pan holder they have. For the money, I think Workhorse is awfully tough to beat


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My taughts exactly. At under 3k for that quality of smoker seems rly hard to beat. I wish i could see all 3 in person, but thats impossible where i live. I'm going 1969.
 
I don't know how the Workhorse is as cheap as it is. The Franklin and Millscale are made in Texas and there is arguably some "cool factor" there. Other than the collector they are different designs in the exchange between the firebox and cook chamber. Which is best? I don't know. There are tradeoffs either way. The Franklin has a semi-insulated firebox which has to add some value, as well as the rounded end-cap on the stack side. That probably helps with airflow and convection on that side of the cooker.

The Workhorse has door that makes it easier to clean out the firebox. The Franklin has a lip there and that makes it a pain, but that lip has saved my ass when I had a log roll off when the log under it burned out and collapsed. It's kind of up to you. If I didn't buy the Franklin I probably would have gone with the Workhorse.

I think the Millscale might have a shorter wait time than the Workhorse right now. They make them in batches so it depends on when you order. They were taking orders for November pretty recently. I have no idea what the wait is on the Franklin.
 
As of last week, the wait time on the Franklin pit was 18 to 24 months. 6 months for the workhorse and 3 months ish for mill scale. If i could choose any of those base on my research on the internet i would go for the mill scale but its 1400ish more than the same size workhorse.
 
In the grand scheme of things, Three Months passes really fast and.......you can buy a whole lot of fresh Briskets for $1,400.
 
Can't comment on all three for cooking, but I have seen and cooked on Mill Scale and the quality is fantastic. Workhorse from the way I see it positioned is the "Value" brand of Primitive pits, and everything I've seen from Primitive Pits was also exceptional. Keep in mind that the Franklin Pit is the smallest of the bunch with a 20" x 42" cook chamber, and lightest at 600 pounds vs. 24" x 48" and around 800 pounds for Mill Scale and Workhorse.
 
Workhorse just improved their production capacity so their wait time is supposedly coming down from 6 months. How much down will have to be seen.
 
Being that far North, the only thing I could add is to consider an insulated firebox in the mix. That will extend your smoker season unless you are truly hardcore with your smoked meats. :cool:

The thicker body on the Workhorse will also serve you well during early and late season smoking in cooler weather. :thumb:
 
Being in Quebec, you could look at Smoke North here in Ontario. They make a similar size/style offset. Maybe within pickup range.
 
the 3/8 thickness is one of the reason i chose the workhorse. Just got an estimation from Millscale and thats just not reasonable for me. 4125$ USD for the pit, 1250$ USD shipping plus brokage and taxes, thats 6275$ USD.
 
Workhorse is hard to beat when you look at specs versus cost. However, that doesn't mean a lesser "spec" won't produce exceptional BBQ!
 
Amazes me yoder same price as WH1975. Yoder needs to rethink their pricing


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