Choosing my first offset smoker

[landarc]

Okay, that is one cooker that I have never cooked on, however, my first thought is that you will be using thin, very thin steel for your cooker. Despite using the fire bricks, you are building a fairly inefficient cooker. And that spells frustration, although, you live in San Jose, so most days you are not going to be fighting terrible cold or winds. Still, I would recommend one of two routes, buy a $500 smoker that is reasonably built, or grabbing your huevos and jumping in with a true smoker. You'll be happier with the better smoker.

 

[BowtieBill]

Keep your eyes open on craigslist for a used Klose smoker. I have seen a few backyard units down in SoCal recently. They are pricey, but you might find a used Backyard Chef in your price range. These are well made, top quality smokers.

Good luck,
Bill

 

[Ag76]

36x20 Kat for $1,499.00, Modesto CA. Deliver for $150.00 within a 75 mile radius.

http://katbbqsmokers.com/36x20_reverse_flow/

 

[Harrjack]

I currently have a RF I've had since 1977 made out of scd40 pipe and I bought a LSG offset vertical a few months ago. Both are very good. The new one seems a little easier to maintain my temps but both do very well. They do require lots of monitoring.

 

[SmittyJonz]

Those double barrel pits suck.

 

[SmittyJonz]

I'd start with an Ok Joe Longhorn from Lowes or WallyWorld for $429. Put a convection plate in it and buy a 1/4 - 1/2 cord of wood and a chest freezer and a bunch of meat. Order everything Oakridge makes in rubs brines etc....plus PlowBoys.

Cook on it for 1 year regular like then decide it you want a Cadillac Offset and call Kat.

http://m.lowes.com/pd/Oklahoma-Joes-Longhorn-1060-Sq--in-Charcoal-Horizontal-Smoker/999973180





Ok Joe Longhorn:

 

[keodark]

Interesting... are there any $500-range smokers (readily available, there's no Academy in CA) that are Reverse Flow, or are relatively easy (no weld) to mod for RF?

 

[SmittyJonz]

Interesting... are there any $500-range smokers (readily available, there's no Academy in CA) that are Reverse Flow, or are relatively easy (no weld) to mod for RF?

No. And no cuz you would have to move the exhaust to other end and close off original hole besides the plate.

 

[doug93003]

Lonestargrillz uses 24 inch pipe, where Kat uses 20 inch for the cooking chamber.

You would be hard pressed to find better construction than Lonestargrillz. The attention to detail in the construction is amazing.

 

[ssv3]

Interesting... are there any $500-range smokers (readily available, there's no Academy in CA) that are Reverse Flow, or are relatively easy (no weld) to mod for RF?

Reverse flow? Shirley or KAT

Tuning plates? LSG (I went this route for personal preference)

Only problem with LSG or Shirley is footing the bill for shipping. Both are well worth it but well over your budget also when you add shipping.

As for Academy, I bought a ton of stuff from them since they ship to CA. Check out the Old Country smokers. CL is also an option for something like a Klose or a Lang that come up at times.

This one is 1/4" steel and ships for $99 and no tax. Downside is you can't return since there isn't a store here.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/old-country-bbq-pits-all-american-brazos-smoker?repChildCatid=650566

 

[mschwirian]

A used Lang 36 would be perfect for a small yard and learning on. I would regularly load my Lang 48 in my pickup by myself with ramp and a cheap come along. Two people could easily roll it onto a UHual trailer. It's more than enough capacity to start, easy to learn on and resale value is great if you ever decide to up your capacity.

 

[markdtn]

Keep your eyes open on craigslist for a used Klose smoker. I have seen a few backyard units down in SoCal recently. They are pricey, but you might find a used Backyard Chef in your price range. These are well made, top quality smokers.

Good luck,
Bill

I too vote for high quality used. Borrow a trailer or rent one. Find a local wrecker company that is delivering a wreck on a carrier where you find your used one and get them to bring it back as a backhaul-this may require time and patience.

 

[keodark]

Hmm.. A dilemna on the used Lang 36: I measured, and my backyard gate opening is 36", but the Lang is 39" wide, including the prep area/grate. It looks to me like it's welded on. The fence isn't going anywhere, so I'd have to take an angle grinder to 3" of the prep grate to get it into the backyard... Curse tiny California back yards!

 

[SmittyJonz]

Curse Ca. Period............ I could never live there............ :mrgreen:

I need pics but could you cut it off and re-attach no weld style.? Or cook in your driveway like me. :shock:

 

[hipowerix]

Talk to Ken @ Kat BBQ's. I know that he put folding workshelf on his cookers. ith out the big wheel mine would easily fit through a 36" gate.

http://katbbqsmokers.com/36x20_reverse_flow/

 

[pgyrogear]

Thanks to all who are say KAT....... I love the Brethren

The most important thing for you when choosing a smoker is to do your home and pick one the fits your style of cooking and budget.

There are many vary good builders out there so make some phone calls:

Shirley
Lone Star
Klose
Lang
KAT
and many more...........

All good people and willing to talk to you to help you make the right discussion.

 

[akoda]

Just looked at your site, some nice looking smokers there

Thanks to all who are say KAT....... I love the Brethren

The most important thing for you when choosing a smoker is to do your home and pick one the fits your style of cooking and budget.

There are many vary good builders out there so make some phone calls:

Shirley
Lone Star
Klose
Lang
KAT
and many more...........

All good people and willing to talk to you to help you make the right discussion.

 

[keodark]

The most important thing for you when choosing a smoker is to do your home and pick one the fits your style of cooking and budget.

Thanks for joining in, Ken. Where I'm at now is:
* I want to learn offset stick burning
* I'd like to avoid the frustrations of doing so on a COS
* I don't think I'm ready for the commitment of a custom-built $1500 (+ shipping) smoker.

I could go UDS, but I feel that I wouldn't really be learning stick-burning. I could build a no-weld double drum smoker, but that's going to be no better than a COS. I could buy a $500 mid-range smoker and mod it, but then I'd be out $500 if I decide to upgrade in the near future. I could buy a $900 (+$300 in rental equipment and gas to get it home) used Lang, but I'd have to cut it up to get it in the back yard. [Edit: nevermind that, the Lang was sold]

Still got some thinking to do.

 

[landarc]

Buy a KAT for $1500, you'll love smoking, I'm sure of it.

If you don't, I'll buy the smoker off of you for $500!

Win Win

:thumb:

 

[bbq.tom]

I've got a 36" LANG and the prep grate folds down. TOTAL width is 36" EXACTLY. I know, as my deck opening is 36" and the wheel width is 36" which made for a TIGHT fit, but it did fit!

You won't regret getting the LANG!!!