Firebox Question, Which Pit Would You Prefer?

[Samichlaus]

Two similar pits, both are made by Klose. Let's assume the size and options are the same. On one hand having the firebox under the pit seems logical, heat & smoke like to go up, not sideways. On the other hand you couldn't pre-heat your wood with-out the off set firebox.

 

[Kevin]

The offset, but raise it up. I don't want to get down on my knees to tend a fire. Yes heat does travel up, but with proper design for air flow it will go where intended.

 

[parrothead]

It doesn't matter with the pit shown, but with the offset, I can add wood from the top of the fire or have a grate directly above the coals for grilling. Can't with the offset shown here though as the top doos is lacking.

 

[spoon]

If you end up preferring the top design with offset (which is what I would choose), you might as well just get the MOAB (Phil's design - I can't find a pic).

If instead you end up preferring the "fire under" design, you might want to consider this one:

http://www.batespitts.com/ba70b.html

 

[chad]

The offset is less efficient and loading from the top would spill an awful lot of heat...however, when using cookers of this size it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Also, preheating wood is not at all critical with well seasoned wood...again, not a deal breaker.

The top one is basically a big Bandera (it's not on a stand) and the bottom one is an uninsulated Spicewine/Stump's/etc. You have to remember that when you move up to heavy steel cookers your fire-
tending chores are greatly reduced due to mass.

I'd happily cook on either one of these cookers.

 

[NorthernQ]

Load em both up and bring em here ... gimme a couple of years to try em out and I'll tell you which one works best. Deal?

 

[BBQchef33]

If you end up preferring the top design with offset (which is what I would choose), you might as well just get the MOAB (Phil's design - I can't find a pic).

If instead you end up preferring the "fire under" design, you might want to consider this one:

http://www.batespitts.com/ba70b.html

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album33&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

I like the offset better. More convient, more versatile.

 

[nmayeux]

Offset gives you more options. I want a Spicewine or Stumps, but I like to burn sticks. In that case you can do both.

 

[Samichlaus]

An offset could give you the option to open the fire-box lid and dump "bad smoke". Then again, you could just open the cooker door.

 

[Lazy Dawg]

Hard choice,
traditional brick pits have the heat underneath but I would like the versitility of the off set. I believe the off set would take it. I would like to see it raised so you can tend the heat from a more comfortable height.

 

[racer_81]

Offset....for versatility reasons listed above.

 

[FatDad]

Offset