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First smoker, tough decision

  • Thread starter Thread starter TXpitdog
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TXpitdog

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Well not my first smoker exactly. Been using Othe cheap, but effective water smoker you can get at Home Depot. It looks like R2D2, I call it the "R2 Unit". Anyway, I was planning to get the New Braunfels Hondo when I saw the Hondo Deluxe. The Deluxe has beeter grates and looks like it will last longer. Well, I was saving up for the Hondo Deluxe, and then I saw the Bandera.

The Bandera looks like it is made of the same materials as the Hondo, but I like the chimney/closet type smoker on the side. The Hondo Deluxe looks like it is built much better though, so I can't decide.

I just don't have the $$$$ to get the super-heavy duty Oklahoma Joe smoker. It's either the Hondo Deluxe or the Bandera. Both are $199.99 at Academy.

Opinions/experiences/suggestions greatly appreciated!
 
I got a hondo, don't think it's deluxe... it was about 140 or so at academy also. Being my first smoker, I dont' have much to compare it to, bit I will say that in the short time I've had it (one month), I have gotten way more out if it in enjoyment than I paid for it.
 
Welcome PitDog---
You will find all kinds of smokers here.
I personally have a Bandera and no experience with the Hondo.
I love the vertical smoke chamber and the water (sand) pan.
At $199- I am jealous. Paid $298 for mine and happy to get it.

Most of the Brothers have major smokes going on today- it is the 4th of July weekend and all of that. They will take a break and chime in shortly!

In the meantime--grab the Bandera 101 document and spend some time reading.
Jump into Cattle Call and tell us about yourself!
Spend some time reviewing the posts, especially in the Q-talk section.
In and amongst all the BS, ya will find a wealth of information :lol:
Great bunch of guys (and a gal) who live to Q, tip a cold one, and just hang out!

TIM
Damn--the TX Chapter is getiing out of control. You would think they BBQ there :lol:
Pork Fat Rules :!:
 
Get that thar BANDERA!!!


I have both the Hondo and the Bandera. Used the Hondo for 2 years before i got the Bandera.

Bandera has more useable space. The Hondo you loose about a third of the grate area becuse of the hot spot next to the fire. I have some mods posted in our mod section to build a tuning plate/baffle for the hondo, but you still have somewhat of a hot spot. The Bandera also has more even heat distribution, especially with the baffle installed. Alos make the heat shield or wrap a shelf in foil and it becomes even more versatile.

all in all, at this point, i only use the hondo for chicken thighs or stuff that can use a little higher and dryer heat.

So, if ya want an honest 2 cents worth from someone who has both.. the Bandera blows away the hondo.
 
Frank,
I was being gentle--
So, if ya want an honest 2 cents worth from someone who has both.. the Bandera blows away the hondo.
This is from the Grand PooBah and King of Smoke :wink:
Take that advice to the Bank (or Academy).
TIM
 
BANDERA!!!!!

Get it.

The vertical design, with a proper baffle and a mod or two, is a even heat distributor, unlike the horizontal hot spots.

The Bandera will have hot spots, but by design it lends itself to more even distribution (with baffle)

Great buy and Welcome.!!
 
Bandera!

I also have both the Hondo (NB Black Diamond) and the NB Bandera.

For me, the Bandera has proven to be the better smoker of the two.

One of the things I like about the Bandera over the Hondo is, the Bandera is more efficient. What this means is, more of the fuel source heat energy goes towards cooking the food in the Bandera. The Hondo (NBBD) just takes longer to cook an equivalent amount of food, in part because the heat tends to travel above the food. Wastage.

Long story short, go with the Bandera. If you are by an Academy, thier already reasonable $229 price was lowered to $199 (which you know), so the Bandera is even a better deal.

-egkor (Gary K)
 
Re: Bandera!

egkor said:
I also have both the Hondo (NB Black Diamond) and the NB Bandera.

For me, the Bandera has proven to be the better smoker of the two.

One of the things I like about the Bandera over the Hondo is, the Bandera is more efficient. What this means is, more of the fuel source heat energy goes towards cooking the food in the Bandera. The Hondo (NBBD) just takes longer to cook an equivalent amount of food, in part because the heat tends to travel above the food. Wastage.

Long story short, go with the Bandera. If you are by an Academy, thier already reasonable $229 price was lowered to $199 (which you know), so the Bandera is even a better deal.

-egkor (Gary K)

Even better, take an Academy ad to Home Depot and get them to beat the price. Usually see the Bandera for around $298. The difference plus 10% should get you a Bandera for around $190.
 
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