• xenforo has sucessfully updated our forum software last night. Howevr, that has returned many templates to stock formats which MAY be missing some previous functionality. It has also fixed some boroken templates Ive taken offline. Reat assured, we are working on getting our templates back to normal, but will take a few days. Im working top down, so best bet is to stick with the default templates as I work thru them.

New Bandera

Qczar

Full Fledged Farker
Joined
Feb 10, 2004
Location
NorthEas...
Welp, ............... After many atemps at many locations trying to nail me down a Bandera, I finally have one coming direct from Braunfels (or CharBroil?). I checked out other makes including the ¼" thick steel jobbers for $1,000 - $2,000, but could`nt really afford something like that right now. Especially since I`m an apprentice Q`er. I could`nt believe some of the deals on eBay for some heavy duty smokers. One was a full size on a trailer. Even had mag wheels, brand new that went for just over $1,000.

Only thing about the Bandera I bought though is the price. I had to pay bust out retail. I HATE when that happens. Especially when I see some of the members grabbing one for $125 - $200.

At this time just one question. Is the factory 'Bandera Cover' worth anything? I sure hope so. I had to pay an additional $40 for it, but I figured I better protect my investment. I hope it`s not one of those cheezy thin covers that crap out after a few months?

I guess I have a lot of reading up on the mods and break-in proceedures.

Thanks to everyone that put this gathering together. I`m sure I`ll be asking a few questions from time to time.

Peace, ................. Greedyweed
 
Grats on the new dera, you are gonna be putting out some great que with it. :D I bought the cover with mine, although the rodents have eaten quite a few holes in it.
Let us know if you have any questions and we'll be glad to help, lots of knowledge here at your disposal.
 
specialty covers suck. Learned that many moons ago.

I bought a generic for oversized gas grills for $10 and it has lasted 3 years so far. Still in great shape.
 
Bandera cover I had lasted about 6 months. It's sitting under my deck in pieces. Tried to duct tape it together but the "leather" like outer shell turned to hard plastic and cracked like an egg.

Sorry...
 
The 'dera is a good investment in a smoker for the amount you spend. Great Que, vertical smoking is great also. There are better smokers, but not really a better value for the money. Enjoy yourself for as long as it lasts. Probably about 3-4 years unless you are one of those compulsive clean types. I love mine, but when it finally rusts out, I will build one based on the same design with "improvements". In the meantime, welcome to the family!!! lPost your results and most of all enjoy!
 
Congratulations!

Think of this site/forum as the Owner's Manual for the Bandera!

It was only after finding this site that I obtained a Bandera. Now I don't bother cooking on my NBBD horizontal smoker anymore (unless I exceed capacity of the Bandera, which hasn't happened yet).

-egkor (Gary K)
 
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