poundage limit of a bandera

[jgh1204]

I want to cook a bunch of meat this weekend. 2 briskets(about 10lbs each), 2 or 3 butts(about 8lbs each) and 3 slabs of spares.

Will the bandera handle that and more, that is the limit or back off some?

It should be in the 60s to 80s during the cook, so maintaing heat wont be a problem.

 

[Bill-Chicago]

Three words:

Yes.



If you got the shelves, the dera can fit the meat.

But I have fit 2X the amount of meat you mention, but I have 10 shelves. I need 4 more

 

[BBQchef33]

A bandera will gobble that up, burp, and ask for more.. go for it.

Only limit to the bandera if space,if it fits,and you can get the airflow, then do it..
Wehn yuou load it up.. zig zag the meat on the shelves so the air doesnt go flying up one side and then out the flap on top.

 

[jgh1204]

Thank you.

 

[Neil]

Don't forget the fatties!

 

[kcquer]

jgh, agree with those above that the 'dera will cook up that much stuff easily. Do remember however that stuff will take a bit longer in a big batch like that than it will individually, also (especially at the beginning of the cook when the meat is all cold) it will take more fuel to get your pit temps up to the operating range.

Best of Luck and happy eating!!

 

[Bill-Chicago]

jgh, agree with those above that the 'dera will cook up that much stuff easily. Do remember however that stuff will take a bit longer in a big batch like that than it will individually, also (especially at the beginning of the cook when the meat is all cold) it will take more fuel to get your pit temps up to the operating range.

Best of Luck and happy eating!!

I forgot to mention in my quick post. Good call E.

Also, I stagger stuff to help with the heatflow Phil mentions. Shelf with 1 butt in the middle, next shelf up has 2 butts off to the side (Heat up around lowwer butt) racks of ribs alternate diaganolly, etc.. I keep briskets higher, cuz I want them to has the last heat, a little lower and slower, and keeps spraying for better bark (turbinado will taste like heaven)

 

[racer_81]

You may have to rotate them for even heating.

Also, beware of grease dripping build up. I heard once someone caught the grease on fire in the smoke chamber.

FYI - I've had 12 ~8lb pork butts in the Bandera at one time.

 

[jgh1204]

Got the fatties and thanks for the tips.

 

[ggeilman]

I regularly cook 50-60 lbs of meat in the Bandera. I am sure it can hold more.