Question for Longhorn Owners

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

Hey Fellas. Mid July I will be buying a Longhorn, maybee a deluxe depends on what I can get a deal on at the local academy. Anyhow I already have a Klose basket I plan on using with it, I will be ordering a baffle/deflector from Horizon and getting a smoke stack extension. I was wondering about the bottom grates in the smoking chamber. Has anyone here tried to cook on the bottom grates, or at least checked the temp down there compared to the temp at grate level. I know it would be a pain to have to remove the top grate to access it, but it would be nice for the extra space. I am trying to maximize the space and just thought the bottom grates normally used for charcoal direct grilling in the main chamber might be able to be used as a lower shelf.

 

[RIX]

I can't be of much help for you on this but is there a web site for these smokers?

 

[backyardchef]

Click Here For The Longhorn

 

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

I can't be of much help for you on this but is there a web site for these smokers?

They sell them at academy. Originally made by OK Joe's, the NB made them for a while, and now someone else is making them under the OK Joe's name. Offset design, Main chamber is 20x40, firebox is 20x20 I think, all made of 3/16th steel. Firebox has a slideout ash tray. Here is a link with a Klose Basket being used in one:
http://www.bbqnuts.com/2006_04_15/charcoal_basket_new.htm
The last pics at the bottom of the page shows the smoker with a load of meat in it. Under the main shelf there are smaller grates that are intended to put charcoal on incase one wanted to direct cook in the main chamber. I am thinking I could use them as a lower cooking shelf.

 

[1MoreFord]

Matt,

I've never tried that in mine. The only way I know to find out is to put a thermometer down there and see what kind of temps it runs down low. Since you're going to get the Horizon baffle this will drive more heat down that way.

However, some other possibilities come to mind. Put some beans or the like down there below a brisket or butt for a little extra flavor. Use it as a warming rack? Maybe as a cold smoke rack for cheese or jerky?

If you get the Deluxe version be aware that the ash pan doesn't fit well on a lot of them and makes fire control more difficult. If you can still find a standard model left in stock I recommend them for that reason.

 

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

Matt,

I've never tried that in mine. The only way I know to find out is to put a thermometer down there and see what kind of temps it runs down low. Since you're going to get the Horizon baffle this will drive more heat down that way.

However, some other possibilities come to mind. Put some beans or the like down there below a brisket or butt for a little extra flavor. Use it as a warming rack? Maybe as a cold smoke rack for cheese or jerky?

If you get the Deluxe version be aware that the ash pan doesn't fit well on a lot of them and makes fire control more difficult. If you can still find a standard model left in stock I recommend them for that reason.

Ya I've been warned of the ashbox problems. However the new 'standard' model has a similar ashbox to the 'deluxe'. I've seen some fixes for the problem with aluminum foil.