Shirley Fab Options Questions

[Akabezer]

Ok, yes I know this thread has been done because I have read a lot of them but still have questions/clarifications......

First, the base order: 24x42 patio model with cabinet doors, warmer box with SS shelf and warmer shelf along with single gas burner and wagon wheels.

Options I am Considering

• Thicker fire box
• Insulated FB
• Number of probe ports and where
• Number of temp gauges and where
• Who has griddle pan and opinions
• Fire box searing station opinions/reviews
• Benefits of 5" Tel Tru temp gauge?

Also, anyone have the elevated charcoal grate?

TIA

 

[sylntghost]

I went with the 1/2 inch fire box on mine. I know it will never rust out. Also did the reverse sear station in my fire box.

 

[nachos4life]

I have a number of probe ports but never seem to use them.
I do not have the insulated firebox and have maintained great temps cooking at subzero wind chill temps using only a little more wood than normal.
I would, and may still, upgrade to tel trus and maybe change location. I have standard therms centered on each cabinet door. They always read 20-50 deg lower than grate temp, but since i know that its not a big deal. I use a maverick if i really need to pay attention to temp.

 

[Shagdog]

I just have the standard probe ports, but I rarely use them, so I can't really give any advice there.

FB Upgrades -

A thicker FB will last longer but won't offer you any efficiency upgrades. I can't imagine wearing out the 1/4" one in your lifetime, but I suppose its possible if you neglect it enough. I went insulated, both for efficiency and safety/aesthetics. I've never seen a standard FB that didn't rust because the it gets way too hot for paint. With the insulated FB, I'm not worried about someone (me probably, but I'll say the kids) getting burnt on it. It stays under 150 degrees on the outside, even after an all day cook at 300. This also means the paint remains looking good (no rust)

I don't have the searing station, but I wish I did. I would use that thing all the time. If you reverse sear much, I wouldn't hesitate. Its not expensive.

I just have 3 gauges. One in each door of cabinet and one in warmer. I don't see why you'd need any more. They give you a good representation of what's going on.

I Don't have the griddle

I only have the 4" gauges. I could see the 5" being handy if you can see your smoker from the house and want to check it from afar, or you just like the way the look I guess..

Congrats on your new smoker! You're going to love it!

 

[oifmarine2003]

I have the searing station and love it!

I also have the griddle and that thing is fantastic. I am surprised more people don't add the griddle option. Highly recommend!

 

[pjtexas1]

FB - totally agree with shag. i had a 1/4" that was probably 10 years old when i bought and i used it for another 10 years. the previous owner never took care of the fb and neither did i. when i sold it a year or so ago it still had lots of life in it. i went insulated for the safety and paint reasons. if you are concerned about it lasting get an ash pan to help it last a little longer.

probe ports - i have the standard 3 ports in the front/top corner of the main chamber and one on the warmer in the front top corner facing the ss table. never use more than 1 probe port at a time because i have 6ft probes. i bet you could squeeze 4 probes thru 1 port.

gauges - 2 5" Tel-Trus in the middle of the doors on the main chamger and a 3" Tel-Tru on the warmer door right above the intake. i like the look of the bigger gauges and they are easy to read from a distance. con - $20 more than a RC.

searing station - figured that i could just drop one of the grates from the warmer on top of the basket in the fb.

 

[MeatyOakerSmoker]

Man I'm pricing out some of these options as you guys are providing feedback and I'm coming in around a cool $4k.... geez

 

[pjtexas1]

Man I'm pricing out some of these options as you guys are providing feedback and I'm coming in around a cool $4k.... geez

call another builder and get the same options...you will think $4k is a great deal.:heh:

 

[Ayvatr]

This is also a helpful thread for me since I have one on order for November 24x65 cabinet, straight back and more options to include. I am considering the following:
Stainless steel shelf
Door to warming box same side as main chamber
Spare tire
One ore two propane burners on the front
Removable tongue
Additional racks in both chambers
Possibly raising everything up 6-8 inches
Folding accessory rack on side of warming chamber
Any other ideas? This is my last cooker! Ha Ha

 

[Ayvatr]

I might put my three year old Lang 48 up for sale in October.

 

[BBQ Freak]

I got the insulated fire box just so the outside wall is not as hot because I have little ones running around but still gets pretty hot but if you touch it will not burn you instantly also I got because the paint will stay on better and will look better longer . I think the 5" Tel-Tru are worth the money and very easy to read and have had them on both my Shirley's and on probe only two are needed , one on the right side on main chamber an one in the warmer and I use them all the time and like others said you can get 4 probe wires through and more if you replace the rubber grommet . sorry but can not speak on the other options .

 

[MeatyOakerSmoker]

call another builder and get the same options...you will think $4k is a great deal.:heh:

While I know that it's certainly not cheap.

 

[bbqlearner]

While I know that it's certainly not cheap.

Yep not a small amount. But a well built custom offset usually end up the same amount or higher than SF for what you get.

 

[bbqlearner]

Same as others. I went with insulated FB with standard temp gauges and probe ports - 2 on main chamber and 1 on warmer.

 

[Akabezer]

I went with the 1/2 inch fire box on mine. I know it will never rust out. Also did the reverse sear station in my fire box.

What is 'reverse sear'..... Just another name for the searing station?

 

[chicagokp]

I have the insulated firebox. Glad I have it due to kids. But mostly me.

I have 3 probe ports. I have yet to use any. I kinda wish one of the main chamber ones was on the right side on top, vs both on the left side.

I have the straight back, which I really like. I bought tel tru gauges, but kind of feel like that was a waste. Just take what they provide. Save your money there.

I have a griddle pan for the warmer. I have cooked pizza on mine. Works well. I also have the grate and pan so you can cook in the warmer. I got the extra warmer shelf and Paul built mine a little taller. Which is nice.

The firebox searing station is a must have. I have seared tri tip and leg of lamb on those which were all fantastic!

I wish I had rods welded across the top inside of the main chamber. I'd like to pull my racks and hang sausage or bacon in the main for cooler smoking. I have rods in the warming chamber, but would have a lot more room if I could do that in the main, vs laying everything on the grates.

 

[chicagokp]

What is 'reverse sear'.....

Cook indirect and very close to final temp, then sear it at the end. For medium rare you will get pink end to end with a nice crust on the outside. If you sear first, then cook indirect, you'll get a band of gray around a pink ribbon in the center. Just a different style to get medium rare which gives nice results and a little more even medium rare tenderness.

Moose has a nice tutorial on it. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136959

 

[Akabezer]

Cook indirect and very close to final temp, then sear it at the end. For medium rare you will get pink end to end with a nice crust on the outside. If you sear first, then cook indirect, you'll get a band of gray around a pink ribbon in the center. Just a different style to get medium rare which gives nice results and a little more even medium rare tenderness.

Moose has a nice tutorial on it. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136959

Cool, thanks!!!

 

[Akabezer]

Thank you all for all the info and opinions! I haven't done the math yet but I have to agree with IbramanSS in that I foresee going way over the budget hubby set for me. :roll: But considering I plan on having it for a very long time, I think it is worth the investment to get what I want.

 

[MeatyOakerSmoker]

Yep not a small amount. But a well built custom offset usually end up the same amount or higher than SF for what you get.

Again I totally agree but I think I've been weighing a new SF vs a used smoker. This is pushing me towards the used one.

Like Akabezer I have budget but mine is consumed at a rate of 2x. However much I spend my wife will buy shoes and clothes in the same amount so effectively the smoker costs me double