Smoker Recommendation

[joe@bge]

I am not on the competition circuit (yet). Currently I am a long time avid backyard BBQ'er with two Kamado's and a UDS. I am expanding into small event catering this coming spring and I want to invest in a new mobile smoker/grilling unit. Unit needs to be able to smoke or grill.

I have a 8x10 utility trailer with ramp that I am planning on using to transport my operation. Let's say you have $5k to spend. What do you guys think? I am strongly looking at a custom Shirley or a Yoder YS1500. Am I missing some viable options? I like Humphrey's, but that's a smoker only option and I would need to add a unit for grilling - transporting the Kamado's isn't an option.

Thanks in advance!

Joe

 

[Right on Q]

It would help to know what you want in a smoker. If you listed out your ideal smoker characteristics, it would help someone on here to point you in the right direction

Good luck on your decision

 

[Smokin J's PIts]

Personally I would stay away from the commercially made units, not that t here is anything wrong with them because there are some really good ones out there. I would look at a custom build, that way you get what you want and how you want it, this is something that's usually a sacrifice with commercial smokers, and you always have the option to add on or reconfigure if things need to be changed a lot easier with a custom than you do with a commercial unit. I would highly recommend something like Peeps has, or the one I made a while back. Gives you plenty of room for smoking and you have the option to grill with a very small footprint.
www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-202744.html

 

[Joe Black]

I would make a list of the things that are important to you and what you are trying to accomplish with a smoker/grill unit. Then, I would contact Craig Bell at Bell Fab in Tulsa, OK. He is great to work with and will make you a one off smoker to your needs and wants. His steel is very good quality and the fabrication is first class. His smokers are great and very reasonably priced. I have one and I love it.

Good luck, Joe

 

[Blue Smoke BBQ]

Nothing can beat a Shirley for the money if an offset is what is desired!
Grilling in the warmer or main chamber is easily done also.
Good luck with your venture, I'm sure you will decide on something great!

 

[Ron_L]

Just to clarify, this is for catering, not competitions?

 

[joe@bge]

I am looking for something that can do both catering and potentially competitions.

This is very similar to what I spec'd out with the Shirley boys.

 

[kurtsara]

I am looking for something that can do both catering and potentially competitions.

This is very similar to what I spec'd out with the Shirley boys.

Nice, I like the size of that, probably need to winch it onto the trailer though.

Do you need NSF?