Chester
is one Smokin' Farker
The regular Pitts and Spitts are very durable. They have a good paint job on them from the factory, but like any non stainless steel, it can rust. I doubt it would need constant attention, and if you put mineral spirits on it regularly, you could probably avoid most of the rust, but it would be something you would have to be diligent about.
So, if you are near the coast, and it will live out in the conditions, I think either the MAK or the full Stainless Pitts and Spitts would be what I would steer towards. The Pitts and Spitts doesn't get enough attention around here. Its a damn fine smoker/grill, and I like it better than the MAK as a pure smoker. The design with pull out top and bottom racks and various sizes are about perfect. The full Stainless is pricey though (about a grand more than the MAK 2 star for an 850 model) and at that price, I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger over the MAK. If you weren't by the coast and could keep it under cover, then the regular Pitts and Spitts all day long would be my choice.
So, if you are near the coast, and it will live out in the conditions, I think either the MAK or the full Stainless Pitts and Spitts would be what I would steer towards. The Pitts and Spitts doesn't get enough attention around here. Its a damn fine smoker/grill, and I like it better than the MAK as a pure smoker. The design with pull out top and bottom racks and various sizes are about perfect. The full Stainless is pricey though (about a grand more than the MAK 2 star for an 850 model) and at that price, I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger over the MAK. If you weren't by the coast and could keep it under cover, then the regular Pitts and Spitts all day long would be my choice.