logo

Pitch it or fix it?

What should I do with my free COS?

  • Total voters
    48
  • Poll closed .
3

33tango

Found some matches.
Joined
Jul 4, 2014
Messages
14
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Location
Jacksonville, Fl
I got a Brinkman Smoke 'N Pit recently for free and am debating pushing it to the curb and posting that it's available for free on craigslist. After reading all the problems with the design and adding to that the fact I want to use a Pitmaster IQ110 I am looking for some advice. Should I spend $100-150 trying to make the COS work by sealing it up, adding a coal basket to the firebox, building a damper etc, or just spend that money towards something better suited to the job? The Brinkman is an older, earlier model that is basically sound but has all the design flaws that make it poorly suited to what I want to do. How much should I spend to get a good smoker that I can use the Pitmaster IQ 110? I am not looking to feed a multitude, just family and friends, maybe 10-20 people max.
 
If you don't mind going to a vertical smoker, then get a WSM. If you like offsets then you might want to look at something else like the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn which is pretty solid and well built. But it all depends on your budget.
 
thunter said:
If you don't mind going to a vertical smoker, then get a WSM. If you like offsets then you might want to look at something else like the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn which is pretty solid and well built. But it all depends on your budget.
Click to expand...

I don't have a preference because I have little experience. I've smoked a whole 80 pound pig on a huge trailer mounted smoker that was an offset(A lot of checking the temp every 10 minutes and adjust the damper) and I smoked a butt two weeks ago on a tiny charcoal grill(that ran out of fuel mid smoke at 2am and had to be finished in the oven). I checked prices on the previously mentioned weber smokey mountain and see they are 200 for the 14 inch and 300 for the 18.5 inch on amazon.com. I wouldn't want to spend more than $300. I'm looking to see what else is available in that price range so I can make an informed decision.

The Char Broil Frankenstein. This setup was bad, couldn't get temp much over 200.

charbroilfrankenstein_zpse11bafcc.jpg
 
Last edited:
Since you have a clean slate [no preference] I would definitely go with the WMS.
 
Smoke n Pit

The first thing you have to do is make sure to seal ALL the leaks.
2. Extend the stack to the cooking grate.
3. Try tuning plates for even heat. I've tried but still have a BIG difference in temps from end to end. I'm getting to like the idea of having the different temps.I can smoke Hot N Fast and Low N Slow at the same time.
Not bad unit for the price you paid.:wink:
DanB
 
33tango said:
Is there some sort of downside to a vertical smoker? Sorry newbie here, still trying to read everything I can find.
Click to expand...

Not in terms of quality of the food you put out. Vertical means there are limits to the cook area. But for the size cooks you want to do, something like a 22" WSM would work great.
 
There are two types of pit masters those that can cook on most every style of pit and can manage a fire and there are those that rely on techno crap an don't have a clue. You are in the second group get a WSM.
 
Bludawg said:
There are two types of pit masters those that can cook on most every style of pit and can manage a fire and there are those that rely on techno crap an don't have a clue. You are in the second group get a WSM.
Click to expand...

I'm sure I could make it work(at a cost) but for unattended smokes at night yeah I'd like to use technology. Guilty as sin, love my sleep. Thanks for the advice!
 
If it were me, I'd hang onto it, and work on it, in your downtime. Meanwhile, I'd build a UDS (someone had to say it), and grab a used OTS/OTG, off of Craigslist. That should be well below your $300 budget, and give you plenty of cook space, and options.

Matt
 
Don't forget the enjoyment you would get by working on it and making it into a fine smoking machine. I have a Stumps that I love, but my neighbor was giving the smoker you have and showed him all the mods he should do to it. I am now jealous because I would have enjoyed making those mods and turning into a good a smoker.

Eric
 
33tango said:
I'm sure I could make it work(at a cost) but for unattended smokes at night yeah I'd like to use technology. Guilty as sin, love my sleep. Thanks for the advice!
Click to expand...

Unless you are planning on having food ready before noon, there wouldn't be much of a need to cook at night.
 
If there is a Fire in the pit your A$$ needs to be awake. I cook Briskets & Butts in 8 hrs pr less I get plenty of sleep.
 
I'm seeing a lot of recommendations for the WSM, I'm guessing Brinkman's knock off(Smoke N Grill) of it is a bad idea? The price is a six times less but you usually get what you pay for...
 
33tango said:
I'm seeing a lot of recommendations for the WSM, I'm guessing Brinkman's knock off(Smoke N Grill) of it is a bad idea? The price is a six times less but you usually get what you pay for...
Click to expand...

Don't know anything about the Brinkman's Smoke N Grill, but the WSM gets a lot of praise for a reason. Have had mine for 7+ years with no complaints. Easy to use and holds temps very well. Even better with the PitmasterIQ.
 
33tango said:
I got a Brinkman Smoke 'N Pit recently for free and am debating pushing it to the curb and posting that it's available for free on craigslist. After reading all the problems with the design and adding to that the fact I want to use a Pitmaster IQ110 I am looking for some advice. Should I spend $100-150 trying to make the COS work by sealing it up, adding a coal basket to the firebox, building a damper etc, or just spend that money towards something better suited to the job? The Brinkman is an older, earlier model that is basically sound but has all the design flaws that make it poorly suited to what I want to do. How much should I spend to get a good smoker that I can use the Pitmaster IQ 110? I am not looking to feed a multitude, just family and friends, maybe 10-20 people max.
Click to expand...
Instead of this, offer to trade it for a Weber gold or Performer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
No-brainer pellet smoker for an experienced griller
2
Replies
34
Views
7K
SmittyJonz
S
Hotch
You're All Invited to The 2024 Texas BBQ Brethren Spring Bash on April 6!
2 3
Replies
51
Views
4K
Hotch
Hotch
L
Back on track with bachin it
Replies
0
Views
290
locolobo
L
B
Seasoning a griddle or, how bad did I screw up?
Replies
16
Views
746
bigb56
B
D
Dyna Glo Signature Series Vertical Offset
Replies
1
Views
545
smoke ninja
smoke ninja
Back
Top