Are any of the mass produced offset smokers worthy?

[ewknapp08]

Would like to add an offset smoker to the gag, but I am not looking to spend crazy money for a custom built. Are any of the mass produced Offsets worth it? Looking for one with good temp control and steady temps. I don't mind modifying it if need be. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[padge31]

I had a Horizon and liked it, but I definitely would look one over real careful and check the welds. The thicker the steel the better off you will be.

 

[SmittyJonz]

Looks at this thread:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=202034

 

[SmittyJonz]

Would like to add an offset smoker to the gag, but I am not looking to spend crazy money for a custom built. Are any of the mass produced Offsets worth it? Looking for one with good temp control and steady temps. I don't mind modifying it if need be. Any input would be appreciated.

Offsets don't have steady temps- they work in a steady Temp Range. Target temp +/- 25* on cheaper ones, +/- 10-15* on Quality ones.

$1000-$1200 will get you a quality backyard model.

 

[Joe Black]

The thread that Smitty referred is great advice for you and also for others of us who would lead you to a more expensive unit. With that, I looked at the OC Wrangler for quite a while and consider it a great buy at $500. It has good thickness, good size, good exhaust location and good fit for the price. It has a CC baffle, but a good mod would be the Horizon type convection plate for better temp control.

Good luck and good smokin', Joe

 

[Trailer Trash]

I would recommend looking to a nice used heavier build in Craigslist. You can sometimes find a real deal and skip the next step of upgrading later on. IMHO
Good luck to you.

 

[jread23]

I looked at the OC Wrangler for quite a while and consider it a great buy at $500.

Doesn't look like the Wrangler is sold anymore.

 

[Calkidd]

I have heard the Walmart ole smokey Joe is a worth while smoker.

 

[renegade4377]

the most important thing is the operator and you can learn on any of them and they all can cook. think it is more important to decide what the person wants to do as big difference cooking for family and friends and competition cooking

 

[Diesel Dave]

It is truly the cook not the cooker.
The main point in a cooker is the thickness in the metal. The thicker the better. Not only for the life of the smoker/cooker, but it's ability to hold temp more evenly.

I still cook on my POS 11yr old Charbroil offset once in a while. And that thing has seen some serious wear and tear

 

[ewknapp08]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm using my UDS currently and it's a fuel hog on all day cooks. It also seems to have a mind of its own some days.

 

[bikerm40]

Meadow Creek in PA are nice for around a grand

http://www.meadowcreekbarbecue.com/

 

[captndan]

Once again do you want a smoker or a cooker or a combination of both? You can smoke with nothing more than a tin can and a card board box. A $29 Weber will cook, smoke, or both. An offset is an other story. Like Diesel Dave said it's the cook not the cooker or something like that. Think UDS.

 

[Whitewookie]

Once again do you want a smoker or a cooker or a combination of both? You can smoke with nothing more than a tin can and a card board box. A $29 Weber will cook, smoke, or both. An offset is an other story. Like Diesel Dave said it's the cook not the cooker or something like that. Think UDS.

Tell me, where can one acquire this $29.00 Weber?

 

[cholloway]

Tell me, where can one acquire this $29.00 Weber?

I'm sure he's referring to a Smokey Joe Silver.

 

[Skippie1253]

Tell me, where can one acquire this $29.00 Weber?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Weber-10020-Smokey-Silver-Charcoal/dp/B00004RALL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443979666&sr=8-1&keywords=smokey+joe"]Amazon.com : Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Silver Charcoal Grill, Black : Freestanding Grills : Patio, Lawn & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41acBkbagQL.@@AMEPARAM@@41acBkbagQL[/ame]

 

[SmittyJonz]

:shock: if you think a UDS is a fuel hog you DON"T want an offset. You need a Ceramic Kamado.

 

[landarc]

Ceramic grills such as the BGE or Kamado cookers and insulated verticals are the only cookers I know of that are fuel efficient and independent of the variables of weather that we cooks face. Offsets and thin metal cookers, such as UDS and WSM cookers are at the mercy of the weather. Offsets also are affected by the fuel. They are all potentially fussy with the weather and can eat fuel like crazy.

 

[ynotfehc]

I use a brinkman trailmaster offset for home use and it works fine. Temp control is knowing the cooker and when to add more wood than anything. I use it year-round in Minnesota.

 

[Joe Black]

A well made, thick steel offset smoker may not be the most fuel efficient, but the heat management and heat retention sure make them a good choice.