Hey guys, new to the site. But not new to smoking. I came across a NB Bandera, and want to go look at it in person. Looks like it needs some work. Just wondering how to tell if it's an original version. Or something that came out later, with lower quality parts. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Original New Braunfels Bandera
- Thread starter Mez70
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2005
- Location
- Clayton, NC
The original ones had 1/4" steel. I believe the newer ones came with 1/8" steel.
It might have started at 1/4", but mine literally had layers that peeled off, at least in the firebox.
Welcome to the BBQ Brethren!
You might want to have a look at this thread - it has two downloads for mods and tips from long time users which will help you get the most out of this cooker should you decide to buy it:
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42718
You might want to have a look at this thread - it has two downloads for mods and tips from long time users which will help you get the most out of this cooker should you decide to buy it:
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42718
Never owned one but would love to find an original in restorable shape. My understanding is the original was welded. Look for thick steel and welds. If it's bolted together its China's finest.
I just looked at the NB bandera manual, it doesn't show what the thickness is. The assembly steps do indicate that the firebox is bolted to the cook chamber though.
Newer ones were made by Oklahoma Joe, not sure if they acquired NB or what. The Bandera 101 should have all the info you need and more. From what I've read this site was originally named the bandera brethren.
Newer ones were made by Oklahoma Joe, not sure if they acquired NB or what. The Bandera 101 should have all the info you need and more. From what I've read this site was originally named the bandera brethren.
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1MoreFord
Babbling Farker
I don't know Bandera history but do know that it's inspiration and predecessor, the OK Joe Vertical Roasting oven, was fully welded construction and 3/16" thick. They were made 20+ years ago and mine came from Sam's.
seattlepitboss
is one Smokin' Farker
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2009
- Location
- Seattle, WA
I have owned three Banderas. None of them were thicker than 16 gauge steel.
The way you can tell it is a real one is the badge should say New Braunfels.
FrkYrPrk
Full Fledged Farker
NB Badging
Here's an original badge:
My Bandera is 11 gauge steel, so just under 1/8" thick.
I believe the original NB business model was to make the product transportable to the customer's home for assembly, so multiple boxes with bolt together assembly. After CharBroil bought them out, I think distribution went entirely to the big box stores...
Here's an original badge:
My Bandera is 11 gauge steel, so just under 1/8" thick.
I believe the original NB business model was to make the product transportable to the customer's home for assembly, so multiple boxes with bolt together assembly. After CharBroil bought them out, I think distribution went entirely to the big box stores...
I restored a New Braunfels smoker that has the "Made in USA" badge. It's around 30 years old. The thickness that I measured is 3/32" which I think is about 13 gauge. I don't know the model name of my smoker, but the model number is 03202812.
