Taking the leap from charcoal to wood

[Willy2763]

I just happened to run across one of these on FB marketplace last week so I decided to make the switch. I've been running 18" WSMs for the last 10 years or more but lately I've been wanting more room. I considered just getting a 22" WSM but I had my eye on the verticals for capacity reasons. There's actually a smoker shop here where I live that I never knew was there and they had a few of these in stock. I got this one for less than $300 so I couldn't pass it up. Looking forward to firing it up and seeing if it needs anything. I have done all the research on this site and the only thing I plan to do right away is add the bricks in the firebox and find a new fire grate of some sort. If something else stands out I'll go from there. I've been checking out YouTube for vids and mods so I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I'm looking forward to tending a fire with wood for a change. Wish me luck!

 

[Stingerhook]

Looking forward to the cooks Joe.

 

[Fooball]

WOW! Great deal you found. That thing is $649 at Home Depot.

I'm sure you will learn it quickly. Show us some first cooks.

You hit the jack pot with that deal.

 

[viking72]

Welcome to the Stickside!

 

[16Adams]

I have two Oklahoma Joe's products. Highland Traditional offset and Bronco drum.
$299 Highland and $120 Bronco. They produce great food. They are not works of welded artwork but they should last many years and look great with minimal but regular maintenance. I use cooking spray on the firebox before and after each cook on the Highland firebox. It started peeling factory paint quickly. Treat it like cast iron and keep it oiled.

 

[Willy2763]

Thanks for the tips about the finish. That's a great idea to use cooking spray.

 

[4ever3]

Fire that mother UP!!!

 

[Willy2763]

Finally got a chance to assemble and test out the Bandera. It certainly needs the fire grate raised a little. Once I did that, it got all kinds of hot. No problems maintaining temps in the mid 200's. First cook after seasoning happened to be some loin back ribs. Not what I had planned but they came out great. I think I'm going to like this little beast.

 

[Fooball]

Those ribs look great! No learning curve for you!

You will probably have some paint issues down the road with the top of the fire box since it will be getting hit near direct with flame.

Easy enough to touch up if needed occasionally with some high temp Rust-oleum. It comes in flat black or satin at Home Depot.

Great test drive. Now you have been bitten by the bug, watch out!

 

[Willy2763]

Those ribs look great! No learning curve for you!

You will probably have some paint issues down the road with the top of the fire box since it will be getting hit near direct with flame.

Easy enough to touch up if needed occasionally with some high temp Rust-oleum. It comes in flat black or satin at Home Depot.

Great test drive. Now you have been bitten by the bug, watch out!

Thanks! I just got three $1.99/lb prime briskets from the local Kroger so the wheels are definitely turning!

 

[Fooball]

Thanks! I just got three $1.99/lb prime briskets from the local Kroger so the wheels are definitely turning!

Yea, that's just how it starts. First it's the various meat cuts and temp probes.

When you get that down pat and are puttin' out great Q, you start thinkin "Man that 1975 Workhorse would be so sweet!". :welcome: