Offset recommendations

[redray]

I am looking to replace my 15 yr old Bar-B-Chef offset smoker. This unit has served me well and still cooks wonderfully, just trying to have a plan when rust finally wins. Can't afford to spend a fortune but I understand quality isn't free. Recommendations?

[Smokin Mike]

A lot of choices but depends on how much you're willing to spend. What's the top end of your budget?

[redray]

I would say + or- $1k.

[Smokin Mike]

I did a little recon for you. I had to run out to Academy Sports and saw these pits outside the store. I kicked the tires on them and for the price I was pretty impressed. The were constructed with a heavier gauge steel than like a Charbroil, I'm guessing around 14 gauge, had a heat deflector, and a few other features like a grill in the firebox. I tried to find their web site but kept coming up empty so it may be one of those deals where they are private labeled for Academy. Anyway, If I were on the market for a reasonably priced patio smoker I'd give these guys a shot.

Here's the link for Academy; https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/old-co ... cos-smoker

[feldon30]

The Old Country BBQ pits seem to be pretty good bang for the buck. They have several varieties. I am kicking myself for not buying their large vertical cabinet style smoker. For $699 it was a cabinet big enough for 16 racks of ribs.

[jess]

A Lang 36" will run about 1400 but will cook great and out live you...

[redray]

Thanks guys for the recommendations. I have had my eye on Lang but not sure Momma would go for the price with 2 kids in college.
Maybe in a year or two, hopefully my Bar-B-Chef lasts a while.

[Glenn]

I know a couple of folks that have the Old Country pits and love them. And the price is good, too!

[BigO]

I did a little recon for you. I had to run out to Academy Sports and saw these pits outside the store. I kicked the tires on them and for the price I was pretty impressed. The were constructed with a heavier gauge steel than like a Charbroil, I'm guessing around 14 gauge, had a heat deflector, and a few other features like a grill in the firebox. I tried to find their web site but kept coming up empty so it may be one of those deals where they are private labeled for Academy. Anyway, If I were on the market for a reasonably priced patio smoker I'd give these guys a shot.

Here's the link for Academy; https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/old-co ... cos-smoker

I checked it out and it reminds me of my old school New Braunfels that I've been using hard for 25 years. You wouldn't need to make many tweaks to it. Maybe an internal heat shield. Stack is already at grate level. I don't see any specs on grill surface size. If I was in the market, this would be on my short list.