Where to buy a smoker? (Austin)

H

HornVet

< 25 Posts
Wasn't sure if this belonged here or on Horn Depot.....


I'm currently using a single barrel Lyfe Time pit that has been in the family for about 25 years. The pit is great. It holds temp well and uses relatively little fuel. The problem is for longer smokes it becomes hard to add more fuel without disturbing everything so I would like to upgrade to an offset style smoker.

I have a hard time though trying to figure out the differences in the smokers I have looked at so far at Academy. This is where I need help. If y'all had &#60;$650.00 to spend on a smoker what would y'all recommend and what other plaves aside from Academy might y'all look.

I have read the archives, but I still think I need help.
 
If your new smoker fever is not too severe and you can be patient, check craigslist periodically, where $650 can go a very long way.
 
The problem for me isn't being patient, but finding something then arranging a time to meet and all that stuff. With small children around it makes planning somewhat difficult and those on craigslist always go first come, first served (rightly so).

Also it's seems difficult to find a search query that doesn't turn up stop smoking aids, non smoker vehicles etc. but it was a good suggestion and I will check it from time to time.
 
HornVet,

If you think you might like a Bandera smoker, I can hook you up.
PM me if interested. Located in Austin.

It looks like this one from a previous thread: smoker
 
I think the guys at BBQ OUTFITTERS on 620 are great. It's a little far, but unlike all the chains, they know their stuff.

And I know it's not an offset, but I'm a Big Green Egg worshiper. It can be a smoker, but so much more.
 
Luke Duke-

Thanks for the reply I tried that and it worked out great. I wonder why I never thought of it.

Withoutaclue-

I will research Bandera smokers as well and I will PM you if interested.

cbs-

I assume you have a BGE. I have read about them and I think they seem very interesting but I have never talked to anyone who actually has one. I would need to stretch my budget a bit, but i would like to hear more about what you like about the egg. Especially any comparisons to the traditional offset smokers as well if you have used both.
 
There used to be a few BBQ/Backyard places that stocked Horizon smokers in Austin. I know some of them are no longer in business but surely someone still has them.

Horizon makes the nicest stuff I have seen that is in your price range. They have a good website also.

They are made in Oklahoma so if you are a big Okie hater they may not be an option for you.
 
Anyone else find it odd/funny that the "Bandera" smoker made ny the New Branfels Smoke Company is "Made in China".
This is one of the reasons I refrained from buying one. The gauge of steel is not very thick either. I would estimate it would last only a couple of years of heavy/repeated use. But the size and configuration is great & very functional.

WithOutaClue- can you provide me with some more insight,info, advice of this particular smoker?

Thanks!
 
I'm not an expert on the Bandera smoker by any means, NCAAFBALLROX is the man you wanna talk to.

I bought mine about 1 year ago and have used it to smoke up to 4 briskets at a time.
Hey, you're burning the same amount of wood for 1 brisket or 4, might as well fill it up!
biggrin.gif


The biggest problem with this smoker is that it is too easy to get too much heat in the smoking chamber
and over cook the meat. Just be sure to clean it after each use and it should last for several years.
Mine is one of the older models so the steel is a little thicker than what Academy sells today.

The OP gets first refusal rights on my smoker since I already offered it to him but after that it will go on Craigslist in the
next few weeks. Unless somebody here wants to start a waiting list?
wink.gif
 
WithoutAClue-- i do not think I will be buying your Bandera but I do appreciate the offer. So please feel free to throw it into a craigslist or hornfans free for all.

Well I've visited a few different places including BBQ outfitters. My wife actually likes the idea of the Big Green Egg even though it will stretch the initial budget a bit. From reading about it on the web and meeting a few people who have one it seems like a very interesting proposition.

Ultimately I decided the metal II was finding in the ones at academy didn't seem to be as thick or high quality as what I currently have. It seemed to get the same thickness I would have to spend quite a bit anyway and I'm too worried about plunking down a fair amount of coin for something I might have to fart around with more than what I've got going now.
 
Hornvet,

I have posted on here a few times about a buddy of mine who makes pits in time off. He lives in leander and made a nice compact pull behind for me. Be he will build to your specs and budget, while adding some nice one off custom touches. For your 650 range I would think he could build you a nice academy size model out 1/4 steel with some longhorn additions if you wish. I have picture of his work if you are interested, shot me an email [email protected] I would be happy to forward then and you can check out his work. Nice guy and does great work.

Good Luck

matt
 
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