OffSet Smoker Quality vs price

[herr tulpe]

Since my last foray into smoker design, had been thinking about some alternatives, and have pretty much finished my design when I remembered that most of the smokers you buy in the US are actually made in China..

Have been doing the ring around 7 or 8 chinese manufacturers to get some pricing info..

I have found one offset smoker 30" smoke chamber, with offset firebox, and 1/8" thick plate around fire box and cooking chamber. They want about $250 for it which feels like a lot (I value like a local!!) but it got me thinking about the price vs value..

The cheap offsets in the US what kind of wall thickness do they use? What quality of material & finish?

This sounds decent because it weighs 90kg (200 lbs) so should be cast iron..

I would appreciate the thoughts of the many experienced smokers on the forum!!

Many thanks
Herr Tulpe..

 

[seaham358]

I have a Char-broil silver smoker and love it..

Not sure what size the smoke chamber is by itself?
HD sells these and there around $200

• Product Dimensions: 17.8 x 55.3 x 18.8 inches ; 135 pounds
• • Offset firebox design provides multiple cooking options.
  • 738 sq. in. total cooking surface area.
  • Easy-clean porcelain grates and full set of charcoal/wood grates for firebox & cooking chamber
  • Top-mounted smoke stack with damper
  • Firebox access door with integrated damper