I have been using a KAT reverse flow offset for almost two years now. This is my first offset - so my opinions may be slanted a bit. But I also use a yoder ys640 regularly, owned a GMG for a few years. WSM and various cheaper smokers of various kinds.
People in general consider my cooking to be top notch.
I love the KAT.
Quality is terrific. Well built, heavy. Show quality welds. Excellent customer service.
And I like reverse flow.
I didnt set out to buy a reverse flow. I was looking for quality and good flow.
Having followed the yoder stick burner flow debacle I realized i needed to learn about flow and make sure what ever cooker I bought that it has good physics behind it.
I think Lang taught me about reverse flow. And somehow I hit on KAT.
I called and talked to Ken and he was the nicest guy. We went over budget, options, customizations (he's happy to do what ever you want - and for a reasonable price)
I put 1/2 down and paid the other 1/2 when it was done.
I live 90+ minutes away from him - but he loaded it up and delivered it at 8:50pm on a saturday night.
Fire management has been fairly easy.
It's easy to get a clean fire burning.
I pancake batter tested the cooking chamber and didnt find any hot spots except for the last couple inches near the fire box.
It cooks great. I love it. I will need to come up a exceptionally crazy excuse to ever buy another stick burner - as this one is awesome.
