How big should I go?

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munxcub

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Jun 16, 2013
136
11
Saskatchewan, Canada
I've been looking around here for a couple days now and have found great ideas and information. 

After a couple years with my propane cabinet and 18.5" WSM, I'm ready to step up my game and enter a local competition that is starting to happen every year.

My brother in law can get me a 250 gallon propane tank (valve removed, ready for scrap) but I have a feeling that's going to be overkill for me at this stage, and too big of an undertaking to get ready in time. 

What size would I be looking at to do maybe 4 pork butts, a couple briskets and a few racks of ribs at one time? Preferably doesn't need to be built on it's own trailer, but could be moved around with a half ton.

I like the design/concept of the RF rigs and am leaning in this direction should the size allow.

Thanks in advance for any input on rig size. 
 
I was able to find somewhere online that a 250 gal will roughly hold 40x8lbs butts... which is probably overkill for me. I think I'll be looking around the 100gal mark. 
 
What size would I be looking at to do maybe 4 pork butts, a couple briskets and a few racks of ribs at one time? Preferably doesn't need to be built on it's own trailer, but could be moved around with a half ton.

I like the design/concept of the RF rigs and am leaning in this direction should the size allow.

Thanks in advance for any input on rig size. 
I have a 120 gallon reverse flow and it can easily accommodate what you are looking to do. If you want more room, add a warmer box with a live smoke option.

A 250 is good but you are creeping into the catering rig size IMHO. If 95% of your cooking is going to be friends and family with an occasional big smoke, a 120 gallon will serve you well. 
 
My two cents.

If your building a trailer pit, go 250 gallon. Its a perfect size. It gives you a nice 30 inch deep rack. and for competition , you want plenty of sq. ft. on a single rack. ( Cant have juice from top rack dripping on bottom rack stuff if it has to be picture perfect, right? )

Big enough for serious BBQ, small enough to store easily. Perfect size.

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