Ok the wifey came home with me a new smoker. A Char-Broil vertical 505. She found it at a close-out store for $109.00 US. They have stacks of them, and I can see why. Its almost a good product for the money, but lacks quality that is easily obtained by spending just a few more minutes manufacturing.
The unit is supposed to be double walled & insulated, but only the back wall has any visible insulation. The rest of it is double walled. So at best we shall say it is 1/6 insulated. The interior has gaps in the walls ( easily filled with high temp ceramic based filler ). The walls also have holes for adjusting racks but they give no plugs to fill unused. Detachable Thermostatic control which optimises temp control with very low, medium, and high marks. The chip tray is within 1 inch of the element, and the water pan holds a 12 oz beer.
Hey I do love the magnetic door latches that I can say will let loose if any warp-age occurs while running it at temps for hot smoking. No really I like that, but some spring loaded hinges would'a been they way to go along with the magnetic latches.
The dog peeing on this things legs will not bode well for these poorly painted feet.
3 racks, The water and chip tray rack are of course only accessible by opening the door and killing cook time, yet they are sized so small you may want to leave the door open and plan on cooking loooooong times, or not having smoke.....
Does It smoke? I have no clue yet as it rocks due to uneven legs...., But the 1/4 inch diameter exhaust tube really will make this smoker perform like an old man trying to pee with a swollen prostate.
Now With a $50.00 US budget I want to transform this smoker. Into a quality beginners model. It will function just as one 3 times its price, but will require some assembly by me. A DIY upgrade....
Stay tuned ...............................
The unit is supposed to be double walled & insulated, but only the back wall has any visible insulation. The rest of it is double walled. So at best we shall say it is 1/6 insulated. The interior has gaps in the walls ( easily filled with high temp ceramic based filler ). The walls also have holes for adjusting racks but they give no plugs to fill unused. Detachable Thermostatic control which optimises temp control with very low, medium, and high marks. The chip tray is within 1 inch of the element, and the water pan holds a 12 oz beer.
Hey I do love the magnetic door latches that I can say will let loose if any warp-age occurs while running it at temps for hot smoking. No really I like that, but some spring loaded hinges would'a been they way to go along with the magnetic latches.
The dog peeing on this things legs will not bode well for these poorly painted feet.
3 racks, The water and chip tray rack are of course only accessible by opening the door and killing cook time, yet they are sized so small you may want to leave the door open and plan on cooking loooooong times, or not having smoke.....
Does It smoke? I have no clue yet as it rocks due to uneven legs...., But the 1/4 inch diameter exhaust tube really will make this smoker perform like an old man trying to pee with a swollen prostate.
Now With a $50.00 US budget I want to transform this smoker. Into a quality beginners model. It will function just as one 3 times its price, but will require some assembly by me. A DIY upgrade....
Stay tuned ...............................
