Bell Fabrications Smoker

[Okie Jase]

After years of using charcoal smokers I finally pulled the trigger and decided to go with a good backyard offset smoker. After thorough research I was just about to buy a 20" Horizon when I stumbled across a YouTube video that mentioned a pit builder based out of Tulsa, OK. I live in Oklahoma so being able to pick up my pit from the manufacturer saves me hundreds of dollars in shipping costs. I immediately found the website and spoke with the owner, Craig Bell, who is super nice. I told him what I wanted and he put me on the waiting list (8-10 weeks). I'm getting a 24" x 48" with a 24" firebox, all 3/8" thick fully welded steel for $1200. That's a steal compared to any competitor (that only uses 1/4" steel mind you) who's rigs cost 3 to 4 times more for a comparable size. The pics I uploaded are just stock photos. I'm having mine built with a single cook chamber door with counterweight and wood rack below. Does anyone else here own a Bell Fab that can give some input? 8 weeks can't com

e soon enough and I'll update you guys with pics of the finished product.

 

[TNJAKE]

Love my Bell Fab. 3/8in steel. 30x48.

Several others here with one as well

 

[zippy12]

Langs 1/4 in plate works... the reverse flow and having the measurements dialed in is well worth the money...

 

[Okie Jase]

Love my Bell Fab. 3/8in steel. 30x48.View attachment 510151
Several others here with one as well

How hard is it to move that thing around? I imagine it's not going to be easy to load it on on trailer and then move it to my back patio.

 

[smokin peachey]

Ask TNJAKE ‘s buddy I think he bought one

 

[zippy12]

How hard is it to move that thing around? I imagine it's not going to be easy to load it on on trailer and then move it to my back patio.

yea the lang was 650lbs and I used an ATV winch which was the safest way. that cooker is more than that

 

[TNJAKE]

How hard is it to move that thing around? I imagine it's not going to be easy to load it on on trailer and then move it to my back patio.

Weighs 1000lbs so even with the 4 wheels it ain't easy. Moving it in grass is impossible. Have to use a winch to get it up on a trailer. Displaced Texan has one with the dimensions you ordered. His is lighter and has 2 wheels. Maybe he will chime in

 

[daspyknows]

Love my Horizon and I am sure you will love your Bell. Any of these smokers are a beast to move but worth the effort.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

When I bought my current offset, Bell was on my short list, very nice smokers and very nice people. When you get my age, you'll appreciate the double doors on the cook chamber, but the counter weights will help...

 

[Displaced Texan]

Mine is 24x48 weighing in at 750 pounds. It is a beast to move, but the t bar makes it easier with leverage. I move it from my garage to driveway, so it's a short trip each time.

I went with one door, but Craig talked me in to 2 doors. I don't remember why, but I think 2 is better than 1. He also triangulated my exhaust.

He is not a fan of a door on the side of the firebox, and you don't really need it. I would ask to make sure he grinds the ash dump and grease drain flush with the bottom of the pit.

He is very accommodating. Can't wait to see yours.

Click the pic for a larger version.

 

[Displaced Texan]

Oh, I also saw on Craig's FB page, he will even hinge the front shelf for you if you want. Probably good for storage. Anyway, like I said, he is very accommodating.

He only charged me $50 to make the exhaust the triangular shape. Truth be told, I think I got caught up in the Franklin videos and seeing other pits like that. This thing has great draw and convection. The normal round exhaust will definitely suffice.

 

[smokin peachey]

Mine is 24x48 weighing in at 750 pounds. It is a beast to move, but the t bar makes it easier with leverage. I move it from my garage to driveway, so it's a short trip each time.

I went with one door, but Craig talked me in to 2 doors. I don't remember why, but I think 2 is better than 1. He also triangulated my exhaust.

He is not a fan of a door on the side of the firebox, and you don't really need it. I would ask to make sure he grinds the ash dump and grease drain flush with the bottom of the pit.

He is very accommodating. Can't wait to see yours.

Click the pic for a larger version.

View attachment 510156

I think I’d ask him to make the firebox a little bigger also so you can use longer pieces of wood for a longer burn.

 

[TNJAKE]

I think I’d ask him to make the firebox a little bigger also so you can use longer pieces of wood for a longer burn.

I use 16in splits in mine with plenty of room

 

[Displaced Texan]

I think I’d ask him to make the firebox a little bigger also so you can use longer pieces of wood for a longer burn.

All my splits are 12"-16". Seem to burn for a good while.

 

[smokin peachey]

I use 16in splits in mine with plenty of room

That’s great but if it was twice as long you could stager your splits and it would burn twice as long. I can get a 4 hour burn.

 

[zippy12]

I think I’d ask him to make the firebox a little bigger also so you can use longer pieces of wood for a longer burn.

I agree this keeps the creasolt from the burn off your meat since its a s direct flow and not reverse

 

[TNJAKE]

Crazy how much advice on bell fab smokers y'all got. OP was asking for advice from owners

 

[zippy12]

Crazy how much advice on bell fab smokers y'all got. OP was asking for advice from owners

just helping a friend

 

[Displaced Texan]

Yeah, mine is 20" long. It cooks so well with great convection already. I think a bigger firebox would not add anything to this pit.

But, if the OP agrees, he can, by all means, ask Craig his thoughts on it.

 

[smokin peachey]

Crazy how much advice on bell fab smokers y'all got. OP was asking for advice from owners

Please excuse my helpfulness. I’m not a bellfab owner just trying to help. Recommend 1/3 size firebox/cook chamber. Also recommend using it and enjoying it.