Couple small smokers vs. single large smoker

[1215]

I have a question and very interested in the opinions & discussion that may ensue from it.

We (a group of friends) entered a smoking competition and placed 2nd overall (got robbed out of 1st). Doesn't matter where we placed or what the competition was --we all have the bug. We had talked about making a larger smoker, possibly out of a couple 275-300gal oil tanks (or similar) but I'm wondering... wouldn't it be better, especially in a KCBS environment, if we stuck to a few, smaller, reliable, consistent smokers vs. one large behemoth?

Catering or similar may happen down the line (couple of the guys are trained chefs so that's their thing --I'm just the beer b*tch that knows how to weld/fabricate)... so I could see in a catering environment how a larger smoker would be valuable, but for competitions is a big guy necessary?

Thanks...

 

[daveomak]

Several smaller smokers allow for diversity of menus....  High temps, low temps, different flavor woods...   UDS are a good bet...   inexpensive...  fuel efficient...   easy to transport..  ECTO1 has won many contests with his smokers..  

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/109486/just-another-uds

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/97172/seasoned-uds-now-with-video

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/100910/my-uds-great-story

 

[hardcookin]

As Dave said a lot of people have been winning using a UDS - Hunsaker & Gateway drums seem to be popular right now.