Do they still make New Braunfels griller/smokers?

[mneeley490]

A buddy of mine just got back into the country after an extended job overseas, and wanted to replace the NB he gave up. He was very partial to it. I looked around online for a dealer, but can't seem to come up with any info. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[daveomak]

[h2]Company Overview[/h2]
New Braunfels Smoker Co., manufactures outdoor cooking equipment and accessories. The company's products include steel smokers, grills, fryers, cookers, and Oklahoma Joe products. New Braunfels Smoker is based in New Braunfels, Texas. As of 1997, New Braunfels Smoker Co. operates as a subsidiary of Char-Broil, LLC.

1411 Freiheit Rd

New Braunfels, TX 78130

United States

Founded in 1991

Phone:

830-629-5742

www.nbsmoker.com
[h2]Key Executives For New Braunfels Smoker Co.[/h2]
Mr. Ron Snider

Owner

Compensation as of Fiscal Year 2012.

 

[mneeley490]

Thanks Dave, but that seems to be a generic business website. Every time I try to search NB, I get directed to the Char-Broil website, and they have nothing.

 

[whittling chip]

I checked out company info in a google business search and found the answer:

The W.C. Bradley family of companies has a history of changing and evolving to meet the ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions. The values of integrity and stewardship have been the constant standards that have guided the company. Bound by this legacy and responsibility to act in the best interests of its team members, shareholders, customers and community, the W.C. Bradley Co. has a successful track-record in product innovation and quality, offering home and leisure products that consumers trust and believe in.
 

The true sense of team has always been important to the culture of the W.C. Bradley Co. It is this team aspect – of individuals and companies coming together – which creates the synergy that drives the growth and success of the company. Today, the W.C. Bradley Co. consists of the following companies:

Char-Broil, L.L.C (www.charbroil.com), based in Columbus, Georgia, is one of the oldest and most respected outdoor cooking companies. More Char-Broil[emoji]174[/emoji] gas grills are distributed across the United States than any other brand. The company sells Char-Broil[emoji]174[/emoji] branded grills in the United States and Canada, throughout Latin America, and Australia. In addition to the Char-Broil[emoji]174[/emoji] label, the company manages and manufactures a portfolio of outdoor cooking brands including Oklahoma Joe’s[emoji]174[/emoji], New Braunfels Smoker Company[emoji]174[/emoji] and Thermos[emoji]174[/emoji]. Char-Broil is #1 in Infrared. In 2011, Saber Grills, LLC, was formed as a stand-alone entity which introduced SABER[emoji]174[/emoji] grills (www.sabergrills.com) – a line of premium grills sold through the independent outdoor retailer channel. Also, in 2011, Char-Broil expanded internationally and acquired Kriswell A/S, a Danish grill and grilling accessories company which markets products under the Dancook (www.dancook.dk/) brand.

Here's the full link: http://www.wcbradley.com/divisions.aspx

Hope that helps,
WC

 

[boykjo]

I have a braunfel offset smoker and from what I understand they were bought out by charbroiler and no longer make the heavy duty smokers like the original braunfel....... I dont know the facts of this but I havent seen any heavy duty built offset smokers sold at  HD or lowes.........I would try to do some searching on CL to find what your looking for.... I got mine for 50 bucks in mint condition and did some mods......

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/101802/braunfel-smoker

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/110134/braunfel-reverse-flow-modification

Joe
 

 

[mneeley490]

I have a braunfel offset smoker and from what I understand they were bought out by charbroiler and no longer make the heavy duty smokers like the original braunfel....... I dont know the facts of this but I havent seen any heavy duty built offset smokers sold at  HD or lowes.........I would try to do some searching on CL to find what your looking for.... I got mine for 50 bucks in mint condition and did some mods......

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/101802/braunfel-smoker

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/110134/braunfel-reverse-flow-modification

Joe
 

That's pretty much what I thought. It seems like Char-Broil bought them out only to stiffle the competition. I have a (heavily modified) Char-Broil offset, and it is pretty thin. I hardly use it anymore.

I have found a line on a used NB nearby for $125.  I don't know if my friend will go for it; he is pretty persnickety about buying anything used. But in this case, he may have to.

Thanks!

 

[coyote-1]

The insulating capability differences of 1/8" vs 1/4" steel are almost negligible. The thicker steel might retain heat for another minute longer, but conversely it requires extra time to bring up to temperature.

A heavier firebox is good to prevent burn-through and warping, but the food chamber won't really benefit from thicker steel. I was considering 'upgrading' from my CGSP to a more expensive unit, but found that the only thing I'd really gain is extra smoker weight.

 

[dewetha]

The insulating capability differences of 1/8" vs 1/4" steel are almost negligible. The thicker steel might retain heat for another minute longer, but conversely it requires extra time to bring up to temperature.

A heavier firebox is good to prevent burn-through and warping, but the food chamber won't really benefit from thicker steel. I was considering 'upgrading' from my CGSP to a more expensive unit, but found that the only thing I'd really gain is extra smoker weight.

do find that statement true in cold winter weather?  i don't have any scientific data or calculations but empirical evidence of my own smokers and grills says other wise. the SWAG in my mind says the mass of the steal should proved resistance to  the transference of heat. some big brain can do the some thermodynamics laws calcs but i know by the max temperatures and rate of fuel burn, thicker is better

 

[ski-freak]

Home Depot still sells the Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Side Offset Firebox Smoker/Grill, where they haven't sold out their summer inventory yet. It had a price tag this season of $499, and it comes with paperwork from Char-Broil but weighs just under 300 pounds - which is a lot more than the other Char-Broil charcoal models. Char-Broil does sell replacement parts still for this unit. Not sure this is even the model your friend is looking for though.

Over time the metal thickness has dropped on these but this unit is still a lot more robust than others at this price point. The other option in the original heavy thickness metal version is through Horizon Smokers, but will be more expensive.

 

[coyote-1]

do find that statement true in cold winter weather?  i don't have any scientific data or calculations but empirical evidence of my own smokers and grills says other wise. the SWAG in my mind says the mass of the steal should proved [SIZE=11pt]resistance [/SIZE]to  the transference of heat. some big brain can do the some thermodynamics laws calcs but i know by the max temperatures and rate of fuel burn, thicker is better

Think on that for a second. We are not talking about a mass of steel here. We are talking an extra 1/8" of steel plate.

If you had a 4"x4"x8" ingot, indeed the center would retain heat for awhile. But imagine a 46 degree day, with clouds and a steady breeze. Tree is simply no way an additional .175" of material thickness will retain heat for much longer.

 

[mneeley490]

I dunno. If you were standing outside in 46° weather, would you be wearing a cotton dress shirt, or a wool flannel shirt?

 

[eman]

Oklahoma Joe's still makes a heavy duty smoker. i know they have them at Acadamey outdoors here. just like my old new braunfuls .

 

[daveomak]

The insulating capability differences of 1/8" vs 1/4" steel are almost negligible. The thicker steel might retain heat for another minute longer, but conversely it requires extra time to bring up to temperature.

A heavier firebox is good to prevent burn-through and warping, but the food chamber won't really benefit from thicker steel. I was considering 'upgrading' from my CGSP to a more expensive unit, but found that the only thing I'd really gain is extra smoker weight.

Brad, evening...  We are talking about thermal mass....   1/8" is about 5# per sq ft and 1/4" is about 10# sq ft...... if the RF plate is 6 sq ft (3x2), there is a difference of  about 30# of steel....  the steel is absorbing and releasing heat, evening temps etc...   That is significant.....  

For an example, try heating a 30# chunk of steel... see how long it takes to heat and see how long it takes to cool..... A significant amount of BTU's will be stored and released.....    

For what it is worth, on this forum we try to inform members, in such a way, that they can "cook the best", build the best", "season the best", "make the best sausage".... etc.... no point in showing someone how to do stuff mediocre....  Don't intend to sound like an a-hole.....  Just the way it is....

Dave

 

[mtnwalker]

The heavier gage metal.......doesn't help so much with insulation as it does plain old strength....it won't warp under heat like thinner gage does....and it resists rust better than the newer grades/lighter gages of steel......plain and simple........made better.......is made better.

 

[mneeley490]

Forgot about this thread. My friend did buy the used New Braunfels, and he is very happy with it. Uses it about 3 time a week, even in the winter here.

 

[hoity toit]

New Braunfels Smoker sold out a couple of years ago...No longer made in New Braunfels...I live here so I know.. My 2 cents..

 

[tokenn13]

Yes they still make them, and are sold at Academy stores. I have the Hondo Deluxe and still have it for over 5 years. I am saving for another one/ newer model.

 

[sudzy]

The were bought of by Char-Broil I believe and at best make entry level rigs. I have an offset model purchased at least 15 years ago before they sold out, its made of boiler plate not sheet metal like the new ones. Leaky, cheap and light weight.

 

[hotnsmokin]

Yes, but they are made by Char Broil.  Start at that site.  Also sell at Target, Lowes, etc.

 

[ncwood]

I have one of the original New Braunfels Bandera upright offset smokers, before CharBroil bought them out, that I no longer use and would give to anyone who would like it. I'm near Raleigh,  NC. It was modified quite heavy according to the Bandera Brethern website. The firebox has lots of rust but would clean up easily, the large upright smoke box is fine.