Help Selecting a Reverse-Flow Offset

[Centex Smoker]

New to the forum and hoping some of you have experience/recommendations. Looking to invest in a ~48" reverse flow smoker. Been thinking hard about Lang for a while, but location and shipping fees aren't great (I'm in Houston, TX). Johnson Custom in Ennis, TX and Matt's BBQ Pits near San Antonio have caught my eye as well. Any recommendations or experiences on those three? I'm aware of Shirley Fab as well, but hard to find much about them online.

TIA

 

[jcam222]

I'd keep an eye out for a used Lang. I have to think there are many in Texas. Shirley has a great reputation for quality builds as well. You might also look into Bell Fab. Several folks here have them and love them.

 

[Centex Smoker]

I'd keep an eye out for a used Lang. I have to think there are many in Texas. Shirley has a great reputation for quality builds as well. You might also look into Bell Fab. Several folks here have them and love them.

Thanks. Lang has been really hard to find in TX. Joined a few online groups dedicated to Lang. Can find them in GA and FL but no luck in TX. Tried buying a couple from those states but sellers all want to stay local. I don’t blame them.

 

[MadMax281]

Lone Star Grillz up in Conroe, TX. I have the 20x36 offset. I've done 67 smokes on it and it is a dream to cook on. You won't be disappointed with any of their products. Top quality steel. Their welders lay dimes. They are close enough to go pick it up yourself, saving on shipping. Good luck.

 

[BigW.]

I'd look around at the local TX shops also. Saving money on shipping and buying local (for you) is always a winner. If you ever sell it, having something made in TX may also be a selling point to another Texan.

 

[Centex Smoker]

Lone Star Grillz up in Conroe, TX. I have the 20x36 offset. I've done 67 smokes on it and it is a dream to cook on. You won't be disappointed with any of their products. Top quality steel. Their welders lay dimes. They are close enough to go pick it up yourself, saving on shipping. Good luck.

Thanks. Yeah, I'd love to find someone "local" to Houston. I checked with LSG (lot of people really like them), but it seemed they do not fabricate reverse-flow smokers, only traditional offset. That true or no?

 

[Centex Smoker]

I'd look around at the local TX shops also. Saving money on shipping and buying local (for you) is always a winner. If you ever sell it, having something made in TX may also be a selling point to another Texan.

Yep. Matt's BBQ Pits and Johnson Custom are about as "local" as I've found for reverse flow in Texas. Crazy that we don't have more fabricators in TX making these...

 

[MadMax281]

Thanks. Yeah, I'd love to find someone "local" to Houston. I checked with LSG (lot of people really like them), but it seemed they do not fabricate reverse-flow smokers, only traditional offset. That true or no?

That is true. They build what they call a cross flow offset. I hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Dustin Dorsey]

We had a local restaurant that cooked on a 1000 gallon Johnson Smoker that was really good but they shut down due to mismanagement. I've seen one in person maybe one other time. I looked really hard at them when I was first researching smokers early on. Instead of a typical reverse flow plate, they use a pipe for the reverse flow part. This can be removed to clean the pit, which is a pretty good idea. From what I understand the airflow is good. They have dual stacks that are pretty tall. They are good pits. Standard offsets are just way more popular in Texas.

 

[Centex Smoker]

Just got a reply from Shirley. 32 month backlog. Wow...

 

[MadMax281]

Pitts by JJ off of Tidwell has reverse flow smokers...

 

[Centex Smoker]

Pitts by JJ off of Tidwell has reverse flow smokers...View attachment 704119

Thanks. Just contacted them. Looks nice. I would like something slightly larger so we'll see if they can accommodate.

 

[Centex Smoker]

Have had a couple leads on some Shirley pits. So far, none have panned out (decided not to sell, became non-responsive, sold to someone else, or wants like-new price for 5-YO pit). Got a new lead today, so we'll see.

Surprisingly got a note this week from a Lang owner as well. Just when I thought I was set on a Shirley... Who knows? With luck, maybe I'll land both of them, try for a while, keep the one I like and sell the other. Fingers crossed.

 

[Centex Smoker]

Score!

 

[Redicans]

Score!View attachment 705315

Very Nice!! Lets see some more Pics please!!

 

[Centex Smoker]

Very Nice!! Lets see some more Pics please!!

Ask and you shall receive!

 

[Centex Smoker]

Very Nice!! Lets see some more Pics please!!

Ask and you shall receive!

 

[Centex Smoker]

 

[Centex Smoker]

Can smoke with three different configurations: cook chamber only, cook chamber and warmer, or warmer only direct from fire (vertical). You’ll also notice a coal grate below the bottom rack in the warmer.

 

[Redicans]

You definitely scored with that!! I'm sure you will be putting out some Damn fine food with that!! Love the stainless shelf!!