Howdy - Questions on First Smoker

[madc0w]

Howdy from Houston.

I’m interested in getting into an offset smoker (right now I just have a Webber with a slow n sear and it’s done the same).

Done a few cooks with friends and family and keen to get one myself now. I’m torn between either getting a Workhorse Pit 57 or 69. Or getting a Klose (probably around 20x36) which is locally made.

I was leaning towards the Klose but when I showed my cousin who’s heavy into smokers he said the stack location was a bad design and to stay away.

Anybody with suggestions or feedback on the two pits?

 

[sandyut]

No feedback, Im not a stick burner.

But welcome to SMF from Colorado!

 

[chef k-dude]

There is a sub-forum here for smoker design and builds, you might find some helpful threads.

Forum list

Smoking Meat Forums is all about smoking meat, smokers, grills, cookers, smoking meat recipes, how to smoke ribs, chicken, brisket, smoked appetizers and more.

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Here's a review of 7 of them. It says 2025 but the article is stamped 2023. Maybe he updated.

The 6 Best Offset Smokers in [currentyear]

If you want to cook like the pitmasters you see on TV, or you dream of winning serious cash at a barbecue competition, then you've probably lusted after an offset smoker. Buying an offset smoker

www.smokedbbqsource.com

I have no experience with offsets.

 

[Straw_Sticks_Bricks]

I am partial to vertical smokers, so I don't have any advice to give on an offset. But I do have a big welcome to SMF from Missouri to give you.

 

[Newglide]

What's your budget?

 

[Mike Duty]

Howdy from Houston.

I’m interested in getting into an offset smoker (right now I just have a Webber with a slow n sear and it’s done the same).

Done a few cooks with friends and family and keen to get one myself now. I’m torn between either getting a Workhorse Pit 57 or 69. Or getting a Klose (probably around 20x36) which is locally made.

I was leaning towards the Klose but when I showed my cousin who’s heavy into smokers he said the stack location was a bad design and to stay away.

Anybody with suggestions or feedback on the two pits?

Try a jambo

 

[madc0w]

My budget is around the $3000ish range.

 

[Elf@shore]

My budget is around the $3000ish range.

I have no clue to what smoker to get?
BUT!?
Questions:
Max: Budget, Found the dream smoker ? $
Size: Min that you will settle with?
How soon do you need it ?
Can you pick it up to take home?
I would look @ Craigs list, Facebook marketplace. ect
For a used Top End Unit ?
Good luck!

 

[Elf@shore]

I have no clue to what smoker to get?
BUT!?
Questions:
Max: Budget, Found the dream smoker ? $
Size: Min that you will settle with?
How soon do you need it ?
Can you pick it up to take home?
I would look @ Craigs list, Facebook marketplace. ect
For a used Top End Unit ?
Good luck!

If YUr not in a hurry ?
I would look online, LOW BALL!
Not many have that CASH!
mIGHT DO GOOD WITH THE HOLIDAY SPENDING?

 

[ajbert]

I would suggest starting smaller rather than going in whole hog. Smoking meat, and other stuff, may sound fun and can be. However, there is a learning curve that most never get to the end. An offset has that learning curve with a LOT of trial and error. Not a good feeling to spend money on meat, rubs, etc to find out that nothing turned out right. There is a ton of great information and help on here but when you are doing your first few smokes you are doing it by yourself. Some folks start thinking they'll get it right every time they do a smoke, and I'll go out on a limb to say that no one on here has gotten it right every time. I know I haven't but I learned from my mistakes. I know I'll learn from my next mistake, too. It is not as easy as tossing meat in the smoker and it coming out perfect.

Just my two cents.