Looking to buy my 1st smoker

[dmsurf]

Been reading up for the last month trying to find a suitable grill / smoker for my needs. I live in a condo in California, so space is limited. I need something no wider than 60" and not in depth more than 35"; height is not an issue. With busy scheduals and fish being a regular part of our diet, we have a need for gas as to just wip something out fast, however with my son now in the Navy and my daughter being married and a recent re-dicovered desire for some smoked meats and more time to have friends over, I'd like to invest in a new smoker / grill.I found what seems to be a perfect fit on-line, but having no experience with smoking, I need help. A good friend turned me on to this site so hear I am, asking for guidence. The name of the smoker is made by "Old Buzzards Smokers / Grills." This is the address... http://www.oldbuzzardsmokers.com/index.html The grill that I am interested in is the one featured on the video on the home page... 18"x32" smoker / gas / charcole grill combo. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.Dave

 

[wes w]

Welcome to the site.  I'm pretty new here myself.  Been smoking for years

 I've been smoking on a Char-griller for years.  Great grill as well.  It is charcoal fed though.  Char-griller also has a grill setup that is half gas and half charcoal.  I'm pretty sure you can put a firebox on it too.

  I thought I knew alot about smoking till I found this site.  These guys are like masters at the game.  If you can't find a answer in the search bar just ask.

  I like the look of the old buzzard smoker.  Looks very well built

 

[chef jimmyj]

Hey Dave, Looking at that Video, that smoker looks great. It seems well built and the design is one that is tried and true. The Reverse Flow design is a nice thing and the Propane burners look very well designed and built. I am not convinced the designers operating instructions are the best way to control temps, most of us control temp by manipulating the Air to the fire not the Exhaust, but that is no big deal. A Grate Level Thermometer is a good idea as well, I want to know temp at the Meat not the exhaust. I am curious as to the Price. The Chargriller Wes speaks of is ok as a starter setup but it would require modification to get it optimized. This looks to be Head and Shoulders above the CG in build quality and quality/Gauge of materials and will require little if any mods, but I am confident the Price will reflect this. Good Luck in your search...JJ

 

[dmsurf]

1st off, thanks for the feedback. Greatly appreciated. The Price...That's the kicker I guess. For that model it's 1,600.00 and another 400 to have it shipped from Texas to California. It's alot, but I hate buying poorly made stuff to just get buy. This one is all 1/4' steel. He said it measures at 3/8", but sold as 1/4. Everything is welded together, even the casters are welden on. I'm told it will rust for sure, but if I keep it covered and don't abuse it, it will last longer than I will. The gas burners are stainless, so they will probably last 3 to 5 years depending on the use. I spoke with some engineerers here at work and considered buying the materials, doing the cuts and bends, and having someone weld it together for me using that one as a model, but the material would cost me around 700, than paying someone to weld it would be somewhere between 300 and 500. Theres no way I'd duplicate what this guy has put into it, so I'm better off not going that route. Doesn't sound like he's in it to get rich, just seems like more of a passion. Over the phone he seems like a supper cool guy, so I think I'm gonna go for it.Dave

 

[ddemerath]

It looke pretty nice.  I would be interested in a review if you go ahead and purchase it.

 

[schmedleyp]

Great grill to start out on is a brinkman barrel or a weber kettle.

great grills/ smokers and great price.