Hi Everyone,
First, let me start with saying the forum has such a great culture! Everyone seems to be extremely helpful, and patient, which is something that is hard to find, thanks to everyone who contributes here!
For my question, I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying an Old Country smoker but just need to make sure I'm making the right decision. I want everyone's gut decision on this as I have over thought this way too much. Here are some facts about my particular situation to weigh in on.
1.) This will be my first offset smoker; I recently sold my WSM as, much like my espresso in the morning, the ritual of making BBQ is a big part of the overall food experience to me. I don't want a set it and forget mode of cooking which the WSM was for me. Again, this is just what I want, not necessarily what everyone else wants.
2.) I am located in Phoenix and will be driving to El Passo to pick up the smoker at Academy. I know I could have it shipped, but from what everyone has said, it's best to choose the best quality smoker from what is available rather than have luck of the draw with shipping. The QC isn't as rigid on these smokers (this could have changed, I only state this based on what others have said)
3.) This will not be my forever smoker; I'll be honest about that. If I could, I would buy an LSG 20inch pit, but that is out of my budget. I plan to keep this for a few years and then sell it to upgrade. As there are no Academy in Phoenix, and because Old Country is well known, I don't think I will have an issue selling it for close to what I paid for it.
4.) I only cook for my wife and me, so space is not a big concern. The biggest brisket Ill cooker is a 12-14 packer from Costco; the other go to is the three pack of baby backs from Sams.
Now, the dilemma. I'm leaving on Sunday morning to drive to Academy and need to get there for when they open at 9 am. There are two models which I am looking at, the Wrangler and the Pecos. Based on the information above, which model do you buy? My hang up right now is based on the fact that the Wrangler is thicker but smaller. I know I said size is not an issue, but smoke flow over the small space will affect performance. Is the difference in thickness going to make or break one over the other?
I have 36 hours gentlemen, let me hear your thoughts!
First, let me start with saying the forum has such a great culture! Everyone seems to be extremely helpful, and patient, which is something that is hard to find, thanks to everyone who contributes here!
For my question, I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying an Old Country smoker but just need to make sure I'm making the right decision. I want everyone's gut decision on this as I have over thought this way too much. Here are some facts about my particular situation to weigh in on.
1.) This will be my first offset smoker; I recently sold my WSM as, much like my espresso in the morning, the ritual of making BBQ is a big part of the overall food experience to me. I don't want a set it and forget mode of cooking which the WSM was for me. Again, this is just what I want, not necessarily what everyone else wants.
2.) I am located in Phoenix and will be driving to El Passo to pick up the smoker at Academy. I know I could have it shipped, but from what everyone has said, it's best to choose the best quality smoker from what is available rather than have luck of the draw with shipping. The QC isn't as rigid on these smokers (this could have changed, I only state this based on what others have said)
3.) This will not be my forever smoker; I'll be honest about that. If I could, I would buy an LSG 20inch pit, but that is out of my budget. I plan to keep this for a few years and then sell it to upgrade. As there are no Academy in Phoenix, and because Old Country is well known, I don't think I will have an issue selling it for close to what I paid for it.
4.) I only cook for my wife and me, so space is not a big concern. The biggest brisket Ill cooker is a 12-14 packer from Costco; the other go to is the three pack of baby backs from Sams.
Now, the dilemma. I'm leaving on Sunday morning to drive to Academy and need to get there for when they open at 9 am. There are two models which I am looking at, the Wrangler and the Pecos. Based on the information above, which model do you buy? My hang up right now is based on the fact that the Wrangler is thicker but smaller. I know I said size is not an issue, but smoke flow over the small space will affect performance. Is the difference in thickness going to make or break one over the other?
I have 36 hours gentlemen, let me hear your thoughts!
