Old Country Wrangler Vs Brazos

[VasquezA92]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking at getting a new smoker and I'm looking at the wrangler and brazos. I know they are very different in terms of steel gauge and size. I like the size of the wrangler since I don't cook for large groups that much. But Im concerned about the 11 gauge (1/8") thickness of the firebox and cooking chamber. The doors are 3/16. Does 11 gauge tend to hold up over time?

I know 1/4 gauge can last a lifetime if taken care of so I'm wondering if I should just pony up the money for the brazos or if the wranglers thickness is good enough. Thanks.

 

[Brokenhandle]

I don't think anyone has complained about buying something that is overbought for their uses. But could see a complaint of...should have bought the thicker one!

Ryan

 

[Brokenhandle]

Over built not overbought...darn spell correct!

Ryan

 

[VasquezA92]

Over built not overbought...darn spell correct!

Ryan

Do you think 1/8" is too thin? I'm relatively new to offset smoking. I'm upgrading from an OK Joe's Highland.

 

[Brokenhandle]

I don't own one but it's plenty thin in my eyes. Maybe sawhorseray could give you better advice. He owns or used to own an offset I believe.

Ryan

 

[sawhorseray]

I don't own one but it's plenty thin in my eyes. Maybe sawhorseray could give you better advice. He owns or used to own an offset I believe. Ryan

Yep, I had a offset till a few months back, served me well tho I don't miss it. 1/8" is awful darned thin steel for the firebox, too thin, period, just won't last long. The cook chamber on my Meadow Creek SQ36 wasn't much more than 1/8" thick, the firebox was 1/4". A lot depends on where you live, what the weather's like, as to what you'll need and how you'll be able to cook. I live in AZ by the dessert and can smoke 12 months a year, I understand folks who live where it snows might not be all that keen on having to tend the fire every half hour. Look for a good used smoker before you fork out dough for a new one, a little sanding and elbow grease goes a long way, spray paint is cheap. RAY

 

[VasquezA92]

Yep, I had a offset till a few months back, served me well tho I don't miss it. 1/8" is awful darned thin steel for the firebox, too thin, period, just won't last long. The cook chamber on my Meadow Creek SQ36 wasn't much more than 1/8" thick, the firebox was 1/4". A lot depends on where you live, what the weather's like, as to what you'll need and how you'll be able to cook. I live in AZ by the dessert and can smoke 12 months a year, I understand folks who live where it snows might not be all that keen on having to tend the fire every half hour. Look for a good used smoker before you fork out dough for a new one, a little sanding and elbow grease goes a long way, spray paint is cheap. RAY

Thanks. I live in Central Texas. I've looked for used ones but man they are bought up quick. I seen 2 brazos smokers sell within hours of being posted on FB marketplace.

 

[Newglide]

It depends on your budget. I have an old Country Pecos. It's advertised to have 14ga with 11ga doors. I didn't have the budget for a $1500 + smoker so I went with the Pecos, I got it on sale for $350. It's held up well so far, I've only had it a little over a year and cook on it about every other week. I do keep the firebox oiled pretty regularly since the paint burned off fairly quickly. I guess time will tell