One or two doors on a 42"

[jl13]

A bit of a random question. Looking at a new 42" offset smoker. Question on whether I should go with one door or two in the smoke chamber. Seems like a tradeoff between ease of opening the two door vs the problems caused by the middle divider on the two door. Any other considerations (hinge durability, etc). Thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[daveomak]

jl, morning....  1 door should be light enough to open easily... also that would provide good access to the cooking grate...  Some folks make their grates removable for ease in cleaning....  Dave

 

[jl13]

One more question. Considering moving up to a 48 inch instead of the 42 since its only $100. What drawbacks Are there. Will it be tougher to cook small batches, need significantly more fuel or other reasons not to go bigger.

 

[daveomak]

jl, All depends on what your plans are....  How many to cook for, etc...   How many turkeys, butts, pork bellies....  Once you have it fired up, it don't cost any more time or wood to cook up a truck load of meat..... 

Sometimes, smaller is better if you are going to cook a couple chickens or a roast for dinner...   What the hey, build 2.... small and big.... Saves on thinking it to death...  Dave

 

[jl13]

Last question , promise (not really). With a 48 inch, I assume I'll need two doors or a counterweight? And where do you get smoker covers to protect from rain? Seems like the counterweight makes that a pain.

 

[themule69]

i would go with one door and a counter weight. to get the weight right. make the weight out of what ever your going to use. then tack it in place and see if you like the feel. if not grind off the tack and move forward to add weight to the lid. or back to take weight off the lid.

post pics when you start the build.

happy smoken

david

 

[war hammer]

Jl, take a look at my build in this same forum. New Direct Flow Patio Build. It might give you an idea what it will look like. Mine is 48" as well. I would go with one door as well and a counterweight

 

[jl13]

Thanks and great looking smoker there. That is helpful although I'm not building mine - going with a klose which is right down the street. The 48 with one door seems like the way to go. Also seems like it would allow me more room to deal with hotter spots, etc given no tuning plates. Thanks again.