Opinions on size of a pit

[joesuits4]

I' m seriously considering the 24"x36" Lone Star pits. Can't seem to find a lot of positive or negative reviews or info on Lone Star Grillz. Is this a good size or would the 20"x42" be a better choice? 

Part of the decision is based on comments that larger pits hold heat better?
 I do 4 slabs of ribs at a time. 1 pork butt about 7-10lbs. I'm cook small time compared to someone with a large family or a lot of friends over.

 

[pops6927]

Is this your first pit?  Usually you underestimate and 'wish you'd bought the bigger one' - as your skills develop and you start "acquiring new friends" in a couple years you're borrowing another pit and had to move into a new back yard, lol!

 

[joesuits4]

I have an Oklahoma Joe 16" offset pit that i have used for 16years.  I was wanting to know if a larger pit would hold temps better than a smaller one and what sizes would be the best choice of a new cooker.

 

[daveomak]

I have an Oklahoma Joe 16" offset pit that i have used for 16years.  I was wanting to know if a larger pit would hold temps better than a smaller one and what sizes would be the best choice of a new cooker.

Joe, morning.....  Thermal mass holds temps better.....  Insulation holds temps better.....  What ever size suits your needs for the amount of food you will be cooking... 

I think the final criteria on a smoker is "how much do you want to spend"....  

I would go with, for my personal needs, a 36x18 cooking grate in a reverse flow made of 1/4" or thicker material....   

Dave