In search of new Pit

tex_toby · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject: In search of new Pit

Well, it has finally come time to search for a new backyard pit at my household. I've had my Chargriller Smokin' Pro for about 6.5 years and her better days are past her. The pit itself if not really in too bad of shape, but the whole framework and shelves are shot. I have turned many a good meal off of that thing and it is going to be truly difficult to retire her, but I am ready for something a little more solid.

I am looking to spend somewhere between $400 - $500 on a new rig. I do a lot more grilling than I do smoking, but I want something that will do both. I am really leaning towards another offset, but just want one that is a little more solid. I've looked at this one at Academy for a while now, but I just don't know how much more solid it really is. http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/grills/smokers&start=8&selectedSKU=0263-02219-3369

Do any of you have any input on this particular rig, or have suggestions for another in my price range? Thanks in advance!

tex Cool

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20" x 40" Party Gator Pit
Char-Griller Smokin' Pro w/SFB, Side-burner & Rotisserie
Char-Griller Wrangler - My camping grill

jlaudio29 · Newbie Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 68

Post some pics of how bad of shape your current rig is in.

The cooker you linked dosnt look bad.

Me personally id buy a welder and build a new one or repair the old one. its cheap to make a frame. !!

Teleking · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject:

Interesting!!!! New Braunfels was bought out by Charbroil a few years back and the name pretty much disappeared. Did they resurrect the name and the products?????

Franken Smoker started with a New Braunfels vertical water smoker.

JL, however it ain't cheap to buy a good welder Wink

especially if this is the only project you would need it for.
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jlaudio29 · Newbie Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 68

Welders in general can be expensive, you can get a classic style lincoln red box stick welder for like $300, but i think stick is harder to learn then mig.

If its his only project.. mabe he will think of more to do when he gets done with it Smile

welding is awsome!

I want to see some pics of the old one, might be worth donating it to someone on the ring to bring it back to life!

You may even be able to see if kam is willing to build a new stand for it. he is in texas as well Smile

Id do it if i was closer.

Teleking · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject:

jlaudio29 · Newbie Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 68

Actually GMAW is the technical way of saying MIG welding, and it only referes to MIG.

Stick welding is SMAW

Tig is GTAW

Most people that weld dont even know what any of them mean and have never heard them refered to as that.

Oxyace welding is what im assuming your refering to when you say torch welding. and Wow i havnt done that in years but i would slit my wrist before i decided to weld a smoker doing that Smile

it is def a slow process Smile

Sorry to the OP for stealing the thread! Smile

k.a.m. · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject:

tex_toby, that is a nice smoker. And if you owned your smokin' pro for 6.5 years, then I believe you will have no problem getting that out of the Academy one. Building a frame for your old one is an option and I would surely be glad to do it. But the mileage between us and material cost would probably put you in a new smokin' pro Wink

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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

tex_toby · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject:

The last time I touched a welder, I think it was 7th or 8th grade shop class. Laughing

I am pretty dangerous with a butter knife. Actually, I have access to all the equipment needed - I just don't have the know-how. My father is second generation body shop owner. Somehow I missed the gene which allows you to work with your hands. I think as much as I cook, I could really use a heavier duty workhorse. I will probably find some way to make use of my old CG main chamber.

kam - that was quite a fine offer to help me out, but you are correct...I could buy a new one for less. At any rate, I do appreciate the thought, sir! Smile

tex

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20" x 40" Party Gator Pit
Char-Griller Smokin' Pro w/SFB, Side-burner & Rotisserie
Char-Griller Wrangler - My camping grill

Teleking · Posted: Sep 29 2009 Post subject:

hyperslug · Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 5

This looks like what I saw last week at Academy but I think it went by the name of Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn. It may just be a rebadge as I believe both OK Joe's and New Braunfels are made by Char-Broil now.

If it is the same it seemed real solid and usuable. Has the baffle and I like the flat plate on the fire box to use as a warmer.

If you have a Barbeque Galore in your area you might check to see if they still carry the Bar B Chef as it was a solid unit at a cheaper price.

IMHO I have yet to find a great smoker that makes a great grill and vice versa. But you can certainly make it work and many people do.
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MES

DntBrnDPig · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 261

What about the Char-Griller Trio?