Who makes the best smoker pit in Texas?

[Canonopathy]

I'm in need of a new custom smoker BBQ pit but I'm not decided on who to go with. I've considered a Life Tyme pit since they are available immediately at HEB but I've also salivated over a Gator Pit.

Gator Pit, Life Tyme, Klose, Tejas, Texas Pit Crafters, ...?

[KJ Smith]

This is the only way to go.

Big Green Egg, World's Best Smoker and Grill

Every thing you need to know.

Naked Whiz Ceramic Charcoal Cooking, Kamado Style Cookers and Lump Charcoal)

There are other brand Kamado ovens.

Look for one with a lifetime warranty on the ceramic.

[jfoureyes]

I think any of them that have a fire box works fine for smoking meats

[Kalrog]

Get a Weber Smokey Mountain (unless you need to do more than 40lbs of brisket at any one time) and with the money you save - buy some meat and beer!

Sorry - it really isn't in the same category as what you are looking at above, but it works quite well and it has a large following because of its low price. I wouldn't trade mine, but I do wish the 22" was available when I got my 18" model.

[dwilliams35]

I think if I was to buy one (rather than build it myself), I'd spend a few months on barbecue forums and such learning about what works, how it works, why it works, what it doesn't do, etc. etc. etc. etc.: then draw up what you want and go to any starving welder and have him throw it together... There's a lot of options you can play with: firebox sizing, stack sizing, flow options, thermometer placements, etc.



Here's a place I dig around in every now and again: The Smoke Ring- All you need to know about barbecue

[Howard Barlow]

This is the forum you want to start with. I had an 30"x8' with upright Klose tandem axle pit. Sold it as it was too big to walk around in garage, and couldn't leave outside where I live. If I was going to replace it, I would likely go with a Gator. I know Ritche. He's a great guy and builds a great pit.

Now, I am cooking on a couple of WSMs. I would love a BGE. I will get one, sooner, or later.

[Who Me?]

If I was buying one today, I would go with the Gator Pits.

[Canonopathy]

Thats what I'm probably going to go with. Life Tyme vs. Gator Pit is a tough choice.

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

I would love a BGE. I will get one, sooner, or later.

I have never looked back.

It is even better than I thought it would be.

[revjvegas]

It's not a custom built, but I've a New Braunfels Smoker that's going on over 15 years old and is still solid given it has spent its entire life unprotected outside, and it smokes up some really good pork butt.

[TxTowman]

I build my own. yes its on a trailer. it's probably the 10th one I have built.

I would not buy one till I cooked on it myself.

[dwilliams35]

Been building them myself for some time, I've yet to find a commercially built one that meets my "specifications"...

[Coelus]

Depends on what, and how you're going to use it. Personally I haven't used a store bought pit in over 15 years. Then again, welding and fabricating is part of what I do for a living so YMMV.

[brewercm]

I need to find someone that builds them localy myself. I want a small one that's on a trailer that I can take out to our river property when we go out for the day.

Anybody know anyone near San Antonio that does this type of work?

[Who Me?]

Originally Posted by Canonopathy

Thats what I'm probably going to go with. Life Tyme vs. Gator Pit is a tough choice.

It will come down to how much money you want to spend and how customized you want it to be. I would love to have a Gator pit.