Is GOSM from Bass Pro double hulled?

[ecodork]

I'm new around here but no stranger to smoking and grilling. I grew up helping my parents cook on an old Brinkmann electric bullet (everything from chicken to cow tongue

) and have been using one myself for the past 10 years. But I've had some issues with electric and want to upgrade to a more powerful and adjustable cabinet-style propane smoker.

I've narrowed my search down to the GOSM "big block"? from Bass Pro and the King Kooker 38".

I get that there are numerous versions of the GOSM out there. But I can't tell if the Bass Pro version is "the good one" compared to the Wally-World versions. No offense to owners of either model but it seems based on my SMF research that the BPS is better built. But does it have double-walls?

It seems that the GOSM is a great value and solid smoker. I like that it's wide and lots of folks run it with success. But my dad recently got the King Kooker and he loves it. I like the side access to water/wood, spacious interior, lots of racks and hangers, and heavy duty build. But he's in FL and I'm in NC, so I've never seen it.

I'm not sure if it's worth spending the extra $120 for the KK over the GOSM...

 

[pineywoods]

I'm not aware of any GOSM that is double walled not saying there aren't any but I've yet to see or hear of one

 

[nwdave]

I sure haven't seen any out here in the Pacific Northwest, but, like Pineywoods, that comes with the caveat, that just cuz I ain't seen one doesn't mean it doesn't exist. What would the advantage be in a double wall? If it's for better temperature control during winter, use a thermal rated wrapping to help keep away the chilly winds. Strength? I've had my GOSM for about approximately 7 years now and I do perform routine maintenance, nothing serious and I'm quite satisfied with it's performance. BTW, it's one step up from a Wally World, but the only difference is this one is wider than the one they sell. Now you've got me wondering about the King Kooker 38".

 

[psychobrew]

That King Kooker weighs 120 pounds

That's much heavier than the 24 inch wide GOSM (and Smoke Vault, which is supposedly slighter better built than the GOSM but I can't verify that).

It's unfortunate that they don't make a 24 inch wide version of that King Kooker. The 38 inch version is only 17 inches wide (with shelf dimensions of 14.5x14), which will exclude large packer cut briskets from your menu unless you cut it up before cooking (which could result in a dryer product). Still, that smoker is about twice as heavy as other similarly sized smokers, which probably means it's built with a heavier gauge steel which is always good for cooking.

 

[flash]

None of the Propane GOSM's can compare with the Charcoal versions for durability. Takes a bit of muscle to move this baby around.

 

[ecodork]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Yeah, that 120 pound weight is good and bad me thinks...I think it's around 95# "out of the box". A beater to move around but I too think it signifies a heavy duty design. My dad says it uses a thicker gauge than any smoker he had seen. He says it's solid and really well built.

And I was thinking the double-hull would help with heat retention, but after reading about insulation here, I figure it wouldn't be too tough or $$$ to rig something up. Plus I'm in Durham, NC and it's not usually very cold or windy (current conditions aside).

I'm a 2 hour drive from the nearest BSP, so I'm debating whether to wait until I can bang on the GOSM for myself, just pulling the trigger on the GOSM, or let my dad talk me into the KK 38". I don't generally do enormous briskets and don't care if I cut a rib rack in half but I still like the 24" width of the GOSM.

 

[uberhack]

I've had the GOSM from Bass Pro for about 5 months now. No double-wall on mine, unfortunately. Probably would help in the winter here in CO.
I'm very happy with the purchase none the less.

 

[gregzee]

I think the only double wall GOSM that they made was a stainless steel version that Sams carried about 5 years ago. Ive not seen them anywhere else for sale around here.

 

[chef jeff tx]

I think Greg is correct. I have the older S/S model and it is a double wall but my painted version is single.

 

[slareau]

The BB GOSM from BPS is not double walled. At the same time, you'd never need that insulation in NC to keep your temperatures in the right range. It would, however, provide for shorter recovery times and use less gas. An insulated BB GOSM might be tough to keep around 225 in the summer though. I've considered making an insulated cover out of fire blankets but haven't found the compelling need yet.

I can't speak to the KK but my BB GOSM has been a great investment and a great value. I cooked a butt yesteday for 15 hours on mine and couldn't have been happier.

Good luck

 

[ecodork]

Thanks again all!

I ended up getting a KK 38" and was planning on doing a mini-review post after I cooked in it. So far so good though. Shipped quickly, put together relatively easily. Heavy duty enough to impress the UPS guys with it's shipping weight of 120#

.

During burn-off run (last night) and seasoning run (tonight), I'm maintaining 315-ish*F at full blast with dampers closed and ambient temp in the 20's - 30's and the porch fan on to circulate the fumes/smoke.

With highs in the low 30's expected around here all weekend (that's pretty cold for us) I figured it'd be a great weekend to test "the beast" out! But now the q is what to cook! Probably ribs, chicken, and maybe a fattie!