Kenmore vs GOSM?

[undertow]

Howdy all,

I purchased a Kenmore (GOSM knock-off -- all appears equal except burner size -- 14,500 BTU cast brass on the Kenmore, 16k BTU cast brass behemoth on the GOSM).

$150 is the price point for both, I have local access to either. My questions are these:

1) GOSM's parent company is defunct, and I've read horror stories of having to get replacement parts -- is this a genuine concern?
2) The Kenmore has a non-adjustable chimney -- is this a huge detriment? I'm handy, and can certainly add vents if needed.
3) The MUCH larger GOSM burner has me spooked, after hearing how much difficulty people have maintining a low temp on these verticals.

Internally, these units are identical -- except for the size of the cast brass burner. I am tempted to keep the Kenmore (since it's already at home), however I am open to suggestions given the track record of the GOSM. The Kenmore has a tight-sealing magnetic door, and would seem to be to be the easier machine to replace parts if the need arises -- does anyone have feedback for me on this? If you've recently had to replace a GOSM part, and it was easy, that may sway my vote...

 

[aucivil]

If it gets cold where you'll be smoking the larger burner may be a blessing. Landmann USA is making the new GOSM's don't know how stable that will be but, from what I read, they also brought back some of the quality that was missing in recent years. As for parts, I had the same concerns and opted for the Smoke Vault (not on your list). But looking back what parts, it's a box and a burner. You can get a generic burner if necessary and mod to fit.

Good Luck

 

[richoso1]

If indeed it is a knockoff of the GOSM, go with your gut feel. Even with a GOSM, there are usually some mods you'll want use. Good luck my friend.

 

[beer-b-q]

I would go with the GOSM and get the Big Block, I believe it is about $50.00 Higher Priced, because of the width on the box, 24" vs 16".

All members on SMF that have them seem to be very Satisfied with them.

Just My Opinion as I don't own either one...

 

[tntxajun]

Have had a Kenmore for 2 + years or so. It has done quite well IMO for its
price point. Have used it all seasons. When below 40F, I throw a heavy furniture pad over it and it does fine. Wind is my only nemesis. The magnetic door works ok but it still leaks, but not excessively.

Picked up a couple of Perfect Flame, 36" at Lowes on Clearance for $119 buthave not tried them out as yet. Will post a comparison when I make a test run on 'em.

The only simple mods on the Kenmore I have done is to line the base with
lava rocks and use a metal loaf pan for the wood chunks. The lava rocks
really helped with heat retention and may try fire bricks instead this coming winter.

With the continuous high humidity here in mid-Tn. I monthly wipe my burner with oil to inhibit pre-mature rusting.

All in all, been pleased and more than satisfied with my Kenmore for its efficiency for me.

Jack~

 

[chisoxjim]

i didnt know Kenmore made smokers...

I bought a small GOSM a about a month and a half ago, and really like it(ive done probably 15 -20 smokes on it). Easy to use, easy to hold temperature, and turns out some great bbq. I bought this unit just for the fall and winter when I wont be out on my deck, but on the couch watching sports & still wanting to eat bbq.

good luck with your decision, I dont think there is a bad choice between the two.

 

[seandje]

I had a Kenmore smoker and loved it. The regulator started leaking and a replacement part wasn't made for it, so I returned it. It was still less than 90 days old.

From what I was told at Sears, the Kenmore smokers are made by Brinkmann. They have the replacement parts listed on the Brinkmann site here.

I didn't have a problem with the smaller burner or the chimney, but I was using it when it was warmer.

 

[mballi3011]

I have the Gosm 16" model and I love it even if it too small. I would love the big block or better yet the smoke vault 24". As far as how it's built I have tried to ware it out really hard the past 6-8 monthes and to no avail it just keeps on going and going. If I were you I would go with the Gosm and I think you will be the happest just get the big block 24" wide.

 

[george]

I also had the same problem, a Kenmore or a GOMS. I bought the Kenmore and am very happy with it. The reason I got the Kenmore was because I have a Kenmore gas grill and love it. You can always get replacement parts if needed. I live in MI and use my smoker year round with no problem.

 

[undertow]

Hi again,

Thanks for all the great replies, AUCivil really got me thinking (since we'll want to smoke even during winter here in WI), and after purchasing and then returning THREE -- count 'em THREE different smokers, I finally settled on the "No. 6" From Smoke Hollow. $170 at Gander Mountain on sale, and had everything I could ask for (including 21" width). No GOSM Big Blocks anywhere around here, so it was the best fit for all my needs.

All the 16" boxes (Kenmore, GOSM, and a 2-door Brinkmann they sell at Home Depot, seems like a very new model) had a rinky-dink little wood box. The Brinkmann seemed exceptionally well-built, but only a 12k BTU burner and it's TINY.

The only other contender was a GrillPro, which was roomy, and had a cast-iron smoke box and a nifty little removable drip tray that covers the bottom... but a steel burner and only 16" wide. FWIW, the manual for both the "GrillPro" brand and the branded GOSM at Menards listed the same manufacturer on the instruction booklet -- escapes me at the moment, but it was Canadian.

Sorry to ramble, but hopefully this thread can help the other fence-sitters of the world like myself. Thanks again everybody!