Need opinions on new smoker

[fire it up]

Hey guys. I was out today at Walmart and (as always) was browsing the smoke/grill section and started thinking about getting a new smoker. My little red bullet just isn't doing it for me anymore and it is time to step up. I was considering the Brinkman Smoke 'n pit. I almost got it but they only had the floor model in and it was scratched up an only 10% off so I decided to wait till the next truck comes in. So this is the smoker...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ndingMethod=rr

It doesn't say smoke n pit on the site because that is the newest updated version of the smoke 'n pit. OPnly thing differnt at all is an inch taller, a bit lighter, same space inside.
Good investment? Would love to hear from anyone who has one or has used one.
Thanks guys.

 

[azrocker]

I bought a nice big heavy offset on craigs for 50 dollars less. I don't regret it at all. I worried about how thin the wally worlds were. I like a nice big thick wall.

 

[coyote-1]

I saw the current offerings at HomeDepot and Walmart. Right now, believe it or not, the best quality available in a cheap offset belongs to the CharGriller. The overall metal thickness is slightly better on the CharGriller - and the firebox is far thicker.

My local Lowes still has a few from last year... if you are looking to purchase new, definitely go look for that before you make a final choice.

 

[gooose53]

Here's my .02 - for only a few dollars more you could get a WSM. On edit - how about a drum or two???

 

[txbbqman]

The one at Wal-Mart is a decent smoker, but like others have said the thickness of the metal leaves a lot to be desired.

If it were me I would shop around a little and try to find on with thicker metal, especially since you live in New Jersey. The thicker metal will save you a ton of major headaches once the weather gets cold.

Just my .02 cents

 

[jdt]

save your pennies and go for a heavy guage pit, one that will last the rest of your life is just down the road waiting for you

http://www.lipsmakinsmokers.com/products.asp?cat=15

looks to be a pretty good bbq supply store, at least take a trip and go look at these, horizon are very nice quality pits, its the brother of the guy that had Oklahoma Joes before they sold out and went to sheetmetal stuff.

 

[txbbqman]

I have an old school OK Joe pit and if this really is the guys brother and he is making them like the old OK Joes Then I agree. Save for and buy one of these, you will definitely be pleased and it is money well spent.

I have had mine for 11 years and she is still smokin like the day I brought her home

 

[seenred]

I would agree with everyone else's advice to save for a better rig. I did what your considering, about a year ago I bought a New Braunfels offset at Academy that is similar in quality to the SnP. I have wished, almost since I got it home, that I had waited and saved for a better-quality rig. The thin metal of my smoker makes for very long days when the wind blows or when its cold. It's a real pain in the backside to control and keep consistent temps.

 

[suprfast]

I just upgrade from the electric brinkman to the SnP. I have yet to assemble it, let alone do any mods. Im in CA, central valley, so the temps dont fluctuate like they do back east(and i know, i used to live in Cleveland). I cannot yet give any feedback on it as its still in the box in my garage.

I would give it a shot. Worst case you dont like it and return it to walmart. Then someone else can pick it up at a discounted price. you help yourself and someone else at the same time.
kris

 

[rickw]

It is true, I just ordered a 20" classic from Horizon. The owners name is Roger Davidson and is the brother of Joe Davidson the originator of the Oklahoma Joe.

 

[jdt]

Rick you should have drove over to des moines, they are in stock at hawgeyes you could allready be cooking.

 

[rickw]

If Des Moines wasn't 5 hours or better away I might have considered it. A bit to far for me just to look at some pits, I hate driving. Sad thing is I'm a teamster and do it for a living.

Horizion was really good to deal with and gave me a nice discount.

 

[jdt]

I meant to pick up the horizon instead of ordering, glad to hear they made you the deal you were looking for, you won't be sorry, they are very nice pits.

 

[rickw]

When I called Horizon they didn't have a retailer here in IL. So what they did was, they gave me a 15% discount on the smoker and a bit more on the upgrades.

Now it seems Basspro is going to be carrying them and we have a Basspro about a half an hour from me.