My old offset smoker finally gave out last weekend during a cook for 20 people. What's a good replacement under $800?

3 comments

3 Comments

Oh man, that's rough timing! My buddy's offset died right before a big family reunion last summer. He ended up getting a Char-Griller and has been really happy with it.

jackson.wesley7h ago

Kinda reminds me of this one time my neighbor tried to smoke a brisket for a block party and his old electric smoker just quit mid-cook. He was so stressed he almost called for pizza. Ended up finishing it in a slow cooker with some broth and BBQ sauce, and people actually liked it better than his usual stuff. Funny how plan B sometimes works out better than plan A, even if it feels like a fail at first.

janahenderson2mo ago

Yeah, that's the worst kind of timing. I always keep a backup plan for big cooks now, like a trusty old kettle grill or even just the oven on low. Last time my main smoker had a flare-up, I finished the ribs wrapped in foil in the oven and nobody knew the difference. The key is just keeping the heat steady and the meat moist, however you have to do it.