Guys:

I'm determined to buy a smoker this weekend. I burned up my electric smoker a couple of weeks ago when I was trying to do two 18 pound briskets at the same time. I've been determined to get a good, offset stick burner for a couple of months now....even before destroying the electric smoker. (by the way...briskets came out perfect but I started a grease fire when I was taking them out).

I don't mind travelling a couple of hundred miles, one-way to pick it up if I need to. However, I do not want to order one somewhere and wait ten weeks. I don't mind paying a relatively large price as I'm going to keep it for the rest of my life....I'm looking for quality. Most of what I see on Craigslist is 3/16...I'd really like 1/4" with great seals and plenty of air-flow manipulation. I don't need anything huge or on a trailer. I just want to be able to do a couple of 18 pound briskets or a few racks of ribs at once....and not be trotting out to check temps every 30 minutes. I'd really like to have a solid unit that will keep a constant temp without constant baby-sitting.

I've been reading the threads here for a few months and had decided that the Lyfetyme would probably be best for me. I know they have the size model I need in stock at David's Stoves in Weatherford. However....it would appear to me that the Lyfetyme smokers are not reverse flow nor are they made where they can be tuned at all. So, two questions...and I appreciate that all opinions are valid:

1. Has anyone ever seen a Lyfetyme that is reverse flow or could be tuned?

2. How important is reverse flow or the ability to tune if I'm only cooking a couple of briskets?

3. Are there any other manufacturers of high-quality smokers that can be purchased in stock?

4. Even better.....does someone have one used that would come close to what I seem to be looking for?

Thanks.

quote:

---

1. Has anyone ever seen a Lyfetyme that is reverse flow or could be tuned?

2. How important is reverse flow or the ability to tune if I'm only cooking a couple of briskets?

3. Are there any other manufacturers of high-quality smokers that can be purchased in stock?

4. Even better.....does someone have one used that would come close to what I seem to be looking for?

---

1. No, and I don't see any on their website. I've no earthly idea what you mean by "tuned".

2. Not important at all. Again the "tune" thing...WTH?

3. Can't answer since I haven't looked. Google.

4. I've got one, probably 20 or so years old. Works great. It's all rusty, the fire grate probably won't make the summer and the wood handles fell off years ago. It's extremely well used. But you can't have it.

I have thought about adding a second smokestack to the right hand side of my old Lifetyme, and then try it for a while just to see if different meats respond better or worse to it. The hardest part of it would be getting it out of my back yard and to the barn for welding. I probably will never do it because:

1. Something like this is so far down on the priority list its not funny.
2. I get pretty darn good smoke just like it is.
3. I am still learning and thoroughly enjoying my Big Green Egg, which competes for any spare time.

I don't get it. If this is something you plan on keeping the rest of your life and don't mind spending money on a quality one, why not look at getting one built by a reputable builder? It's like buying a builder's inventory home because building your dream retirement home would take a year.

I ordered mine straight from Uvalde and picked it up. If you find a dealer that has the one you want, just get it from them. As I recall, the prices were the same.

I drove out the ace hardware in Bandera several years ago to buy mine. They were significantly cheaper than anywhere in San Antonio area. It does a great job for me

I've got the double lid with firebox model in 20x40 that I'm ready to sell. I've had it about 6yrs and only cook on it about twice a year. I keep it on a porch under an overhang so it's in good shape. Located in West Houston. Send me an email at username at yahoo dot com if interested.

IF you can muster up the strength to wait a couple of months then I would suggest a Vault or even Hitman from Pitmaker. You said you don't mind paying for quality.

Got my Lyfetime at Magnum Trailers in Austin 15 years ago. Have only had to replace one wooden handle, firebox grate, and a couple of grills.

Thanks guys.....stayed off Texags once TCU went up by six. Drove to weatherford this morning and bought a new Lyfetyme....larger, single door model....going to start seasoning it once the rain stops. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Sent you an email.