Looking for an offset, under $500. I don't need anything fancy. I have been looking at Academy and noticed the Oklahoma Joes, and the Old Countrys.

The Old Country pits look better (heavier), and I noticed they are selling them at the Bucees in Bastrop as well. Just recently I noticed a 'Laredo' model they had at Bucees, but can't find anything about it.

As for the models at Academy, I was looking at the Old Country Pecos, and the Oklahoma Joe Hondo.

Like I said, I don't need anything fancy, just looking for something to replace my old CharGriller propane/smoker combo, which the propane side I have removed after it rusted out.

One thing that would be nice, is if you are able to put charcoal in the main chamber to grill if needed.

Other than that, I have noticed that the smoke exhaust pipe is really short (especially on the Old Countrys), would be nice if i were longer.

Any other suggestions? I have been searching FB marketplace and elsewhere for possible used pits, but haven't found anything yet. Located in College Station.

Thanks!

I had an old county pecos for years. It's great for that price range!

I have the old country wrangler. It has a smaller cooking area, but is heavier steel than the pecos. I personally, don't think you can beat the wrangler for $499 if your wanting an offset. It also has an expanded metal grill in the fire box that I use to grill steaks. It's a little too far away from the fire, but you can make it work.

I have a nice, but older, heavy duty homemade offset I just dont use much anymore. It's located in east TX near Rusk. I can get some pics next week if interested.

I'm not advocating for the cheapo Home Depot offset smoker, but this recent video is pretty interesting and relevant for this thread, IMO.

Cliff's notes: It is possible to still make good BBQ on a cheap smoker. The biggest problems will be longevity/durability of the smoker and difficulty maintaining consistent heat throughout your cook.



Also, Not an offset - but I love my Weber Smokey Mountain. Very easy to use and cooks very efficiently.



And finally - I used to have a small New Braunfels smoker like the one in the picture below (not my picture). It worked pretty decent. It was fairly thick steel. I have no clue what their price is new. Probably around $500 for something similar. I bought it used at the time.

Thanks for the replies so far.

agwarrior: Thanks for the info. I looked at the wrangler some, just not sure on it as it is similar to what I have now (as far as shorter width, but 2nd rack).

tsuag10: That is what I was doing. Looking to upgrade a bit as the current one is on its last legs.

So nobody has had a look at the Old Country "Laredo" model? I can't find anything about it online. It's interesting as it looks to be narrower (diameter), but longer.

No go on Oklahoma Joe's

Lol. That video is what immediately came to my mind reading the OP.

Just an idea.... If you have some patience, you can often find a used tank of a smoker for that price range. The outside might be rusted and pitted, but it will likely cook better.

Check Craigslist. Maybe post to a TX bbq forum that you are in the market.

Definitely agree with this. Facebook Marketplace too. A lot of times a guy will have something he just wants to get rid of quick (or his wife told him to get rid of it) and you can get some deals if you are patient and act quick when something new is posted.

After Christmas might be a good time to keep an eye out if you aren't in any hurry. A lot of guys might be getting upgrades for Christmas gifts.

Got my 18" WSM for $120 because a guy's wife bought him a BGE. I think he cooked on the WSM half a dozen times since buying it new.

I bought an Oklahoma Joe for about $500 at Academy back in 2001. 18 years and about 200 briskets, pork butts, countless racks of ribs, countless whole chickens, turkeys, tri tips and pork loins later the firebox finally rusted out.

I was pitless for about a year and recently massively upgraded.

I understand that the Oklahoma Joe that made the pit I had went out of business and a different company is making the pits under that name, but the one I had was damn sure worth the money.

I bought a $1500 Tejas off CL for $750 in like new condition. Deals can be had if you are patient. Here are two things to consider:

1. Anything thinner than 1/4 inch steel is going to take more work as you smoke meat, to maintain a constant temp.
2. Size matters when you have a decent number of people to feed.

My first pit was a New Brainsfels like that one shown above. It was a great pit for what I had it in. Good luck with your search.

Find an Uvalde smoker, costs more but will last forever!!

C ROC N said:

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Find an Uvalde smoker, costs more but will last forever!!

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I have this nice heavy-duty shop-built smoker at my camp that I just don't use much anymore. I just don't have much leisure time when at the camp so most of our smoking occurs at the house these days. I would be willing to sell at a fair price if you are interested. Older but still works like a charm. Located in east Tx near Rusk.