I posted last week that I'm back in the market for a backyard offset smoker. I've determined that I want traditional draw (not reverse flow), enough space to be able to handle four smallish briskets, at least 1/4" thickness on the firebox and roundabouts or slightly less on the chamber.

I went and visited with the pit man last week and had a really good consultation about having him build me something to my specs. I'm confident that he would build me something that I'd be proud of and would do exactly what I need it to.

However, with what I'm looking for (pretty basic backyard smoker design) I'm wondering if I really need to pony up and pay the premium for a new custom job. I think his price is very fair but is admittedly a bit outside of the $1k-$2k budget I'd originally had in mind. I've been scouring FB marketplace and have found a couple options that appear to be what I'm looking for:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/269803612258115/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1284348939186454/

Interested to know you guys' thoughts on those two options, whether I should chance it with something used, or whether I should go ahead and "invest" a bid outside my budget in a more known commodity?

Out of those two, I'd go with the Big Phil smoker. I have built quite a few smokers and researched all of the big name pit builders. I'd say those are up there with Moberg and Mill Scale.

If choosing between the two certainly the Big Phil. The other one I personally would start to modify. Big Phil seems a little more than you planned on spending so referring back to original post, why not a Brand-new Lyfe Tyme smoker. Simple design but very heavy made and will last longer versus the chain store brands. Just my opinion.

It's not Big Phil. It's "made by the same fabricators" as Big Phil, but a more "economical" line called Blue Smoke (you'll see it does link to Big Phil on that website). I asked about this distinction and don't really understand how these two things could bring the price down to $1,700, but when I asked what makes them more "economical" he said they don't have insulated fire boxes and use pipe rather than new rolled metal.

What is it that you would modify on the other one?

First cooker says " Inspired by Aaron Franklin" I don't see his damper system nor a damper system. Could be I'm missing something.

Totally missed that part... haha.

I do think this was actually built before Franklin came out with his commercial line of smokers. Seller said it was based on something in a book by Franklin.

But still... that's an interesting omission. Would be an easy fix. But one more thing to have to work on for sure...

That blue smoke looks nice

Crow Valley said:

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First cooker says " Inspired by Aaron Franklin" I don't see his damper system nor a damper system. Could be I'm missing something.

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Without a damper system it's going to be hard to control the heat. I noticed the same shortcut.

Lyfe Tyme. I hit up the local HEB that had them on display for about a year. They knocked 25% off.

HEB has 20% off for fathers day. Go take a look at their Lyfe Tyme smokers. 1/4" steel and a good traditional offset design that is built to last.

Just go with Pit Man. His pit will last you forever and be built just like you want it. His work is worth the extra $$$$. Buy once, cry once.

TheOC16 said:

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It's not Big Phil. It's "made by the same fabricators" as Big Phil, but a more "economical" line called Blue Smoke (you'll see it does link to Big Phil on that website). I asked about this distinction and don't really understand how these two things could bring the price down to $1,700, but when I asked what makes them more "economical" he said they don't have insulated fire boxes and use pipe rather than new rolled metal.

What is it that you would modify on the other one?

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Name stealin' summbeeshes...