I've had the same pit for about 2 years. It's a very nice pit that holds temperature well, although it does leak more smoke than I'd like. The heavy 3/16 is perfect for backyard grilling and smoking. It's held up very well and I can see it lasting many more years. I would disregard the negative comments below, especially if he or she doesn't even own one. I thinking of doing a review of a Lamborghini even though I've never driven one or plan to buy one!?! It's definitely a bargain at $500.
Joseph Hernandez Yea, I think for the price you can't go wrong. You can always run a bead of RTV silicone around the lids, I had to do that with my older cheaper smoker and it sealed it nicely.
So you say 1/4 is thick but 3/16 isn't? I suggest you don't buy it then. And don't waste time worrying about people that have bought this and really like/love it. You're only spreading negative energy.
Went to Academy Sports at lunch one day a few years ago and this smoker was on clearance for $399 (i think they were moving in the 1/8 inch thick ones at the time). Only the display was left, I got the guy to give me another %20 off because it was missing the firebox grate and there was a couple of blemishes on it. Total $320. The kid that helped me load it was pissed, you could tell he was jealous of the price I got! lol. Great smoker. . I got one of the last ones at the time that was 1/4 inch thick.
so two years later my friend how would you say this pit is holding up, I'm looking at this one and the pecos i definitely will be haggling as their are some cosmetic deficiencies, I'm coming from a webber kettle 22' I've mastered juiciness and tender but the bark doesn't come out quite right and really want to produce would this style smoker be an upgrade performance wise from the webber? lots of questions i know :)
That black paint is worthless from what i've read. I'd rather order one bare and treat it myself with something quality. They rust up incredibly fast unless you store them dry
You should have sprayed the entire inside of the chamber with Pam or peanut oil to season it properly. Having the dampers closed on the firebox door after you added wood didn't help much. The rain cap on the stack should be wide open when cooking. Control the temps with the intake on the firebox.
Nice video and thanks. I like how the Old Country pit is constructed. The grates, baffle, and drain vent. But the best thing I like is the sturdiness of the pit. Something that is important for heat.
The more you use it the more it will seal. The gaps should be temporary but a good long cook with brisket should help alot. I use a good canola oil spray on the inside of my pit. I like those Old Country Pits.
Looks great Tom congratulations! It's exciting to get a new smoker. I am redoing a New Braunfel off set myself and can't wait to do my first cook. Yours looks awesome brother!
Tom I forgot to ask you this question - how do you clean the grill grate on this smoker? I am curious about that....considering buying this smoker - it looks awesome!
you know, I was thinking of building one, but from seeing this video, and looking at all tools I need to make one, I am seriously considering this baby. Do you have a cover for it? Can't leave it out in the elements.
I see this has been two years ago. How is the smoker holding out. Im thinking strongly on getting one this weekend. I see a lot of people saying folks need to spend the money on thicker, heavier pits, but honestly i don't smoke that often and $1500 and up is just not in my budget.
take care of this smoker it will easily last a lifetime,, some of the epople talking about the 1/4 inch steel , are anal in my opinion,, these do a great job even when you dont look at the money,,
Tom, Do you find any limitations with the size of the cooking area? This is a smaller smoker compared to others but given the top shelf perhaps not as much of an issue? I think I just about have my old smoker sold, which will allow me to finally upgrade and pull the trigger on one of these old country smokers. Still leaning on this model.
Kevin Hurt I really don't have any issues with the size Kevin, I just cook for me and my family. If I was using it for a large group, then I might have problems. It's perfect for a family backyard smoker.
Thanks for the review! I am currently looking to purchase my first smoker, and believe you have sold me on this one. Looking forward to learning from you. Thanks again.
Great video! Unfortunately you can't buy this nice, original Wrangler model anymore. Old Country now has the Wrangler 2 out and it is vastly cheaper in price and construction. It retails for $299. The wheels are smaller at only 8", the steel isn't as thick, maybe 1/8" at the most and I couldn't get the initial temperature hotter than 220 on my friend's that he just bought. The Wrangler 2 does not seal and retain heat well at all. Looks like Old Country is def trying to cut production costs down by making a cheaper product. It's a shame!
Looks like a solid pit, are these the same pits made and sold by bbquepits.com? If so, I wonder why there is such a price difference in purchasing from Academy vs direct. I am looking at the All American Smoker as I want a vertical chamber as well. I know you've only had this pit a short time but I am wondering about the quality. Any buyer's remorse or concerns here?
No buyers remorse here, I love this pit, just wish the weather would cooperate. Mine looks similar to one shown on that website, just minor cosmetic differences. Mine was made in Mexico so it might be possible that Academy has contracted them and they make them there because the labor is cheaper. BTW Aaron Franklin from Franklin's BBQ in Austin has one of these bad boys.
Their site also mentions fabbing these in Mexico as well so IDK why they are more expensive... seems to be identical to the ones Academy sells. If that be the case, I will likely buy from Academy instead of paying a high freight bill. Thanks for the quick reply!
Dude. Just saw this video today and while I enjoyed the overview, I was alarmed on several fronts. But mainly, could not be that "seasoning" you saw have been the manufacturer's preservative oils, which must come off before your first cook? Done by the heat/seasoning process and hosing down and cleaning out with water. I hope you and your family did not eat anything from that first heatup.
Here's the dimensions from Academy's website 920 sq. in. of cooking area offers plenty of space for cookingSteel body with expanded metal cooking grates for durabilityHeat-resistant, stainless-steel handles provide a safe, firm gripping surfaceHeavy-duty front shelf and storage shelf to keep your cooking necessities at handHot plate 7.5 X 12 inFire Box 17 X 13.75 inMain Grate 17.75 X 26 inUpper Grate 8.75 X 25.5 in11ga with 3/16" doorsLarge wagon wheels offer mobility
hey Tom, how about an update. give us a new video as im looking to get the same one. how is it now, is it better after a few runs? as in fully seals nicely with no smoke leaks? how long can you maintain a stable ..say 225 without tending to it?
I am not sure as to what to make of this. I thought, in a smoker you wanted a one that was pretty much air tight. Kind of like a wood stove in a house. When you started this up seemed like it smoked from every joint. @ 11:40 if you look closely at the fire box door. Every joint you can see fire inside the box. You mentioned it was 3/16 thick steel. Seem's to me that is kind of thin. Seem's like you would want something 1/4 or so. The heavy gauge should hold the heat longer, right ? I know it would cost more. But it should last a lot longer. I do not meant to put your smoker down or anything. Just trying to figure out when I get one which one do get. Just read through some of the comments. Sounds like that RTV silicone is some good stuff. Sounds like your still enjoying your smoker. Lot of good info here thanks for posting.
***** I am in no way a "professional" but in my opinion leakage is not that big of a deal. I agree, a door open or huge hole is not good, but considering you want TBS, the little smoke that comes from around doors isn't a huge factor once you get to understand your individual smoker. I have the cheaper version of this smoker(Pecos) and it leaks. Every smoker is different and just have to learn what is best.
Every weld is solid on these smokers. Offsets seal up where the doors close after a few runs. The gaps you reference on the side of the firebox by the damper is because he doesn’t have the door latched all the way.
At 8:18 you close the firebox without opening up your damper to let in oxygen. And you wonder why it was smoking so much. It was starved for oxygen.
I've had the same pit for about 2 years. It's a very nice pit that holds temperature well, although it does leak more smoke than I'd like. The heavy 3/16 is perfect for backyard grilling and smoking. It's held up very well and I can see it lasting many more years. I would disregard the negative comments below, especially if he or she doesn't even own one. I thinking of doing a review of a Lamborghini even though I've never driven one or plan to buy one!?! It's definitely a bargain at $500.
Joseph Hernandez Yea, I think for the price you can't go wrong. You can always run a bead of RTV silicone around the lids, I had to do that with my older cheaper smoker and it sealed it nicely.
So you say 1/4 is thick but 3/16 isn't? I suggest you don't buy it then. And don't waste time worrying about people that have bought this and really like/love it. You're only spreading negative energy.
Currently shopping for a pit, thank you very much. Great and thorough review.
Thanks, for the money, it's an awesome pit.
Look'n good Tom! Can't wait for the future cooks!
Thanks Greg, I can't wait either!
You can find these at academy all day long
I use a heat gun to start my fire works great
Several friends of mine do that as well.
Do you still have/use this smoker and if so, how's it holding up?
Nice heavy built offset smoker! Can't wait to see your first cook on it!
Thanks Rus, it is well made. I've got some pork ribs on right now.
Oh it ain't preseason that's all the protect the metal. Always season your grills any grill I don't care keep high in season them
Good looking smoker and good review Tom!
Thanks Larry
Might buy this model. thanks 🙏🏽
Si entiende español le mando este ala mejor se puede hacer algo igual
Tom, could you do a review of this pit x years later?
Congrats on the new BBQ pit looks like it is made of some heavy duty material. Can't wait to see what tasty goodness you pull out of it in the future.
Great video. I was looking at getting the Old Country Pecos smoker. It's just a bit longer but thinner metal walls.
Thanks! I looked at the Pecos and decided the thicker walls were better for me than the size of the pit.
Should pay the little more and got the Brazos
Hi Tom, You do a great job on your videos.
I've got my eye on one of these. What are the tuning plates you mention???
Thanks,
Went to Academy Sports at lunch one day a few years ago and this smoker was on clearance for $399 (i think they were moving in the 1/8 inch thick ones at the time). Only the display was left, I got the guy to give me another %20 off because it was missing the firebox grate and there was a couple of blemishes on it. Total $320. The kid that helped me load it was pissed, you could tell he was jealous of the price I got! lol. Great smoker. . I got one of the last ones at the time that was 1/4 inch thick.
Great video. torn between this and the Pecos. I like the size of the Pecos but the heavier gauge metal of the Wrangler.
Kevin Hurt I was the same way Kevin, that's why I ended up going with the Wrangler. The heavier gauge steel will help keep the temps constant.
so two years later my friend how would you say this pit is holding up, I'm looking at this one and the pecos i definitely will be haggling as their are some cosmetic deficiencies, I'm coming from a webber kettle 22' I've mastered juiciness and tender but the bark doesn't come out quite right and really want to produce would this style smoker be an upgrade performance wise from the webber? lots of questions i know :)
That black paint is worthless from what i've read. I'd rather order one bare and treat it myself with something quality. They rust up incredibly fast unless you store them dry
Did you ever need to add the tuning plates? Or is that heat plate good enough?
You should have sprayed the entire inside of the chamber with Pam or peanut oil to season it properly. Having the dampers closed on the firebox door after you added wood didn't help much. The rain cap on the stack should be wide open when cooking. Control the temps with the intake on the firebox.
why does everyone tell their dog to shut up on these videos?
It's a running joke with several of us on youtube, Dan from smokeygoodness has a noisy dog next door that he always yells to shut up.
Really nice smoker Tom, congrats Buddy.
Nice video and thanks. I like how the Old Country pit is constructed. The grates, baffle, and drain vent. But the best thing I like is the sturdiness of the pit. Something that is important for heat.
Preseasoned? lol more like shipping oil to prevent rust.. at least you did burn it out somewhat..
Amazingly u had a fre with the firebox closed off
You've had this a few years now, did the paint burn off like it does on most of these less expensive models and overall how do you rate it now?
Nice smoker. Looks well built.
Is that the wrangler
The more you use it the more it will seal. The gaps should be temporary but a good long cook with brisket should help alot. I use a good canola oil spray on the inside of my pit. I like those Old Country Pits.
Looks great Tom congratulations! It's exciting to get a new smoker. I am redoing a New Braunfel off set myself and can't wait to do my first cook. Yours looks awesome brother!
Cook'n on the brink Thanks, this is a heck of a smoker for $500.
The plate in the fire box allows for air to get underneath your fire and keep it from choking out.
Tom I forgot to ask you this question - how do you clean the grill grate on this smoker? I am curious about that....considering buying this smoker - it looks awesome!
I just get the heat going then use a standard grill brush on it.
ok thanks.....
I just bought a Ben Lang 60 deluxe with all kinds of extras including a 10 x 20 tent for $500. I'd say I beat you. lol
Wow, you bought a Lang smoker for $500? That is awesome, congrats!
you know, I was thinking of building one, but from seeing this video, and looking at all tools I need to make one, I am seriously considering this baby. Do you have a cover for it? Can't leave it out in the elements.
For the price you can't go wrong with this smoker. I do have a cover for it, it's a generic 65" grill cover.
I see this has been two years ago. How is the smoker holding out. Im thinking strongly on getting one this weekend. I see a lot of people saying folks need to spend the money on thicker, heavier pits, but honestly i don't smoke that often and $1500 and up is just not in my budget.
take care of this smoker it will easily last a lifetime,, some of the epople talking about the 1/4 inch steel , are anal in my opinion,, these do a great job even when you dont look at the money,,
Tom, Do you find any limitations with the size of the cooking area? This is a smaller smoker compared to others but given the top shelf perhaps not as much of an issue? I think I just about have my old smoker sold, which will allow me to finally upgrade and pull the trigger on one of these old country smokers. Still leaning on this model.
Kevin Hurt I really don't have any issues with the size Kevin, I just cook for me and my family. If I was using it for a large group, then I might have problems. It's perfect for a family backyard smoker.
***** Do you much about the Brazos ? I had to bring back for a another because of heating issues . I couldn't get the temp pass 200 degrees on it.
Nice! I can't wait to see you use this in videos. Congrats on the new pit.
they don't make these anymore.
Thanks for the review! I am currently looking to purchase my first smoker, and believe you have sold me on this one. Looking forward to learning from you. Thanks again.
It's a good first smoker for sure, it seems to be built good and should last a long time. You can't beat the price either.
leakin like the titanic looks nicer than the oklahoma joe by char broil
The chimney leaks pretty good...
Looks solid! Great addition to the line-up Tom.
Thanks, I've been wanting to move up to a nice pit and this one just fit the bill.
Swear this guy sounds like Randy Quaid,then he yells at the dog ,,,Its him
Haven't heard that one, normally I get compared to Hank Hill. The yelling at the dog is an inside joke with some of my youtube buddies.
Great video! Unfortunately you can't buy this nice, original Wrangler model anymore. Old Country now has the Wrangler 2 out and it is vastly cheaper in price and construction. It retails for $299. The wheels are smaller at only 8", the steel isn't as thick, maybe 1/8" at the most and I couldn't get the initial temperature hotter than 220 on my friend's that he just bought. The Wrangler 2 does not seal and retain heat well at all. Looks like Old Country is def trying to cut production costs down by making a cheaper product. It's a shame!
That is too bad, the original was a fantastic pit for the price.
I know! I wish I could find one
They are in stock now. I bought one this weekend.
Thanks for the video. I was going to buy just a gas grill. After seeing your video. Now I'm convince to buy a smoker.
Leonard Hermankevich I have both, I just like the convenience of the gas grill but I love the flavor of the smoker.
Sweet.
Looks like a solid pit, are these the same pits made and sold by bbquepits.com? If so, I wonder why there is such a price difference in purchasing from Academy vs direct. I am looking at the All American Smoker as I want a vertical chamber as well. I know you've only had this pit a short time but I am wondering about the quality. Any buyer's remorse or concerns here?
No buyers remorse here, I love this pit, just wish the weather would cooperate. Mine looks similar to one shown on that website, just minor cosmetic differences. Mine was made in Mexico so it might be possible that Academy has contracted them and they make them there because the labor is cheaper. BTW Aaron Franklin from Franklin's BBQ in Austin has one of these bad boys.
Their site also mentions fabbing these in Mexico as well so IDK why they are more expensive... seems to be identical to the ones Academy sells. If that be the case, I will likely buy from Academy instead of paying a high freight bill. Thanks for the quick reply!
Academy probably contracts so many that they can offer them at a discount. A friend of mine in North Carolina bought one and loves it too.
Great video Tom.. Do you have the website for the place you purchased your smoker..?? Thanks
+Hugo S. I got it at Academy Sports, in the store
+Tom's Test Kitchen thanks
Nice BBQ pit.
Great Looking smoker Tom! Someone stole my Offset Smoker out of my driveway!
That's why you need to keep it in the backyard :-)
Where did you buy this? I can't find them anywhere.
Academy Sports, it was only $499
Love this pit, they don't make this model anymore. Tom here is your cue to sell me yours
It really is a great pit at that price, too bad they don't sell it anymore. I actually sold it recently to a food truck owner here in Austin.
Why’d you sell it if you like it? Got a bigger smoker?
Dude. Just saw this video today and while I enjoyed the overview, I was alarmed on several fronts. But mainly, could not be that "seasoning" you saw have been the manufacturer's preservative oils, which must come off before your first cook? Done by the heat/seasoning process and hosing down and cleaning out with water. I hope you and your family did not eat anything from that first heatup.
have this one works great love it
That cooker looks nice.
Academy is selling this model again, looked at two of them tonight, 4/4/18, for $499.
Same gauge steel? If so grab it, really good smoker for the price.
Don't know what they were originally, but if I remember right, they're 11 gauge with a 3/16" door.
Was wondering why you sold your Wrangler ? I'm very interested in purchasing this smoker, I saw one in Academy last week and was very impressed.
Permission to be jealous?
Not preseasoned
nice
woof woof..grrrrrr
nice pit!
what's the size of the smoke chamber?
Here's the dimensions from Academy's website
920 sq. in. of cooking area offers plenty of space for cookingSteel body with expanded metal cooking grates for durabilityHeat-resistant, stainless-steel handles provide a safe, firm gripping surfaceHeavy-duty front shelf and storage shelf to keep your cooking necessities at handHot plate 7.5 X 12 inFire Box 17 X 13.75 inMain Grate 17.75 X 26 inUpper Grate 8.75 X 25.5 in11ga with 3/16" doorsLarge wagon wheels offer mobility
Nice review!
Thanks, for the price you can't beat it.
Sweet rig, Tom!
It is Jeff, thanks!
Nice...real nice!
Can't beat it for the price, it's a good smoker.
hey Tom, how about an update. give us a new video as im looking to get the same one. how is it now, is it better after a few runs? as in fully seals nicely with no smoke leaks? how long can you maintain a stable ..say 225 without tending to it?
Did it come assembled?
Yes it did, everything is welded securely. It's a very sturdy pit, and heavy.
That's great. I had a New Braunfels Hondo for about 9 years that I couldn't move to Georgia. Looking to upgrade and this seems to be the front runner.
***** where did it come assembled at? I have been eyeing this one but I stink at assembly lol
Tyrell Bell Academy Sports, it's all a solid weld, nothing to assemble. You will need a pickup truck to take it home, it's really heavy.
This looks almost exactly like the grill/smoker that my dad has. He uses his all year long. We just had a turkey smoked on his. Really great. :)
I am not sure as to what to make of this. I thought,
in a smoker you wanted a one that was pretty much air tight. Kind of like a wood stove in a house. When you started this up seemed like it smoked from every joint. @ 11:40 if you look closely at the fire box door. Every joint you can see fire inside the box. You mentioned it was 3/16 thick steel. Seem's to me that is kind of thin. Seem's like you would want something 1/4 or so. The heavy gauge should hold the heat longer, right ? I know it would cost more. But it should last a lot longer. I do not meant to put your smoker down or anything. Just trying to figure out when I get one which one do get. Just read through some of the comments. Sounds like that RTV silicone is some good stuff. Sounds like your still enjoying your smoker. Lot of good info here thanks for posting.
***** I am in no way a "professional" but in my opinion leakage is not that big of a deal. I agree, a door open or huge hole is not good, but considering you want TBS, the little smoke that comes from around doors isn't a huge factor once you get to understand your individual smoker. I have the cheaper version of this smoker(Pecos) and it leaks. Every smoker is different and just have to learn what is best.
Every weld is solid on these smokers. Offsets seal up where the doors close after a few runs. The gaps you reference on the side of the firebox by the damper is because he doesn’t have the door latched all the way.
Looks like a great new toy Tom. Good review, hope your happy with your purchase.
Ha ha, yea men and their toys. I've happy so far Ange, got some pork ribs going right now.
Yum that sounds deelish! Nothing wrong with having a few toys that you admire . Good stuff