so i've narrowed my choices down to 2 pits
1) yoder wichita - i really like the old school aesthetics of the round firebox, chamber, and exhaust. it's a very simple and clean look, and i like the minimalist appearance. the welds look super precise in all the pictures i've seen...the chimney exhaust is located at the top of the chamber, but they said that it can be moved down towards the center in between the grates for little cost, which i hear keeps heat distributed more evenly. some of the videos i've seen on youtube show that the differentials from one end to the other could be up to 50 degrees, so maybe having it lower would help that a bit. the firebox door does not look flanged, so in one video, i could see light peeking through the door when looking inside out. the heat plate is one single, heavy piece, therefore it is not adjustable. however, very tight look, lots of cooking space with two levels, 75 year warranty, and many positive reviews (altho i've not read negative reviews when it comes to cookers at these price points)
2) lone star grillz - if it looked like the wichita, i'd have jumped on this immediately. it's a larger smoker at 24" vs. 20", so the top cooking grate is larger. there is adjustability when it comes to the heat plates, so there can be variability in temps as each plate is adjusted. the welds don't look as clean as the yoder, but i'm just going by pictures. however, there are very many pros about this offset - the large, flanged firebox appears to very solid, and you can cook on the skillet without fear of losing too much heat (based on their sales pitch), it is a 24" diameter chamber, so there is a lot of cooking real estate on 2 levels, and the entire cooking chamber can have water added to the bottom to allow for moisture and is closed off with a valve. i can also add temp probes as well as a handle for only 10 bucks, so small customizations are not very pricey
when it comes to price, the yoder costs a bit more since it has to be shipped and the lone star can be picked up locally...i'll also be wanting to add a charcoal basket and a second thermometer on whatever i choose
i have a feeling i'll be picking myself up a lone star, but wait time is 3 months; 5 weeks for a yoder
i may drive out there one day soon so i can see this cooker up close
new offset
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- Rustler
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- jammoney
- Wrangler
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Re: new offset
There's a reason Lonestar lead-time is 3 months! They are that good and would vote for the Lonestar Grill anyday! Personally prefer the stack coming out of the center of the cook chamber.
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- Cowboy
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Re: new offset
I've had a lot of good food come out of my Lonestar Grillz...would recommend them to anyone. Spend the extra on the stainless shelf on the front and the storage boxes on the back side. if you can swing it, I would have like to have gotten the warming box and the vertical smoker box too. Maybe next time LOL
WDS Cookers - Tomball Tx
LoneStar Grillz LSGTP 24’’X 84’’ trailer rig
Oklahoma Joe offset 20"x48" home rig
Weber kettle
LoneStar Grillz LSGTP 24’’X 84’’ trailer rig
Oklahoma Joe offset 20"x48" home rig
Weber kettle
- Finatic
- Bandolero
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Re: new offset
I have not cooked on either smokers. But looking at the specs the Lone Star has more fire box volume and a larger (5") smoke stack than the Yoder (two key factors). IMO it looks like the Lone Star will be easier to maintain temps that the Yoder.
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- Rustler
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Re: new offset
for those that own a lone star, how old are your cookers?
there is a 5 year warranty, but other manufacturers seem to have much longer warranties
there is a 5 year warranty, but other manufacturers seem to have much longer warranties
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- Pilgrim
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Re: new offset
Have a 24x48 lone star offset. Great pit and I'd recommend to anyone looking. Fabrication is top notch, and it's build in TEXAS! I've had mine for 10 months now. Looks as good as the day I picked it up. Don't let the wait make the decision for you; that is nothing compared to how long you have it.
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- Pilgrim
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Re: new offset
The best tools make the job easier.
Lonestargrillz 24x60" offset pipe smoker.
No smoke leaks, even temps.
Lonestargrillz 24x60" offset pipe smoker.
No smoke leaks, even temps.
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