Offset Smokers...why doors on both sides

[Phil d]

I am a very experienced BBQ guy but mostly with vertical smokers (backwoods) and a few custom ones.

Am serious about buying an offset rig and looking seriously at Meadow Creek. Here is my question. Why do some offsets have doors on both sides of the smoking chamber and some do not? Advantages, disadvantages?

Anyone have + or - experience with Meadow Creek. Looking at a TS250. The 250 has doors on both sides.

Thanks for your help.

Phil d

[Txdragon]

Convenience factor... 1 big, heavy door or 2 easier-to-manage doors On another note, usually you'll see counter weights added on to the single door versions (providing they are larger pits).

[k.a.m.]

If you are referring to a cooker like a lang that has front and back door it is because the lower grates on a lang do not slide out and it is easier to work the meat with the back door. It also comes in handy when you are cooking curb side. Personally I would rather have slide outs and one door or a left and right on the same side.

[Mitchtram]

Advantage to two doors: Weight as someone has already stated, also You don't loose as much heat if only opening one of the two smaller doors at a time.
Advantage of single door: Able to do really big meat, like a whole hog.

[The MIdnight Smoker]

I'm interpreting your question the same as K.A.M did. If you are asking about doors on both the front and back side of the cooking chamber then as K.A.M. stated it makes getting to the meat much easier in a cooker such as a Lang whereas the bottom grates do not slide. Another advantage is it gives you the opportunity to turn your cooker so the firebox is facing into the breeze and still allowing you to work from either side.