The Texas BBQ Forum

How’s it going guys?

Moving into a new house here soon, and I’m really wanting my own offset smoker. I’ve been using my dads that his dad built years ago out of steel pipe. Looking for something more modern though.

I’m on a budget of course, with the new house situation.
I’m torn between the Pecos and Brazos from Old Country BBQ Pits.

How does the 3/16” steel of the Pecos compare to the 1/4” steel of the Brazos? I understand with thicker metal, you’ll have better heat retention. But a 1/16” of a difference? There shouldn’t be too much heat loss in the Pecos. Unless I’m just not as wise as I think And the price point of the Pecos is very attractive.

Also, for those of you who do own the Pecos, what kind of results does it put out being there might be a slight loss of heat retention? Will it still put out some quality brisket, butts, chicken just like I’m sure the Brazos would?

Pictures are appreciated!

Thanks for any and all input guys.

Howdy and Welcome to the Forum, Stanley - - - - just hang on and I'm sure someone will respond to your questions

Not familiar with the grills but as for the 1/16" difference, you can look at the 1/4" steel being 33% thicker.

If you could post a picture of your Dad's there might be some here to help you modify and save money unless you're just set on buying new. Mine's 20 or better years old and i KNOW THERE'S MORE MODERN PITS OUT THERE, BUT I COOK GOOD QUE.

We run a $500 shade tree welded Craigslist Special w 1/4 or 3/8 steel that I refinished, yet 2 old geezers won a GC with it. Any cooker works once you know it well. All about the size of the fight in the dog.

That said, I always advocate stepping up a bit and getting a thicker model. You’ll always fight wind and cold, but thicker makes it an easier fight. And they just hold up better over time.

Think of it like yer favorite rug; it really ties the room together.

The Dude abides.

I don't own either of these, but I'd personally go with the 1/4" over the 3/16". When you spread out the difference in price over the expected life of the pit (at least 30+ years), you're not talking about that much money.

It is amazing how much of a difference 1/16 of an inch makes. The brazos feels way thicker than the pecos.

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