2 New Contenders - TMG Volunteer and LSG Texas Edition Vs. The Workhorse Pits 1975

[@BravoActual4756]

Have the LSG in 40". Ordered it the day they released it and received it 3 weeks later. For me there are zero negatives. The pit is extremely easy to run, is efficient and cooks exceptionally even from right to left. I do use the top rack when I want to crisp up some wings and such. I used blo to coat all exterior surfaces and could not be happier. LSG's fire management basket excellent in performance. Just as an FYI, I live on the west coast where temps are mild year round. I typically cook for the immediate family, but had 35 over for Christmas and had plenty of room on my pit for the cook. Lastly but most importantly I went with LSG because anytime and every time I call LSG, Chris and his staff remind me of talking with family(the ones you enjoy speaking to). Not a commercial, not sponsored, not shilling, just couldn't be happier with my LSG. Happy cooks everyone.

[@80redbarron]

I have their 20 x 42 pellet and second your comments about service. I live in Willis and am able to stop by the shop to chat if needed. Thinking of getting one of their offsets or the Workhorse. I do like the idea of having the option to grill on the firebox like on their 20 x 42 offset.

[@SmokeSumthingbbq]

@bravoactual4756 what size splits do you find work best with your texas? I have 6-8" splits maybe an inch and a half or two inches thick and i find i need to refill a bit more than i want. I'm guessing a 10" split may be the sweet spot?

[@BravoActual4756]

@Ryan Bas You are spot on with the 10" x 2" splits, those are the rough dimensions I use. I do a lot of babysitting but I am at the point in my life that I don't mind. Good luck and smokey cooks.

[@davidchavarria2992]

It sounds like you’re able to use the entire cook chamber. Is that right? There aren’t any hotspots?

[@SmokeSumthingbbq]

@@davidchavarria2992 I haven’t really cooked on the far side close to fire box. But my temp readings show the heat collects more near the smoke stack than near the firebox. If I dial it in I have maybe 10 degrees difference across the grates. Top rack definitely is probably 25-50 degrees hotter than bottom as expected

[@no_skool_bbq]

I’ve owned a 1975 for almost a year now. I bought mine with the upper rack, the cowboy firebox, but no other add-ons. I’m located north of Atlanta, so Workhorse Pits is local to me. That was a big decision maker. I ordered back when WHP offered paint options, but I opted for the linseed oil finish. Linseed oil is easy to reapply, especially if you opt for boiled linseed oil. It has drying agents that help it cure faster without heating up the steel. Although, heated steel helps. I started smoking on an Old Country BBQ Pits Pecos. I quickly stopped using the shelf, as I didn’t find it useful. So, I don’t care that WHP doesn’t have a similar shelf. I’m building an outdoor counter opposite of my 1975. Furthermore, 250s, 500s and 1000 gal. pits don’t generally have shelves. I’m happy with my 1975 and I’m glad to see so much competition in this segment. My next pit will likely be a 500 gal. on a trailer.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Awesome. Will you be going with Primitive Pits for the 500, I wonder? Thanks for your review 🙂

[@no_skool_bbq]

@@SmokeMasterD Most likely! Again, because they’re local to me. Materials between upcycled propane tanks isn’t too dissimilar. Neither are features and customizations. Also, I like that Primitive Pits builds their own D.O.T. approved trailers.

[@80redbarron]

When you do, maybe I'll take the 1975 off your hands 😀

[@no_skool_bbq]

@@80redbarron I’ll keep that in mind, as I may have to offset some cost for my next offset smoker.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

TMG Pits has two other cookers that could be thrown in this mix. The Heritage 48x24" starts at $2,800 with dual pull-out cooking racks and simple casters. Comes with a folding front shelf. You can get it either as a reverse flow set-up or standard set-up. They also have the Copperhead, which starts at $3,600 for the 52x24" option. Dual pull-out cooking grates. Can have it set up as a reverse flow or standard set-up. TMG is killing it right now.

[@JK-uo2jv]

I purchased the Workhorse 1975 and it runs great. Brandon just called a few days ago and they’re starting on my fridge 48”. LSG pellet will be delivered in February. I’m sure all of these offsets run great.

[@DP-lx1jn]

Wow you have the holy grail How is the TMG fridge doing? I’m thinking about that one

[@lamarwilliams185]

The work horse 1975 sets the bar. You cannot go wrong with a Lone Star Grill!!!!

[@smokefathersbbq]

As an owner of an LSG 40” Texas offset, it runs perfect and is also very fuel efficient.

[@felipemata2960]

Any hot spots??

[@felipemata2960]

Never mind. He just explained it lol.

[@smokefathersbbq]

@@felipemata2960 I have even heat across the whole grate. Don’t have to rotate whatever you’re cooking.

[@davidchavarria2992]

Is there a hotspot near the baffle from the firebox? Does the food nearest to the firebox cook differently and/or get less smoke? The way LSG explains it in their Texas edition video, the smoke swirls around the chamber rather than flowing through the chamber. I’m curious how that affects the way it cooks. Super interesting smoker for sure!

[@technician775]

@@smokefathersbbq I just got mine…does your temp gauge match your lower grill, mine is off quite a bit…

[@DP-lx1jn]

I really like your videos! You are doing a great work!

[@ryanb4481]

Just to clarify because I've seen some confusion/misunderstanding on it. Adding the smoke collector to to one of the LSG standard pipe style smokers is not the same as the LSG Texas edition. As shown in the video, the baffle on the two are completely different. The standard is designed to use tuning plates for even heat distribution. The Texas Edition appears to use the cross flow design that their hexagonal shaped smokers uses.

[@SmokeMasterD]

You are correct sir. Thank you for clarifying that here 👍

[@crazymonkey9611]

I really like these comparisons. U do a very nice job. I gotta start saving my pennies for a workhorse pit. By the time I finally have enough, that new facility will be open and hopefully there will be a more reasonable wait time.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Good point. I'd love to see that wait time go down myself. Who knows, maybe I'll order one in the future too :-)

[@joeybishop7604]

LSG’s are WAAAAAAY overpriced Workhorse all day, every day over the LSG.

[@Eman101que]

I just smoked on my Long Star Grillz Texas Edition and I'm very impressed with how the temperature is the same from front to back. The best smoker HANDZ DOWN!!!

[@Isovapor]

Please add the new Goldie’s smoker to your next cheap 1/4” offset smoker build video. Also include the even cheaper 3/16” steel Chud box he is now selling! Cheers!!

[@Isovapor]

Great video comparison! I agree with you on the Workhorse Pits. I have had my 1975 for two years. I love it. Always learn from your videos! Cheers!!

[@tommyboy4128]

TMG… they produce a nice product, BUT, they are definitely not price competitive. I have a 1975 arriving next month (Feb 2023) and look forward to the experience. Originally I had my sights set on a TMG, but after comparing notes, the Workhorse took the trophy! I’m confident that I made the right choice.

[@RodStiffinton]

Did you get it yet?

[@tommyboy4128]

@@RodStiffinton Just received an email 2 days ago stating it’s complete and scheduled for shipping. Assuming I may see it by end of month

[@RodStiffinton]

@@tommyboy4128 nice. Getting close at least. What was your total time since you ordered. They are telling me 240 days or less. So 8 months basically. Hope not

[@tommyboy4128]

@@RodStiffinton ordered on 6/14/22 so it was 8 months and 1 week

[@ronw4588]

I have been cooking on a Primo XL Ceramic smoker for over 19 years and love it but recently bought my first offset smoker built by Blue Smoke Smokers and it's amazing... The first thing I noticed after cooking thousands of pounds of pull pork and whole chickens on my Primo, my offset is much better at rendering fat which results in a much juicer product. In regards to smoke flavor, that will take some time to master but it has been mentioned how to effectively use the damper; I watch that video regularly 👍 Ron

[@davidbueso3840]

It is definitely worth the wait. I just received my workhorse 1975 about a month ago, and It has blown me away. I ordered mine last year in May 2022. I don't think I'll be ordering another Pittsmoker.They're quality as perfection. The only thing I wish it had is a foldable table in the front. I did see some improvements from older 1975 models. One was the wheels as you mentioned. Second, was a grease stopper that old ones didn't have. 3rd, the smoke pipe adjuster is welded now instead of an insert. I heard in the future, they're going to make a counterweight for the main door.

[@jeffpuffenbarger6800]

One thing I didn’t understand on your measurements of the pits - was the size listed for the Volunteer correct? Because if the bottom grate is actually 27x52, then it is 1404 sq in and not 1092 like you show on your chart. Which would actually make the Volunteer even bigger than the LSG in overall capacity - 2160 vs. 2116. Just making sure which numbers are correct. Thanks for the video. Once again you have gone above and beyond with the details and comparisons. Oh and I just realized that on both of the other smokers, the bottom grate is listed at 24x48, which is 1152, not 1104.

[@SmokeMasterD]

The thing about it is that having a slide out bottom rack means that it is only as wide as the door. They could have gone for the extra space, but they went the other way. 👍

[@twenzel420]

LSG was the way to go, have the 20x42 offset, the quality is second to none😊

[@thewipffs2006]

Awesome comparison! Do you know the diameter and length of the smoke stack of each of these? Working on a DIY project with similar size CC and FB.

[@SmokeMasterD]

I don't. Somebody out there on the internet will tell you.

[@MasterEcko]

One thing TMG has that others dont is the payment plan. Make monthly payments after putting 10% down of the value of your custom build. Pick your smoker up in 10 months. Workhorse is pay 100% upfront not sure on the LSG.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Workhorse has PayPal financing, but it looks like TMG has pretty good financing.

[@bramweer6117]

So if the wait and price was the same, would you still pick the workhorse over the TMG?

[@SmokeMasterD]

If the same, I would likely get the Volunteer

[@felipemata2960]

I was trying to decide between these exact 3. I was leaning towards the LSG just because I live in Houston and was hoping I would be able to just go to the shop and purchase one off a show room floor and not have to wait. Does anyone know if I would be able to do that. If not I would probably go with the tmg pits

[@SmokeMasterD]

I don't think it works that way. The only way I know that works like that is to buy one used, but probably not any for sale. Unfortunately, you likely will have to wait no matter which way you go. Look at their payment plans so you can get on the wait list now if you haven't saved up all the way. Good luck!

[@dewayneandrews642]

Do u think the fire management basket from lsg wld fit in the workhorse pit 1975 firebox??

[@SmokeMasterD]

It will. I have their larger 24" smoker basket, and it fits in my firebox even though it's smaller than the firebox of the 1975. I welded on one inch steel legs to get it off the bottom of the firebox. I go back and forth between using it and building my fire on the bottom of the firebox. I lean towards not using it, though.

[@BestNCBBQ]

I’ll stick with my Jambo.

[@irvwander8756]

How is it possible for the bottom rack Sq inches are the same for the 1975 and the Volunteer !?!?

[@SmokeMasterD]

The volunteer has a pull out bottom rack. It's only as wide as the door.

[@irvwander8756]

But it's 3 inches deeper !

[@franksexton9654]

Thanks for this. I've been eyeing the workhorse and the fatstack 120 for a long time now. I hadn't seen the tmg volunteer. I really like the 27" cook chamber, the front shelf and the pull out bottom rack. The fatstack 120 was still in the running because of the pull out bottom rack and the semi-insulated firebox. Tough choices😅

[@RodStiffinton]

Fatstack is 2 plus year wait

[@logandowner7405]

check out the 24x48 from Shirley Fab, comes with a 28" firebox.

[@kirkmarsh241]

Where can I buy a workhorse pit ad for Michigan? Can you help me?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Not sure what you mean

[@kirkmarsh241]

@@SmokeMasterD thanks for your help. It’s just hard to find good offset smoker’s in northern Michigan.

[@kevinhenshaw9997]

Do you know why the workhorse metal is a typical rust color when the other two appear black? Is it because of the carbon content?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Interesting. I wonder, which is better carbon content?

[@AM-bj6qn]

This is one of the reasons I’m hesitant on the workhorse. I like the black dark finish as well.

[@alisonanddanny]

What’s going on with your Bell Fab?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Still cooking on it. Planning to do a pork tenderloin tomorrow. 🙂

[@DanielMedina-lq4br]

Smoke Master D! New Sub here! Love your videos, brother! That Lone Star Grillz is my least favorite of all the offset smokers because it has a baffle and is not a true collector style offset. That Workhorse Pit though! Holy Moly! Smoke on, brother!