Competitors of the Workhorse Pits 1975 - BBQ Buyer's Guide

Is 24"x48" the magic size for a smoker? Who can compete with the Workhorse Pits 1975? Find out in this episode of BBQ Buyer's Guide!
Smokers Featured in this episode:
Workhorse Pits 1975
Bell Fabrications (Bellfab) 2'x4'
The Blue Smoke Smoker
Green Money Fabrications 90 Gallon
Murillo Metalworks 24x48
Big Phil's The Lil' Phranklin / The Base Model
Smokin' Pitts and Custom Sitts Moab
Shirley Fabrications 94 Gallon
Fat Stack Smokers 120 Gallon Tank Smoker (Mark II)
Mill Scale Metalworks 94 Gallon
Harper Pitworks 120 Gallon
00:00 Opening
00:36 Maps
02:22 Why 24”x48”
04:43 Why this episode?
5:35 The Workhorse Pits 1975
10:30 Bargain 2x4
10:40 Bell Fabrications
13:24 Blue Smoke Smokers
17:21 The Math of 94 Gallons
18:18 Green Money Fabrications
20:27 Murillo Metalworks
21:44 Premium 2x4
21:56 Big Phil’s Smokers
25:36 Smoking Pitts and Custom Sitts
30:17 Shirley Fabrications
32:02 Fat Stack Smokers
34:40 Mill Scale Metalworks
37:18 Harper Pitworks
38:55 Base Price
39:39 Equalization Note
40:39 Equalized Price
41:04 Square Inches Main Rack (Base)
42:09 $/in2 Main Grate Base
42:47 $/in2 Main Grate Equal
43:07 Inches2 + Second Level
43:56 $/in2 All Inches (Base)
44:59 $/in2 All Inches (Equal)
45:17 Weight
46:25 $/lb Base
46:58 $/lb Equal
47:17 10Pt. Avg. Main Grate Base
47:58 10Pt. Avg. Main Grate Equal
48:15 10Pt. Avg. All Base
48:45 10Pt. Avg. All Equal
48:59 My Thoughts
57:25 Closing

[@SmokeMasterD]

Information from Murillo Metalworks Firebox Coal Basket $120 Upper Cooking Shelf $150 Folding Front Shelf - Starting at $170 Folding Stack $150 Removeable Stack $75 Firebox Plancha Top $275 Stainless Steel Front Shelf - Starting at $400 Insulated Firebox - determined by size Custom Logo - starting at $150 Tel Tru Gages $75 Each 8" Solid Tread Wheels $200 Golf Cart Wheels $1000 Counterweights - $150 each Commercial Patinas Starting at $400 Fire Tool $50 Custom Paint - Starts at $300

[@alwayza9er]

Really want the workhorse 1975, but live in ca and Murillo is 90 min away. Would it cool similar to the workhorse and it’s computed dimensions? Difference in almost 2k with shipping, but love the workhorse and don’t want to be disappointed if Murillo just feels like a knockoff…

[@alwayza9er]

Would 1/4in cook just fine in California, or is 3/8 generally better? (Long cooks brisket/pulled pork/ribs ect)

[@liftalot2475]

@@alwayza9er hey man I also live in CA. Was in the same boat as you. I decided to go with Fatstacks Smokers their 120 gallon MKII. Fatstacks is located in Sun Valley. Look at Jeremy Yoder goes under Mad Scientist BBQ he has a reviews of that Fatstacks 120 gallon smoker. Also does a comparison vs Workhorse 1975. Good luck.

[@alwayza9er]

@@liftalot2475 I definitely gave them a look, just much more expensive. Do you have it already? What was your cost/wait time?

[@liftalot2475]

@@alwayza9er no I don’t have the FatStack Smoker still waiting, eta is December 2022 or January 2023. I was lucky enough to get in on FatStack pre order sale in August 2021. At that time the 120 gallon MKII was going for $3500. The FatStack smoker would cost similar to Workhorse 1975 with shipping cost added. Give or take $500. But get what’s right for you.

[@ronw4588]

Guys, Received my Blue Smoke Smoker on Veterans Day and have done 2 cooks already and just love it! Awesome experience with Phil and his offset cooks very well and I'm quite happy with my purchase... Ron😁👍

[@gtsum2]

Very good overview! I have had my 1975 for a year now and it is so easy to use...but, I still wish it had a folding front shelf like Shirley

[@jsdtx]

Terrific video for those seeking to enter the world of medium to high end direct flow backyard smokers. Thank you Smoke Master D. We have really seen many companies try to move from boutique to mass market sales in this space. When you listen to the youtube videos of the Workhorse Pit owners (Jimmy Daniel (JD)), you see a combination of smart, dedicated, passionate business people who think through the production process that will produce an excellent smoker at a reasonable price and bring satisfaction to the vast majority of buyers. There is no doubt they have moved the industry and improved the offerings for the customers. We have to thank them for keeping a lid on prices as they could add $1000 to most of their offerings and still have a cue. The Workhorse Wagon and Trailer offerings are unparalleled in terms of price and value. Love to see someone like Big Phil offering a $1700 pit, even though it is stripped down in options. There are many custom welding shops that produce smokers but there is much science that goes into a pit that can meet the biscuit test. Appreciate the work you put into putting this video out.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Thanks man. Happy smoking!

[@hulkhuggett]

Excellent video and content!

[@RamiroFregoso]

Wow great overview!

[@jimmyturbeville8753]

great job

[@spkendrick]

LOTS OF GOOD INFO !! Thank you again man. I think I'm leaning towards bell... with all your modifications... i think his can be a nice pit, for much less

[@edmoll7226]

Nice video, I look forward to taking delivery of my Workhorse 1975. Smoke on my brothers.

[@smokescouts]

I really enjoy your videos. I’m smoking on my 1975 right now and just posted my first video. I’m hoping to do some biscuit tests and fire management videos in the future.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Awesome! I'll try to look for that!

[@smokescouts]

To answer your question, the handles for the butterfly and firebox latch changed from the cylinder style to a half of horseshoe handle. Much better.

[@setok.7134]

I was thinking of fatstack or mill scale prior to this video, I think workhorse makes way more sense. Thanks for putting this together.

[@SmokeMasterD]

My pleasure 🙂👍

[@grillinghotsmokinglowinthe6058]

Took delivery of my Workhorse 1975 last May. Yes, it took 8 month from when I placed the order but worth the wait. Used their economy delivery to my home in Southern California, those two guys did a wonderful job getting the smoker to my backyard BBQ area. If your looking for a quality smoker I would highly recommend any of the Workhorse models no matter where you live in the country.

[@theftworthrealtor]

Was that part of the paid service, for them to get it into your backyard? I ask because I have seen posts saying the delivery dropped their pit on the street in front and offered no help to get their massive pit into the backyard, garage etc...I am talking about many diff manufacturers, not Workhorse specifically...I have a small hill right at the beginning of my drive and that is part of my worry, getting it up that initial steep grade by myself. Have you been happy with the 1975? I was about to order the Lonestar Grillz 20x42 offset until I saw the 1975 and watched a few videos...the reason I wanted the LSG is because it is said to have very even temps, even next to the firebox, but now I have heard the 1975 does the same and it looks, well bad ass for lack of a better word...can you confirm?

[@grillinghotsmokinglowinthe6058]

@@theftworthrealtor Have a slight upgrade on my driveway, would have been hard for me to push the 875 lb Workhorse 1975 on my own. Asked both of them if they could do that for me, they had no problem. Of course a very generous tip might have influenced them to help me. Did a lot of research and was even on the waiting list for a Franklin Pit when I place my order for the Workhorse 1975 last October. It took 8 month and was worth the wait...........Good luck with your decision.

[@theftworthrealtor]

@@grillinghotsmokinglowinthe6058 thx for the info...I have been agonizing over which pit to order, but realized I am only having issues deciding because my mind had been set on the LSG and now I can't seem to pull the trigger for fear I will regret not going with the Workhorse...if only it wasn't so long of a wait...I contacted WH and was told May 2023, guess I better order it now before that goes even longer.

[@grillinghotsmokinglowinthe6058]

@@theftworthrealtor Trust me on this, go with the Workhorse 1975, it was totally worth the wait.

[@theftworthrealtor]

@@grillinghotsmokinglowinthe6058 thx for the info, I ordered my 1975 the next day...May 2023 can't get here quick enough...of course I am always complaining how fast the time seems to go by, maybe this will slow things down for me...lol...

[@stevehurt60]

Thank you!

[@SmokeMasterD]

You're welcome!

[@liftalot2475]

Hey great video Smoke Master D! I live Norcal Bay Area. I have been on waitlist for Shirley Fab since June 2020 for a custom build. But I also wanted an offset smoker my top choices were Workhorse 1975T and Mill Scale 94 gallon. Fortunately Fatstacks Smokers came out with 120 gallon smoker and I jumped on pre-order sale. The main reason is got the FatStack on sale and I save a bunch of money on shipping. The money saved on shipping I can use for accessories for the smoker. Thank you for putting Muriilo Metalworks on the map, I did not know about them prior to watching this video. I will check them out in person since it's local. Thank you gain for the video and the information you provide. I appreciate you for yiu time and effort, keep up the great work!

[@patrickcahill9812]

Have you taken delivery of your FS120 yet? If so, what do you think? I’m glad I placed my order 1 month ago. I see the prices just shot up.

[@liftalot2475]

@@patrickcahill9812 no not yet. I’m number 34 in line. Should be getting it by May, hopefully soon. Can’t wait. Yeah prices are way up. Also they took out 80 gallon model and made it 90 gallon model now. It will have option for foldable smoke stack. Can’t wait to take delivery. I already priced and sourced transportation for the smoker to my home. Unfortunately I do not own a truck and I would have to rent trailer. But such is the problems of having one of the best backyard smokers currently.

[@benjamincoon3158]

@@liftalot2475 Curious if you ever got your pit. If not, I hope you are able to get your money back man.

[@liftalot2475]

@@benjamincoon3158 yes I received my FS120. I was one of the lucky ones. I got it September 2023. With all the drama that happened at FatStack Smokers is very unfortunate. But I have to admit Eric know how to make an offset smoker. I am very happy with the FS 120!

[@benjamincoon3158]

@liftalot2475 I'm very glad to hear that brother! It does seem like a damn fine pit. I've been watching some videos from Harry The Horse BBQ on his fatstack.

[@derrickpomranky297]

Peoria Cookers is another option and priced very well.

[@thomaslahr9022]

It’s amazing what millscale is able to charge for what they produce - which is an average smoker. They have slick marketing.

[@paulbesse6123]

I just got my Blue Smoke from Big Phil. Even with shipping and my add ons it was less than half the Millscale. It’s an absolute unit at 3/8” thick. It may not have the absolute highest quality throughout every inch of the pit but it’s well worth what I paid and would highly recommend.

[@hulkhuggett]

Thanks for your post. Luckily I saw what you wrote and I just ordered a Blue Smoke. I've been researching for my next pit and actually talked to another builder this week. Really glad I saw your post. Thanks again!

[@paulbesse6123]

@@hulkhuggett I’m always hesitant to comment on anything but glad my comment could help.

[@hulkhuggett]

How has that pit been working out for you? I put my deposit down today. Does it hold heat good and is it pretty even across the whole grate?

[@crazymonkey9611]

Curious where you think the new LSG texas edition would fit in this review. Or perhaps you’ll do one of it soon. Really really enjoy your channel and how detailed you are. Great work!

[@SmokeMasterD]

Thanks. Interesting that you should ask that. Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXepdphtfrCdfaM

[@crazymonkey9611]

@@SmokeMasterD Looky there! You’re amazing and I’ll be watching that tonight (during commercials for the game - go Frogs!)

[@ronw4588]

Awesome compilation and have sent Blue Smoke Smokers an email. Wig👍

[@SmokeMasterD]

Happy smoking 🙂👍

[@hojobbq]

I have a Blue Smoke by Big Phil - was an early adopter and it was Blue Collar when I bought it - it’s a great pit - and for the price it can’t be beat

[@hulkhuggett]

How well does that Blue Smoke smoker work, hold heat, etc? And is it 3/8 steel?

[@hojobbq]

@@hulkhuggett works great for me - 3/8th thick - both cook chamber and firebox - likes to run around 275 (or that is where i like to run mine) - holds temps for 40-50 minutes - I have turned out some really good for on mine

[@hulkhuggett]

@@hojobbq thanks a lot for the reply. Does it stay pretty even across the grates?

[@hojobbq]

@@hulkhuggett I have never done a formal biscuit test - but it seems to keep very even temps - I also had a removable baffle / griddle built for mine that really helps to keep the hot spot by the firebox

[@hojobbq]

Shoot me your number and I can text you some photos of the pit and the baffle I had made if you are interested - Ted

[@irvwander8756]

Would love your take on the TMG Volunteer pit .

[@SmokeMasterD]

Look no further! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXepdphtfrCdfaM

[@rob3151]

Curious why smoke north wasn't included? Especially considering you had already done research on them for your Canada video, they meet all the criteria for this video, etc.

[@SmokeMasterD]

I suppose it was since I just did them. I only looked at American builders for this one, but it is a good point that you have brought up. The Huron could have been in this episode. And it further proves the popularity of the size since that is their flagship smoker.

[@spkendrick]

Hey smoke Any recommendations for traditional flow offsets with a warming box

[@SmokeMasterD]

Interesting question. Traditional flow smokers aren't generally made that way (usually only reverse flow). If anything, they'll have a tower where the stack is that runs cooler than the main chamber. Pot warmer plates are common, but not usually any sort of box. You might have to go reverse flow for that one or get a custom shop to make one.

[@BeerWineandShine]

fat stack is in houston texas now. However, I do think that they are still shipping their smokers to a store in Los Angeles.

[@michaelcoughlin8238]

The Blue Smoke strikes me as a DIY, almost. For those who think "I can make that" but don't really need another project or have the right level of experience and local materials. The bare bones BS would give you a giant head start but still let you add a few options yourself to finish off, custom style. Very tempting.

[@enyceofnyc]

How would you compare the workhorse 1975 to a lonestar grillz vertical offset / cabinet?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Vertical and horizontal are very different dynamics. There's drip down basting and the difference in airflow and heat distribution. I prefer horizontal for the most part, but they both work.

[@renegadepitbbq]

I got a Blue Smoke Smoker and absolutely love it. I was originally interested in the Workhorse Pits 1975, but after speaking with them and after learning a few things about them through a particular KZbin video, I decided the Blue Smoke Smoker was a better fit for my wants/needs. That decision was regardless of price as price was not an issue, and I could have gone either way. It was due to certain design elements I did not like about the Workhorse Pits.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Interesting. I'm glad you have had a good experience with them. Do you mind answering what design elements you particularly didn't care for in the Workhorse Pits?

[@ClintonNunleyDude]

The 3/8” thick metal at that price point is what sold me. And Phil’s not far from me.

[@renegadepitbbq]

@Smoke Master D I really liked the look of the Workhorse Pits 1975, and it seemed to be everything I was looking for, but then I saw a KZbin review from Hu's Smokin that caused some concerns. First, there is no grease dam or lip at the end of the cook chamber to prevent grease from dripping into the firebox. That’s a huge deal breaker for me. Second, I do not like the baffle design at the throat. It redirects the heat down, only to rise and cause a hot spot right in the center of the cook chamber. That hot spot was verified in Hu's Smokin's biscuit test video. I feel like the right and left gauges give a false impression that the pit cooks evenly from right to left, as the gauges are on each far side of the chamber which are both cooler spots and sort of hide that the hot spot is in the middle. If there is going to be a hot spot, I would prefer it as close to the firebox as possible. This also makes the Workhorse Pits sort of a bottom-up cooker... and as a Fat Cap UP guy, I want a top-down cooker, or a true right to left cooker. I also don't like the fact that the gauges are in the door. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like the gauges could eventually get knocked out of calibration just from opening and closing the door over time. I called and spoke with Workhorse pits about my concerns, which also included the delivery, as I needed help at least getting the pit into my garage until I could get some people over to help me get it to its final place in my yard. On the delivery, I was told that for insurance reasons, the delivery person would NOT be able to help get the pit into my garage, they would drop it at the base of my driveway and it was on me from there. That alone was problematic as I have a little slope to my driveway and I can't get an 850-pound smoker up that driveway by myself. I asked if they could put a grease dam in my unit and remove the baffle, and they said no, due to mass production they only offer a standard set of upgrades and no customization, and removing the baffle would change how the pit runs from a standpoint of the computational fluid dynamics it was designed using (understandable, but I still don’t like and did not want that baffle). The Blue Smoke Smoker on the other hand is also 24x48 and made out of 3/8” pipe on the cook chamber and firebox (although the end caps, stack and collector are ¼”), it has a grease dam as standard, it's an open pit design with no baffle and is a true top-down design, the gauges are not on the door, but at the end of the chamber next to the collector like the Mill Scale/Franklin pits, and I was able to add several customizations outside of the standard upgrades. These included a Mill Scale/Franklin style heat deflector (but mine is removable) that somehow moves the hot spot even further back towards the firebox. Not sure how that works but it does, and there is no hot spot in the middle of the chamber, which I verified with my own biscuit test. I also added a flat top to the firebox, a removable T Bar pull handle, and had him place the top slide out rack just a little lower in the chamber than he usually does to ensure that I could fit a brisket or pork butt up there if needed. For those reasons the Blue Smoke Smoker from Big Phil's was just a better fit for me. And Phil is just really good to work with. Very down to earth and truly wants to build you what you want. Last but not least as to the delivery, this will vary as they are shipped via U-ship, but my delivery guy helped me get it into my yard, not just the garage, and that was no easy task due to the way my house is.

[@davidbueso3840]

@@renegadepitbbq interesting, Jeremy Yoder, back yard warrior has been cooking evenly throughout their cooks with no hot middle center. Remember is all about the fire, and how is being pulled. I haven't had a problem at all honestly. But at the end, it's w.e you like 👍

[@renegadepitbbq]

@@davidbueso3840 Yes, I agree with you. just stating that for the reasons I mentioned the Blue Smoke Smoker from Big Phil's Smokers seemed a better fit for me personally. That's not to say the Workhorse Pits 1975 isn't an awesome smoker though.

[@logang865]

Check out TMG Pits based out of Knoxville TN

[@SmokeMasterD]

I did in this episode kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGi1q3-oZqqGZ8U They have a traditional flow that was a little too big for the parameters. I have a lot of respect for TMG 🙂

[@michaelmoffett7293]

Does your bell fab smoker have two or one door? If two, do you lose smoke in between the doors?

[@SmokeMasterD]

It has two, and it looses a little, but not enough to make much difference. Metal expands when heated, and the normal soot and grease of bbq also works to seal things up.

[@michaelmoffett7293]

@@SmokeMasterD do you have any video using it?

[@RipeSteel]

I really like the blue smoke smoker. I had a few questions about their smoker, so I contacted them through their site. Two and half weeks later still no response. Also have sent them a personal email with my questions and guess what nothing. And yes I have checked my spam folder. I also have interest in a 1975 workhorse pit. Sent them a email with questions and 1 day later I have a response back answering my questions. The price of the blue smoke smoker is tempting but I definitely don't feel comfortable sending them $2000 if they can't even answer questions through their site or emails.

[@SmokeMasterD]

I completely understand. They never emailed me back either. I had to call them. Can't remember now if it took more than one call or not. It certainly is something to weigh in.

[@ronw4588]

I sent an email as well but I called and got all of my questions answered. Getting in the queue for a working man smoker! 😁 Ron

[@RipeSteel]

@@ronw4588 I guess I will give them a call and see if I can get my questions answered. Congratulations on getting on the build list. They look pretty well built and should last a life time!

[@ronw4588]

@ Ripe Steel, after seeing this compilation and looking at the build of Blue Smoke Smokers, I just had to jump in before prices goes up and I have procrastinated long enough... Ron

[@robertdewitt625]

I can't believe you didn't include LONESTAR GRILLZ!!!

[@SmokeMasterD]

I was primarily looking at offsets with steel pipe chambers and fireboxes but maybe I should have put them in.

[@dewayneandrews642]

Great smokers video content.. Most of the pits brands u have here I never heard of.. Only one's I've heard of were the WORKHORSE PITS , FATSTACKS SMOKERS , SHIRLEY FABRICATION, & MILLSCALE.. Do u hav a email address as to where I wld like to u a question r two ??

[@SmokeMasterD]

If you join the For the Love of BBQ Facebook group, that's probably the easiest way to find me to talk.

[@rickirizarry5079]

Only after Workhorse sales started to skyrocket did Shirley begin making a direct offset?

[@SmokeMasterD]

That's about the size of it, but from what I understand, customers started asking for the pit, which I think is how it came about.

[@tomhillman482]

Jambo Backyard and Outlaw Patio should be included

[@112223alex]

How much has the 1975T gone up in price?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Good question. Can't remember what it was originally.

[@michaelcoughlin8238]

Military folks correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe MOAB stands for "Mother of all bombs". It is also a place in Utah and a biblical city. I wonder which one Smokin' Pits is referring to.

[@TheSpadre]

24" x 48" is popular because these smokers are expensive. 30" x 72" is the sweet spot for me.

[@samak12]

Whatever happened to lone star grillz?

[@SmokeMasterD]

Keep an eye out for my next video, which contains LSG. But the simple answer is they didn't meet the criteria of having a smoke collector.

[@PatriotPits]

Patriot Pits here! Representing Texas style offsets in the Northeast!! Check us out Smoke Master D, maybe we can get in on the next video? Thanks

[@richardvillanueva8786]

Your a fine craftsman brother 💪🇺🇸

[@josephvaughn3016]

TMG Pits has a tradition flow pit like the ones on your list. The Volunteer (128 gal)...another great option for $4499!!!

[@tommyboy4128]

These guys are way too pricey and wait time is unreasonable. Workhorse is the way to go.

[@dewayneandrews642]

Unlike the WORKHORSE PITS 1975T; do u think THE MILLSCALE 94 will ever be built into a trailer model??? Do u think it wld be cool to compare against WORKHORSE PITS 1975T & OTHER CART MODELS??

[@SmokeMasterD]

Check out this video for other offset trailers similar to the 1975t kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXaQYZyppc6pbNk. But to answer your question, I would be interested to see a Millscale 94 on a trailer, but I don't know if that’s in the brother's plans.

[@BestNCBBQ]

You left out the gold standard…Jambo Pits!

[@SmokeMasterD]

Maybe I should take another look at Jambo.

[@mannyr8795]

Smoking pitts has a baby fire box 😂

[@SmokeMasterD]

It's true that it looks a bit small. I admit, I like a large firebox.

[@mannyr8795]

@@SmokeMasterD I come from the kamado world but have been súper interested in offsets per all the vids saying it produces superior bbq. I’ll be honest, my kamado joe churns out some good bbq especially with bbqdad recs (double deflectors). But if you were to recommend one really good offset in the 2-3.5K range, which would it be? Keep in mind I would love it if it was efficient and held temps as much as possible (not sure if insulation models are better for that. Last question lol, what is the reverse flow you mentioned?

[@georgevillanueva7696]

WHY YOU DID NOT REVIEW FRANKLIN OFFSET SMOKER ????? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@SmokeMasterD]

It's a lot smaller than the 1975 dimensions. I did take a look at it in this video though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qam9ZWOZg9Orbpo