Franklin BBQ Pits - How Our Pits are designed and why

[@brewster84067]

You know what I like most about this video? The excitement Aaron has when walking through every intricate detail of the design. This is clearly a culmination of years of experimentation, successes and failures, and thousands of cooks. He is a true expert, and has such a sincere passion for his craft. Thank you Aaron for sharing this!

[@lancebradley1344]

Here, here! American made, old school conservative design mind set, modern fluid dynamics design techniques, and the attention to detail. Very cool, hope you do well. Would love to enjoy one. I’m an old country boy, blue collar. Therefore, I’m working on my first design and I’m studying airflow. I prefer a vertical grill / smoker. 24”diameter, 380 in^2 surface. Will need great seal for 225 - 750 range. Just a family, few friends, type grill. Maybe another design thought for you. Anyway, would certainly appreciate any advice.

[@sirtango1]

You’ve worked in or around the oil and gas industry, haven’t you? The reason I ask is you’re using terms that only people intimate with the materials and industries would use and understand. I retired from the industry. Very nice smoker. I’ve cranked out a lot of Q on an offset. But my demands quickly outgrew the multiple offset smokers that I was using. So I built a large reverse flow water bath smoker. I built a tandem axle trailer for it. After using at least two 7018’s and 6010’s doing a tweak or two, I’m finally happy with the way it cooks. I can tune my hot / cold spots via tuners, depending on what I’m cooking and my needs at the time. Most people don’t realize how much work goes into a high quality pit!

[@Jonbob836]

you can really sense the passion and knowledge he exudes

[@steveludwig4200]

And the desire to overcharge for his pits. They are priced like Jambos.

[@CoolArrrow]

He forgot to mention the turbo encabulator

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

This video reminds me of watching Paul Reed Smith talk about building his guitars. You both build brilliantly functional works of art. You are in good company. JT

[@davidnettleton3375]

Great analogy.

[@northernnomad9046]

Aaron Franklin is a multi trade wealth of knowledge. Rarely can person encapsulate an entire cuisine with such charisma and ‘frankly’ - swagger. As a multi cuisine cook and former chef that has become a fairly decent hobby welder and de facto historian of cuisine origins, WELL DONE🙌🏽

[@JLEMS]

I love the location of the drain. This is where it would make sense to be, and I’ve always disliked my pits’ locations at the other end. When the pit is level, or favoring the stack high, this is where the grease goes, right toward the fire. Nicely thought out AF!

[@IanB22]

The passion and knowledge of WHY is amazing in this video.... SO GOOD

[@allenfischer5878]

Gotta love those real craftsmen! Nice job Mr. Franklin.

[@bill40409]

That's a great looking, well thought-out pit! Definitely on my 'must-have' list, just as soon as I win the lottery.

[@tubetime39]

bill40409; Bad credit ? jk

[@anthonypinto1366]

Incredible! Perfectionist with passion = outstanding results. Bucket list includes a trip to Austin to taste the Franklin experience and then the ultimate- bringing one of these back to NJ to elevate my game. Love what you do Aaron! Thank you!

[@theanthonyv]

I have one of the earliest Franklin pits. They’re legit. Incredible craftsmanship. So solid. Elegant design, with everything you need but no unnecessary elements. And it’s like a piece of industrial art rather than an eyesore. Lots of other great pits can smoke excellent bbq. But IMO, none of them look as good as this one.

[@steveludwig4200]

I bet it didnt cost the $5K they do know.

[@jaredandrews379]

Nice!

[@robvalero4453]

I have wanted to learn bbq for years and watching Franklin's bbq videos have definitely giving me inspiration to strive on cooking the best bbq I can. Truly the best pit design and quality, I've got to order me this.

[@markwilson9652]

Master the fire and you will master the pit.

[@BBQWithBoterman]

They are no joke! Cooked on one for the first time a couple weeks ago. It really is designed for great brisket!

[@markwilson9652]

What about ribs and pork belly?

[@RovingPunster]

​@@markwilson9652All those cuts cook in pretty much the same temp range, so Im not sure I understand your question.

[@sbodi4d]

You are a true Texas legend!

[@wpittock]

I am putting mine into use in the next couple weeks, ready for Thanksgiving. I've been waiting a while to get a concrete pad poured to give it a good home - and that's all done now. Excited!

[@usa91787]

Dang, that's nice. Love the water pan spot and the slots in the fire box. I get that its a lot of money for a smoker but the design is fantastic. In 1993 I bought a Lyfetyme grill - they're from Uvalde, TX - at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 20" grill not a smoker. But it's made just like this. Very thick steel. I still have it. Best $360 I've spent. My son will be able to give it to his kids. I've also got 2 Pit Barrel cookers. $350 each. Those things can cook. If the food comes out bad it's my fault not the cooker. Now, I've added another smoker - another Lyfetyme that I got from a buddy of mine. This one is about 25 years old. I have to do some slight fix up to the interior but it's still in great shape. Got it for free. Should be able to do 3 briskets in it or several racks of ribs.

[@gregmacd2829]

"Geographical center of a Brisket" that is awesome, made me chuckle a bit, Aaron is the mad scientist of BBQ, these pits are expensive, but will be the last one you (and your kids) will every buy...nice job.

[@coreytohme9861]

Nah, Jeremy Yoder is the Mad Scientist of BBQ.

[@alveus8205]

Looks amazing. I really appreciate all the thought that went into this pit and it’s quality. Up here in Canada, they run for $8000. I do not dispute the pricing, but it’s out of my budget. But I would definitely love one.

[@DavidJohnson-tv2nn]

And there's only a couple hundred dollars worth of steel in it! Way overpriced in my opinion.

[@PTownFitteds]

@@DavidJohnson-tv2nn you have zero idea what you’re talking about. This thing could take a 7.62 and not even make a dent. THOUSAND of dollars in steel alone.

[@DavidJohnson-tv2nn]

@@PTownFitteds BS!

[@yessir0503]

​@@PTownFittedsi can build an inch thick of this with 1/4 the price . Can take even a rocket launcher

[@zoobee4824]

@@yessir0503 Then go do it and gtf out of here, sell it for less, I dare ya

[@johncox9868]

My neighbor has a smoker in this style and I've noticed a lot of issues with it. You've addressed every problem I've seen with this style of smoker. Seriously this is a really well thought out design.

[@dbrackman1]

Best offset money can buy. When your fire is balanced it almost vibrates like a fan is running. The weight helps hold the heat so it’s forgiving if you aren’t sitting there watching each moment. Buy yours and never look back and give it to your grandkids.

[@michaelholmes8350]

Being a union pipe fabricator and welder in Houston for 40 years, I'm impressed with your work. I know what it takes to build this. Im retired now and if I could afford it, I would certainly buy one Franklin. I enjoy all of your videos👍😎

[@brianbenedict8374]

I still liked it when you would drive down the back roads,and find one of those big tanks. Take it home and start to make your BBQ pit. Loved those vids and the new ones coming out soon!!!

[@gosman949]

those pits sucked pretty much!

[@mrjoshers79]

Great quality. Get what you pay for! I dont dispute the price but its far out of reach for the everyday consumer. Not for middle class. But hats off for building a legit product!

[@BrisketMedic]

Great information and lots of study went into this. Makes someone appreciate the work of art more!

[@jordanbabcock9349]

I don't doubt the quality of smokers or BBQ Franklin produces but one thing is obvious - his greatest asset is his ability to sell. This guy is a straight up salesman. (Not saying he isn't passionate or authentic)

[@davidnettleton3375]

Nothing sells better than authenticity and knowing that your product is the best. It's what you call a natural salesperson. No effort involved. Just telling it like it is.

[@Hvacmike]

When it’s something you love and believe in, it’s less sales and more sharing something you know others will enjoy.

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

A master at work and an artist. Awesome craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing.

[@sengaleng]

Love it!!! Want it! Missed details about the grill grates and grease drain, though. Awesome Pit

[@johnwooldridge1860]

I love this pit. it sets so much higher than any other pit. Aaron did his home work.

[@vitaly6312]

Been to Franklin BBQ and had the best RIBS of my life there. Yes, the brisket is out of this world and also the best I’ve had, which was probably the expectation? The ribs are what broke me though. And I live in a part of the country KNOWN for ribs specifically. All that being said, this thing is killer. I do wish though for $5500 you’d get a little swing up tabletop to do your work on in front of the grill. I understand the reason to omit it, but also would be a super nice addition where you can set and stage your meats before placing them into the pit.

[@tubetime39]

vitaly6312; I'm brand new but like your idea. Maybe a removeable table set up ? Hooks on , stores hooked on back maybe ?

[@wilkiesbbqnc]

I sure am glad you’re active on your channel again keep it up Gods speed.😊

[@setituptoblowitup]

Fluid dynamics have never been so delicious🔥💨😋🍻

[@joshadsett4835]

i love how much this guy loves his product. Good old America

[@carpy1970]

It’s easy to love your product when you’re charging that much for it……

[@bobgruner]

What a nerd! (in the best, best way☺- thank you for your attention to detail. I learned a lot just from watching this.)

[@j3rocketeer]

Mr. Franklin. You really know your stuff and are passionate about it. Thank you for what you do.

[@darrylsmith9104]

Dude naturally and effortlessly sells truth because he obviously and nakedly loves every detail regarding what he does. Makes it easy to believe in him and anything he produces.

[@reset-xs9ql]

"it's all about the details. they matter." looks great. cooks great.

[@rodpilcher2804]

Fantastic! I finally used the chili in adobo last year in my chili... gonna try without the habanero this year (maybe the wife will not complain about too much heat) love the addition of cinnamon and chocolate.. even a bit of honey sounds intriguing. Can't wait to try this recipe.. love the cheese and SC addition.. Thanks for the content. I appreciate you, man!

[@bpp325]

Smoked my first Boston butt years ago following Aaron's video. He made it easy and it tasted GREAT. 👍👍

[@clyde8drive]

Solid and best on market. 5K is not in my budget but I believe its worth every penny. "Built like a little Maserati" and priced like one. You get what you pay for, so save up.

[@nateferguson4612]

So good! Fantastic details and very glad you took us into all the specs of, and reasons behind, what is a great smoker.

[@Regg363]

My 250 gallon stick burner, had the stack at same height as rack. Heat would come in at one end rising to top of meat compartment then going right out the stack. I came off stack on inside, ran pipe to bottom of meat chamber to 2/3 the distance to firebox. The heat now circulates to top of meat chamber and the cooler air drops to the bottom and out the stack. The air in the top where the meat is, is always hot. The firebox air inlet comes in under the coals and wood. So air goes up through the fire to keep coals red hot. I’ve BBQed for 45 yrs, this is the most efficient and controllable pit I’ve ever had. I use combination wood chunks and wood, after an hr or so of wood. I’ll put a shovel of coals every 1 1/2 hrs.

[@cmcdonald9896]

If I was building a custom car I would want this guy to build it. His attention to detail all the way down to putting the thermometer 2” about the grate because the average brisket is 4” tall is masterful. Port and polished offset smoker? Sombtch im in!!!!

[@allanbrand]

Awesome job man, awesome job! I wish KZbin would let us double like videos!!

[@timgregson5533]

Heck, I'm sold! Now if I can only find $6000.

[@travissartele8254]

😯

[@NNITRED]

Don't forget $22 for the Owners Manual. 😃

[@AhmedAli-rg3hp]

I really enjoyed this video! Lots of great points (many I needed to hear and be reminded of again). I appreciated your openness

[@BigReggie]

Love Franklin and I know he's a pitmaster but at almost 6 grand for one of these, I'll stick to my pit barrel cooker. It turns out absolutely delicious barbecue.

[@nhhbbyloggr5022]

Having fabricated two similar stove to these I can tell you it's worth every penny in materials and labor and still make a small profit. That said, anything cooked with wood is better than all other fuels.

[@BigReggie]

@@nhhbbyloggr5022 I've been welding for 30 years. I will respectfully disagree that it's worth $6000

[@nhhbbyloggr5022]

@@BigReggie I can't afford a Cadillac either, when all I need is 4 wheels to get me there. The " brand" sets it up a few notches, for sure.

[@Patrick94GSR]

@@BigReggiethem build one with all this attention to detail and you’ll see why it costs that much.

[@matthew7469]

Completely agree about the price! Especially when you can get a Workhorse for nearly half.

[@supersteven3434]

😁 great video. The love and passion Aaron has for barbq really shines. 😁

[@nhhbbyloggr5022]

Thank you for the show. Beautiful and functional.

[@HectorGarcia-nm1pd]

Great job on the pit👍 Now for me to finish my pit i needed more ideas thank you.

[@mucccvhorob4596]

I was always told the air dampner is for times when wind is blowing into the vent. Pretty sure its a necessary to have one. It definitely is where i live.

[@hawkeyeted]

I love watching Aaron talk about his craft. 🙃🙃

[@TheAmishElectrican]

YaY our Bi-yearly Franklin video 🥳 🎉

[@anttiarokoski6255]

Such a sweet burner! Would not mind a test run dxD Franklin for ever!

[@ronmcc100]

WOW! VERY IMPRESSIVE! Wish you had these around in years past, my big BBQ days are behind me, but if I'm ever in the market for a new cooker, this would be my first pick! I've learned and improved so much of my Q from you and your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@chefblair63]

Engineered from a pit master’s experience. Very nice. Just watched this after the video where you salvaged a 250 gallon propane tank. So what came first, the pit or the pit master?

[@nordicwilly6650]

Masterclass in pit design!

[@kevinbourbon572]

I love my Franklin Pit! A labor of love

[@maxnine57]

This is fantastic great design wow!

[@Blackheart7-5]

VERY nice!!!! Quality looks amazing.

[@phillipbonner5215]

That's awesome congratulations on your efforts.

[@BottledCourage]

I was all about it and then I saw the price 😂 no disrespect, well earned and looks extremely well built. maybe one day I’ll get one!

[@matthew7469]

that price is pretty discouraging when you can get a Workhorse for far less that is arguably better built. I've been lucky enough to handle them side by side and there is no comparison.

[@PerthLuxury]

So Aaron, When's the Franklin Pellet Smoker coming out?

[@18rollinhard]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@waynehollen1300]

I would love to purchase one ! My Father passed away in 2016, took my cooking after him and his name is Franklin. He also designed a rotisserie for his church from a bed of a pick up truck in San Diego

[@RovingPunster]

Awesome looking design, and astutely explained. QUESTIONs: 1) what does it weigh ? 2) is there a way to throttle the airflow to finesse the temp, and to maybe even choke it off to save fuel if cooking finishes before the fire burns out (ie, intake shutter and exhaust dampers) ? That's a key difference between pro users (who cook all day long), and smaller households who only need to cook in a single pass for a family of say 2-6 ppl. If youre gonna sell to the latter, the ability to conserve/reuse partially spent coals could be practical and a good selling point. 3) Given that the rear (firebox) wheels are fixed, im surprised you didnt add an extra handle at the base of the chimney, to help wheel the smoker in and out of wherever people store it ... and maybe a telescoping chimney to help get it in & out of a garage). Pros may not need to move them often, but residential users often do. 4) What's the typical temp range it maintains most comfortably ? +1 and respect. 😊👍😂

[@insidiousengineering]

In a world of BBQ barges and hulking SUV's this pit is like the little Italian roadster. Finely tuned, a joy to "drive" little convert able sports car.

[@Foul_G]

You had me at "Hey there". I just wish I could afford one.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

That thing is a BEAST!!!!

[@matthew7469]

Have you heard of Workhorse? This pit is a child's toy compared to a 1975. Check them out! better pits and way better price.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

@@matthew7469 ok! Thanks! I’ve heard of them.

[@danielmargolis3210]

Beautiful work.

[@brandonyoung181]

When I started this video, I knew this bad boy was going to cost 5K plus. It's a nice rig but I can buy a hell of a lot of meat for my WSM for 5k.

[@fgonzalez78959]

Ok but do you enjoy what you have?

[@econgator6153]

​@@fgonzalez78959 WSMs are awesome, I love mine

[@mackadams5049]

Yea, I'll be looking for a used one lol.

[@kennethschauer1801]

My Oklahoma Joe is fine for my cheap ass

[@ronaldbeerguy]

@@fgonzalez78959WSMs are a great cost to quality ratio. The Franklin is beautiful, but I’m not sure you are getting value at that price point quality ratio. I still think you’re paying a hell of a premium for the name on the side of the cooker.

[@GoatRoper911]

Looks good, can you weld a griddle on the firebox or will it not get hot with the double wall design?

[@davidnettleton3375]

I was thinking that too. Not necessarily a griddle, but even just a flat surface to heat up a pan of beans or a cast iron skillet. I wondered when he said "insulated" if it's not going to put off enough heat at that point to cook with.

[@LP23D6]

Built like a brick outhouse! Dang nicely done.

[@markwilson9652]

Beautiful pit hands down

[@pete91671]

Great design

[@RICO-BugkillerFPV]

Congratulations 🎉 Like having a commercial smoker for my home! Mouth-watering watching the video. Take my money!!!

[@adamc585]

Truth be told Aaron Franklin can talk.

[@zulucharlie5244]

It is a beautiful, heirloom-quality smoker, and I love, love, love that it's designed and built in Texas.

[@triumphrider9396]

Great design. I wonder though if that firebox design would be tough to clean out?

[@dccreations1361]

This is such an amazing video, thank you so much!

[@markhallberg8195]

I'm done wanting one. I want mine on order today.

[@davewilson1965]

I've read all of your books and love them. I noticed when you were cooking 3 briskets you put a pice of wood next to the water pan. Is it better to do that for every cook or just when you are cooking 3 briskets at a time?

[@joseluismendoza9916]

Will be competing with one of these at the Pasadena Livestock Show Rodeo. 😊

[@bulldaagg]

looks awesome, i want one

[@ronniecoleman3365]

I'm going to buy one when I can afford it love the pit

[@jp21124]

Nice! Wouldn't you want a raised cover for the smokestack to stop rain from getting in the tube and rusting though?

[@brucegolub9627]

that's what BBQ Sheds are for...besides, unless its torrential, doubt you'd get too much water in there. when not in use, find a pan to fit over it.

[@jp21124]

@@brucegolub9627 For over 4k for a pit, I feel like I shouldn’t have to find anything but the meat. Just sayin…

[@thecornerofedgaranddave]

👍🏾love it…now to start savin for one!

[@charlesherrera6535]

I love my Franklin smoker! Works great!

[@umami0247]

Very nicely done.

[@shanesouza4303]

Great design. 😎✌️

[@rockkhound943]

Ill have to go for the ole propane tank unit for now an save up fur this high rent unit but i love its design.

[@PerthLuxury]

Model 2.0 can accommodate Aaron's trademark espresso machine I've heard 😂

[@derek1199]

Hear me out. Great design. 2 things. 1, make the stack 2 pieces with a stub up so you just drop the other piece over. Allows you to easily remove it for storage. 2, Put some handles parallel with the legs so you can move it around. Fold them back down when not in use. Otherwise very cool and well thought out.

[@billbryant1288]

I would love to see one of these side by side with a Workhorse Pits 1969. Better yet, I would love to compare food cooked on both.

[@brynbastrire3795]

I believe mad scientist BBQ on KZbin does that

[@billbryant1288]

To my knowledge Jeremy has never cooked on a 1969. Just a 1975.

[@brynbastrire3795]

Yes, you are correct. Different size but it it’s still a good head to head.

[@chicobicalho5621]

Jeremy Yoder from MadScientist BBQ has tested this cooker against the Workhorse 1975 and the FatStack 120, both with 24"ø main chambers. I believe this pit lost out to the other two.

[@billbryant1288]

I have watched that video numerous times and don’t think the “test” was very scientific. Jeremy has evolved from scientist to KZbin entertainer.

[@se7002t]

Can someone explain to me what Franklin means when he explains why the thermometer needs to be loose?

[@SimplisticsBBQ]

Nice pit!

[@albundy5228]

I basically watched a 12 min AD for a smoker, and I'm ok with it.

[@PerthLuxury]

I'd love to set this legend a challenge, of cooking a brisket, to his usual quality, using only a Pellet Smoker and Mesquite pellets.

[@TheDarienJim]

Great review. I’ve been thinking of graduating from my Traeger Pellet and Big Green Egg to an offset, but what scares me is the ability to maintain temperatures for long periods of time, say on overnight cooks. How long can a typical Franklin offset hold a temperature without new wood? I’ve become accustomed to using blowers like FlameBoss on the BGE or just loading up the hopper on the Traeger and going to bed at night sleeping soundly knowing nothing would go wrong. With an offset am I getting up every 1-2 hours for fire management???? Lastly, researching some other offsets I noticed they have adjustable dampers on their stacks but yours does not. Any thoughts on that detail?

[@rg9984]

beautiful. i love smoking meat and anything grilling like most people watching. but the 5k price range,i. might as well start a business with one of these. congrats to whoever can buy one of these works of art.

[@ryanmarshall8758]

Hey man, great videos, doesnt look like you respond much here, but here goes. Ive built maybe a dozen wood fired bbq's, and was wondering.... Why dont you use reverse flow, or make them convertible between crossflow and reverse? This is just what ive settled on as my favorite design, genuinely curious, not criticizing.

[@mziskin]

Looks nice