Lone Star Grillz Offsets VS Insulated Cabinet Smokers

[@terry6869]

I own both types of pits and I much prefer the insulated cabinet over the offset because it is so much easier to cook on without constant tending. For our BBQ Cooking team, 3S Cookers, we have 4 of the large cabinet smokers and they are idiot proof. We use BBQ Guru's and that makes life so easy to smoke large quantities of meat. Great channel and great information you are providing.

[@goreecarr5850]

I went with the large insulated cabinet and I'm extremely hsppy..it cooks great and much faster without the hassle of constant fire watching..I'm happy with my purchase.

[@crjudd]

Love the lights that are still on the house! True southerner!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

LOL! Yep

[@AE-ur6tt]

Those are some real beef fajita tacos with a real authentic salsa. In my personal opinion your channel is one of the top 3 bbq channels in KZbin.

[@beersn0b]

The Pit Barrel has me so spoiled, it's now the only smoker I have. Keep up the good work!

[@mkaz411]

Like the versatility of the stick burner, and ordered the LSG 20" x 36" a couple weeks ago. Can't wait to try some of your ideas on mine!

[@dennismurray4808]

Great explanation of the basic pros and cons of the two different smokers, very helpful. Tacos look fantastic.

[@jimbocuejimbocue3872]

Offset without a doubt, old-school, true blue Pit BBQ. Very versatile, many wats to use it other than the stick burner. Once I am done here in the Middle East I will have me one from Lonestar Grills thanks to you. Long Beach.

[@granvillemurray1652]

Great gloves!! Used them at my daughter's house the other night and loved them. would love to have a pair.

[@Drillpress11]

Loved the comparison of the smokers...appreciate your work to help us with our cooking...

[@progers5019]

Hey Rus, very glad you are feeling better. First, congrats to both Scott at The Real Show BBQ, and Sandy at Jus Piddlin. Two great guys and channels. So good to see you in front of the camera again with smoke rollin. Everytime you show that offset from the front close up, the quality of workmanship and metal works just shines. I love it. Even though the mini is also quality going to bed and is a dedicated smoker, I would go with the offset. I like that you can use both wood and charcoal, I like everything about it that you named. When I ended up with mine, I had gone to their web site and watched every video I could find on the LSG. Since I was just beginning in smokin stuff, I was hesitant to go big including the cost. I ended up with a pretty good one with good metal in it, but it's no LSG for sure. That huge firebox, the half inch top griddle, size, precision doors and just large everything. Like yo said, depending on your ability, age, handicapps the mini may work better from that standpoint. This video on the Matador Meat Flank Steak was outstanding. Mouth was watering watching you cut that steak up, then ate it in front of us. lol Well enough, you got me goin Big Dog. See Ya.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Phil, and I appreciate the comments

[@waynephillips2777]

Great Video Rus. I think the right answer on the grills is both!!

[@chukinsfanmasterchief7722]

What a legend Russ, always great to watch from Melbourne Australia. We are sweating through summer here. lends itself to outdoor cooking.

[@oren5230]

That Lonestar looks like it is getting seasoned well. You rock Rus.

[@Theeightmilebend]

Extremely informative video as usual Rus. The tacos looked amazing as i am sure they were.

[@Rudeness2]

I can SMELL the SMOKE from here!! Now I need some grilled tacos... Good video 👍👍

[@tubapix]

This one has got me wanting to make some skirt stake street tacos! You definitely have a passion and I really enjoy your videos.

[@donaldhiggins3285]

I would go with the offset because you have more options for cooking. Enjoyed the video, great comparison info.

[@louisgriffin1785]

I am trying to decide which LSG is best for me, I really want the offset but I live in Utah and we just don't have any indigenous smoking wood besides the fruit orchards which don't really yield much wood. I called a local wood supplier and they do sell post oak for $240 a pickup load and hickory for " a bit more" which I estimate would be 4 or 5 cooks on a 24x36 or maybe one or so more more on a 20x 36 or 42 - do you think that's a fair estimate? Also our winters are snowy and cold so an insulated may be the way.... I really feel like I would regret not trying a stick burner though. I wish I could afford both but that probably just won't happen. What kind of wood usage are you experiencing on your cooks with the offset? Great channel and good info, appreciate you doing this, I know it takes a lot longer to do something when you make a video - especially as well done as you are doing!

[@thepatio5702]

I like the offset. I'm a traditional smoker and all about the experience. don't get me wrong I also like the set it and forget it but I enjoy the whole tending the fire experience. Awesome video!

[@finny5093]

I try not to get too excited about upcoming videos.....truly like the info regarding those amazing cookers. You must be so proud about your channel. when it started and where it is now. thx for putting in the time for us viewers

[@willydoitbettydont9100]

You got skills .When i watch i get hungry every time. Great vids.

[@JusPiddlinBBQ]

Outstanding human being Rus! Your generosity is very appreciated indeed, and you inspire me to keep plugging along! I'd pick the offset because I think piddlin with the fire, smelling the smoke, and smelling the meat cook is part of the experience. Outstanding video comparison, and as always...Smoky Ribs!

[@EverydayBBQ]

Jus' Piddlin BBQ you deserve this buddy! You’re doing great and I’m so happy for you!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thank you Sandy! I hope you do keep on keeping on brother! Your doing a great job and I want to see you keep growing your channel.

[@InsaneD602]

I never even thought about upgrading to outside skirt I’m going to check it out now though

[@walcrow7319]

Taco's look good enough to eat through the monitor....Outstanding!

[@Ridgerider13]

Great comparison and video. Since you asked which one we would pick, for me it would be the insulated cooker. I have both types and find it way too hard to cook on a stick burner in the cold climates where I live. The insulated cookers allow me to barbecue pretty much year round. And like you pointed out, the taste of the meat coming off both types of cookers is very close.

[@daytona200]

Glad to hear you're feeling better Rus! I would take the insulated. I live in a cold and wet area, with a brief summer, so the less time I have to spend outside, the better. Finding smoking wood is also difficult, but charcoal is always around.

[@davidsz69]

Loved the review of the smokers. Those street tacos looked amazing! Keep up the great videos.

[@joehildreth4227]

Good to see you back with another great video Rus. Great comparison on both LSG models. I have the LSG 24x40 which is awesome and I've checked out the IVS at the Lonestar grillz showroom and both their offsets and insulated smokers are top notch. I haven't made any fajitas on mine yet although I make them pretty frequently but you have made me want to do it now. Keep the videos coming brother this is the best channel on you tube.

[@johnjackson-pu3xo]

Love your videos, it has changed my grilling game, thanks Russ

[@johnthacker7483]

Glad your back..i was starting to suffer withdrawls.

[@dewayneandrews642]

Awesome that u hav the privilege of havin both Offset & Insulated Smoker ; but 4 me I wld want the offset.. Simply because I think that wld all that I need..I talked to u b4 bout purchasing a LSG.. I use to want the 24"×60" ; but I find that 1 wld be to big 4 me.. I'll be comfortable with the 20"×42"offset smoker .. I'll be primarily cookn 4 my family... friends come over sumtimes.. That Insulated smoker is nice ; but I already have a 14"wsm & I still want the 22"wsm.. U say that if u dnt feel like monitoring offset then u just load up Insulated smoker with charcoal & couple of wood chunks ,load up your meat(s) & basically set it & forget it.. I myself I can do that with my 14" wsm.. But in all i am really impressed with all of ur recipes that I've watched so far.. Keep up the good work Mr. Rus...KEEP REPRESENTING THE GULF COAST 🤙👌

[@sheldonthebutcherprospect4612]

Love all your videos , you have got the best cooking toys .

[@kevinmelanephy8007]

Russ, thanks for all of the great videos on your channel. I really appreciate your love of good food and the way you share your knowledge with others. Keep up the good work!

[@Kauthor1]

Great video and nice comparison into both smokers

[@Nanook6]

I'm kinda mad at you, Rus. I've spent the last two weeks painstakingly researching my next smoker purchase and had pretty much settled on a quality insulated vertical unit from another great company. I made the mistake of watching this video tonight. Now I'm all up in the air again! Man, you make that offset so tempting!!! Great video, and great channel.

[@Nanook6]

Couple questions on that firebox griddle: 1) If I were grilling burgers on that thing every week, how would I best keep it clean? 2) Would the griddle get hot enough to sear burgers while I'm using the smoker, or would I need to build a really hot fire to grill? I'm wondering if this unit would do both well, or if grilling would mess up my smoking and vice versa. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I just scrape off the food and wipe it down good like any other griddle, and spray a little canola oil on it afterwards. You can certainly use the griddle as a hot plate for beans or whatever while smoking meat, but I don't think I would try to sear burgers on it at the same time. I normally raise the fire grate up to the next level closer to the griddle when grilling and that would mess with how the smoker works, because while smoking, it is always at it's lowest position.

[@LittleBJT]

Rus, those look awesome. Love your videos.

[@rapinau]

Always great videos Russ. Super job showing the diversity of the offset with accessories. Also enjoyed the lesson on the inside outside skirt steak. Hook me up with the red gloves ; )

[@Polarzbek]

Looks so delicious. Glad you are back, love the videos!

[@15buckeye15]

That all looks good. The gloves too.

[@gvc56100]

Long awaited video Russ , thanks 2 great cooking smokers.... wish I had 1 LOL

[@bluecollarbbq7681]

I'm a fan of the insulated upright smoker, living in Wisconsin, I need the insulated smoker so I can cook in the winter months.

[@daddydutchbbq]

Thanks for the side by side comparison Russ !Love you videos

[@1marktanderson]

Offset for me. Easy decision. I’m sitting on 10 acres of oak and hickory But would love a cabinet smoker as well! 😎

[@rayguest565]

I have a offset , pellet and a Webber kettle. Just wanted to say great video.

[@dropmatty]

Russ, these tacos look amazing. Keep up the awesome videos!!

[@aliciadavidson5005]

LOVE street tacos!!! Thanks for the recipe Rus!! Ron said put us in the drawing he needs those gloves! LOL

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Hi Alicia! Tell Ron to watch the next video. This comment may just show up. You never know with these random picker thingys

[@sr175]

Thanks for the compare of the two!

[@brianbrown3609]

Welcome back. ..you were missed hope all is well

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Hey Rus! Offset for the Summer! Insulated for the Winter! Want to mention.......With my reverse flow pit......I have about a 20 to 25 degree variance from side to side. They're not perfectly tuned, So you do have some options with upper shelf or lower shelf placement or side to side. I really like the Offset Vertical designed Pits.....That's were it's at IMO! I NEED ONE!!! Someday maybe! \m/

[@Sharky762]

Welcome back Russ, those were some great taco's

[@brandondowdy509]

I'd absolutely go with the Offset smoker. Nothing like some smoked meats straight from the wood fire!

[@BrandonPowell]

Glad to see you made another video. I noticed you started slowing down a little bit. Hope your not getting bored with them. Hopefully this time around I can win a set of them gloves.

[@TheScamilla]

One of my favorite channels!

[@allenwray6595]

I would rather have the offset because there is alot more flavor that you will never get from charcoal. I have a off set and i use hickory and apple or hikory and a little maple with pork. Hickory and pecan with chicken. Great video thanks for your delicious videos

[@nokomisjeff]

Missed you and glad you're back

[@poisonious1964]

Great return video, I have the pit barrel cooker and saving up for the off set.

[@colt.38super70]

I wanted to jump through the screen of my phone and steal the taco Rus! Looks really really good! 👍👍

[@Bob.Loblaw.Bob.Loblaw]

You rock Rus! Please keep up the great work!

[@pauladams1112]

Great tacos. Those are some sweet cookers nice job. I prefer the offset

[@evdoby]

Nice video. Appreciated the explanation of the two smoker types. Oh, liked the Abom79 tee, too.

[@philipjosey9315]

Great video Russ! I enjoy them all.

[@EverydayBBQ]

Rus, that was fantastic! The details and information you provide on those units is professional grade brother! Those tacos turned out outstanding! I like both units although I think my next purchase should be an offset. I do like the “set it and forget it” capability of the vertical. Great shoutouts also! Both great channels! Jus Piddlin in particular I’ve been watching since way before I even started mine. He has a smooth mellow hosting presence like yours that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Thanks for sharing!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks so much Michael, I sure appreciate the comments! Yeah Sandy really reminds me of myself when I got started and he has come a long way!

[@j.j.gonzalez9586]

Good looking fajitas! I've had outside skirt once definitely can tell the difference in tenderness

[@kenallman3235]

Hey Russ I love your clips and information you provide .I am having a pit build at lonestarz should be done anytime . Loved how you covered the seasoning of your pit . I know it will bring me many good cooks . Keep up the good work

[@tangojoe9694]

Stick burner fan here, dig the offset life, that Lonestar is a great machine. This is a real cool video Rus!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I'm right there with ya Joe! Love my offset man. Thanks for checking the video out Joe! I always appreciate you brother!

[@jamiesaldivar7748]

Russ it's good to see you making videos this year missed you for a while Keep On Rocking👌🤘

[@georgefitzsimmons590]

Rus, great video. Those tacos look amazing!

[@jeremypuckett9533]

Offset would be my choice because you can do so much more with it. I'm a Mississippi boy to I'm from Magee love your show.

[@Jasonkeefephotography]

Would love to get an offset. I love being outside, tending to a fire. It's almost like therapy after a long week at work. Unfortunately gonna have to stick to my two kettles and pit barrel. Way outside my budget!!! Love your videos!!!

[@allenbraxton4384]

Great video. Lot of helpful information. Keep up the good work and recipes

[@MrCamOCam]

I go with an offset. I have the Stumps Insulated Gravity Smoker so I have the vertical smoker part taken care of lol! I’m a big fan of your videos!

[@gshpjb]

Another solid video Russ. Can't wait for my LSG pit to arrive!

[@ryanharrison2135]

Offset for the versatility but I would use the charcoal basket with the fan mostly. I wish you would keep the skirt steak secret. Man those are looking good.

[@timspangler4694]

Great job Russ!! Offset for me. Keep up the great job.

[@maortelman5552]

Love your channel. Thank you for the hard work

[@TheAubiewan]

Great video. If I had to choose I would go with the mini.

[@jamessteele1333]

Awesome tacos, I am considering the mini over the off set myself.

[@andrewstout9189]

The smoker review was helpful. Thank you!

[@peppertime1]

what an absolute great clip russ... respect.

[@HieuHuynh]

Nice too meet you

[@HatOnBkwd]

I love them both. But, my choice would be the offset smoker. It has more options, i.e. griddle, pot warmer over fire box, direct grilling, huge space to smoke various meats and I love tending the fire. Great video, Rus. Take care and I wish you good health. Until next time, Smoky Ribs. -Lisa (Mama needs a new pair of gloves)

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks so much for the great comment Lisa and I totally agree with everything you said! Doing the gloves drawing this weekend. I'll be fighting rain tomorrow but the show has been put on hold long enough. :)

[@zxzxJoKeRThEiFzxzx]

Looks super tasty, love your vids as always. Those gloves are awesome !

[@sebastianeisen2418]

Those tacos looked amazing! I own a stick burner too, as well as a Weber cattle where I can smoke using a minion ring but I always prefer sitting outside, having a cold one and look into the fire.

[@gregdutton6839]

Lots of great information! Thank you Russ!

[@HWhit9000]

I've been smoking turkeys on my Weber grill for a good 30 years. If I were to chose between the offset grill and the insulated smoker, I would choose the offset every time. I live off grid and to me, when it comes to cooking, I have to be versatile and the insulated smoker doesn't meet that requirement..

[@NoHippieBBQCooking]

They are both nice smokers. the beef looked perfect

[@Mickcotton]

Excellent Tacos Exactly how I made mine at my Super Bowl Party last year. Incredible. Thank You for this Great Video Cheers 🍻

[@reelsaltytx7351]

Another awesome video. I have a LSG 24x48. I am always trying to smoke something different. Love your channel

[@Rach2988]

Thanks so much. This answered my questions and exactly!!

[@valcomm5]

I love this video. The stickburner, to me anyways, would be the better route due to its overall versatility. However, if I did competition, I'd go with the mini. That stickburner upgrade with the wheels is also a major plus. It seems that it would be an added benefit for raising it up to grill in the firebox so you wouldn't have to bend over so far. The skirt steak looks killer. I'm really impressed with the quality of meat that you're getting from Matador. Them tacos are killer. Yummy. Glad to see you back, brother. Them gloves would be a welcome addition around here when I get my channel going again this spring.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks for the comments Russ and hope your doing good brother! Those wheels are a must have for me. I’m doing the random drawing on my next video

[@TheFlatlander440]

Great job on the outside skirt steaks Russ and I actually learned something new since I've never heard of the outside cut of skirt. Those tacos looked delicious and the skirt steak was cooked to perfection. As far as my choice for either smoker is concerned, I live alone here in northeastern Vermont, (yep it's cold here, lol) and pretty much only have to cook for myself so I'd prefer the stick burner. I already have an Oklahoma Joe's Highland offset so perhaps one day I'll upgrade to the Lonestar Grillz offset. Great vid my friend, thanks for sharing and cheers to ya!

[@petras311]

That looks amazing! Now I'm hungry at 6 am!!

[@edcope]

Great street taco recipe, Russ!

[@BBQPITDOG]

Hey Rus the offset is a winner!..... Smoker, grill and griddle in one. Just starting out with my Pit Barrel Cooker but someday that offset will be mine!!! Great tacos too!

[@Dylan_Miller]

Very cool video, thanks for sharing. I agree with your pros/cons. Two totally different smokers for two different styles of cooking. Personally tending to the fire and spending the day at home BBQing is both relaxing and fun for me. That's why I prefer a stick burner. That being said if I was smoking meat daily for a business and it was no longer for fun I would be using a cabinet smoker for those long steady temps.

[@Sleestak68]

Great job Russ! Keep up the good work.

[@hwatson231]

I prefer the insulated smoker because it saves time and you still get similar similar results as a stick burner.

[@Ronmacabeo]

Hey Russ, great video! I’m retiring in 3 months, and I’m ordering my new LSG offset smoker in several weeks. You’ve inspired me to check out LSG, and now I’ll be checking out all of you videos! Keep them coming!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thank you for the comment and enjoy your new LSG when you get it!

[@EricValor]

I am a California native and never noticed the tortilla ridges nor their significance (they never lived for more than a couple minutes before the chewing began...). Insofar as smokers, if I had a lot of separation from neighbors I would go for the offset because you ain't grilling unless you're turning wood to carbon and calcium - the dark and light portions of wood ash, respectively. Right now I think the Mini would be the better choice because I can't grill/smoke but my step-dad can and he loves to but he is creeping up on 80 and his days of hefting and tending logs are over. The set-and-forget option is highly attractive. Practical issues are a primary factor. You gotta try your tacos with marinaded goat - trust me you'll love it. One of my fondest New Year's was in a small coastal village in Michoacan, Mexico, staying with a family I got to know on surf trips. They invited me for their midnight New Year's Eve barbecue with goat marinaded in lime and sour orange with some family spice blend. Magnificent is an understatement. Congratulations on using corn tortillas for authentic flavor.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

The marinated goat sounds great! Any idea on the seasoning they used? Yeah the ridge is to face up when building the taco, if reversed it can crack the edges. A little tortilla etiquette I suppose lol. Thanks for watching!

[@EricValor]

No idea. I wanna say paprika but I doubt they see much of that in that village. They make a small living from fishing, oysters, lobster, and conch. I went lobster diving with them but stayed away from the pumped-air mask because the intake was right next to the open gasoline tub... The marinade had diced onion, garlic, lime, sour orange, salt and black pepper, and maybe some medium-hot peppers. Maybe there was a little brown sugar but the citrus made it hard to detect. I was also dealing with a touch of flu which showed up the day after I landed so my taste was all screwed up. I suppose you could try the bits I could identify and see how that works. You might want some hot sauce but down there they don't really do hot so much as a little spice with vinegar. I see Tapatio almost exclusively. Come to think, that might be what I mistook for paprika. I love your channel. You have the best barbecue action because your recipes are honest, pure, and aren't death-on--plate like some people who use everything store-bought and full of fat and sugar. I also have serious equipment-envy with all your fantastic toys. I wish I was still able to finish setting up the equipment upgrade I started at my old house with a big gas grill plumbed to my house gas and the new interior pro-grade gas oven/stove (the Sears kit the seller popped in was.. not the best). I would have gone wood outside but for proximity to neighbors and one of them next-door had a portable gas grill plumbed to his house that was just slick as snail snot.