Old Country BBQ Pits Gravity-Fed Smoker Review

[@mikecheck1256]

Keep featherin’ it brother

[@machaf]

Back in stock at Academy for Home Delivery. Ordered one today even thought the $250 shipping hurts.

[@jeans3490]

“Ruin your entire day?” Whaaaat? False choice Jeremy. Offset makes my day! 😎🔥

[@dgarcia7768]

im with you on that👍 nothing better then an offset smoker😎. he must be a griller then a bbq pit master🤦‍♂️

[@sfmgolf]

I went vertical insulated for just that reason, I didn’t want to ruin my day at the pit. Even though when I cook I stay out with the cooker anyway! Always like your videos Jeremy!

[@tomchipego]

After your previous video I contacted Old Country. They said they are not selling these on their site only through Academy, which is fine. I can only smoke so long in PA , it gets too cold. I have a Old Country Brazos and I really like it. Im hoping this might be a fix for me during the winter months, and thanks this is another great video

[@jamesyoder4327]

Hey Jeremy thanks for taking the time to do this review I was actually on the fence trying to decide to buy or not.. well I have decided to buy ,they had a couple of them at academy in waco yesterday while I was there. Thought they looked well built and pretty interesting. And being a typical Yoder i love smoking meat. I'll let you know the out . Thanks again

[@11ORTIZ11]

Are you happy with your purchase? I'm trying to decide on this or chargriller gravity fed charcoal.

[@ToddMitchell62]

What's the verdict?. Would love to hear what you think of it after a couple of years of use.

[@1oldbluesheepdog]

I got a reply from a spokesman for this smoker 2-3 weeks ago. They should be back in stock at Academy in July.

[@jlaude2]

Do you plan on doing additional cook videos with this smoker?

[@patrickquinn1482]

I would recommend the Masterbuilt gravity fed smoker. It is only $500 and has a fan built in to keep the temperature right where you want it.

[@machaf]

Masterbuilt isn't even close to the same level as this Old Country. Masterbuilt is a thin gauge steel throw away. This Old Country will last a life time.

[@samuelsheff1007]

Thanks for that disclaimer because I've been looking for that Pit along with the Brazos with no luck.

[@benschreiner6445]

Awesome review and update. I wonder if Old Country and Academy realize how fast these are going to fly off the shelves once thier back in stock!

[@backyardgrillmaster2910]

at $1300.00 very fast. I would have to drive to Tennessee to pick one up, and I live in RI but I would for $1300.00

[@everydayafriday9132]

Would love to see what you think of the new Masterbuilt gravity fed charcoal smoker (560 and 1050)

[@jonjewell4385]

Love your videos! I had a old country pecos. I loved it and miss it. I had to get rid of it cuz of my wife’s health problems. I wasn’t able to maintain the fire on it. Any was so I got a pit boss classic and it does ok. But about a month ago I got a bit boss vertical smoker and to my surprise there is a lot better smoke flavor on the meat. But if I get a chance I think I will get a old country gravity smoker! Ty for all the information u share.

[@marcusmcbean164]

NIce presentation on the ins and outs of this type of smoker. Seeing other reviews of types out there I am truly leaning on an off-set.

[@michaelconnolly8998]

Really wish they would sell these through the OC Website particularly for those of us in CA.

[@RA-rf4nz]

I got a 22" Weber Kettle for $5 off Craigslist today. All it needs is an ash cleaning kit which I can get on eBay for about $20. Don't need a $1,300 cooker that makes a big mess on the ground. I like your videos though ... so I gave you a thumbs up! :)

[@juangloria866]

Jeremy, Thank you for this great information.

[@pibble3962]

Thank you for the helpful information!

[@mannvsfood]

Love how this smoker runs. I would love to see a review on the Lone Star Grillz Insulated Cabinet Smoker which is also a charcoal only guy.

[@thomascampbell9880]

Please do this!!!!

[@kerryhagen2781]

Have you heard anything more about this smoker? I watched a few more videos where they presented some problems with it and around the same time as that academy pulled them. This looked like a great smoker at an even better price. Would love to know if they are making improvements and bringing it back?

[@ryans381]

What are some of the problems that were presented?

[@scipioafricanus2071]

I sure do miss fed smoker^^

[@sequoit76]

thanks a ton for the video!!! can you do a video on the best home offset smoker?

[@rustylamb3421]

Got a LSG mini for that reason and love it with 2 kids hard to spend all day playing with fire but I would love to. Deffently get cleaner smoke flavor then i did with my wsm. That looks like a good smoker for the price!

[@TimboMcKay]

I know this video is a few years hold so I'm curious what your thoughts are now. I've seen a couple of your more recent videos and you don't seem to be using this smoker anymore. A couple of others have suggested this is a great middle ground between the flavor of an offset and the convenience of a pellet grill. Would you recommend this or suggest a Camp Chef or Pitts & Spits pellet smoker for the versatility?

[@woodbutcher5794]

Nice review, I appreciate your critiques of the OC, I have been wanting one of them. Like you say their supposed to be available around end of July. Thanks!

[@BourbonBladesBarbecue]

Let’s get a Pepsi challenge on some beef ribs using gravity vs offset...

[@rockthehouse2211]

So is this the best gravity fed smoker on the market? Which ones are better?

[@MonticelloCountryClub]

What’re some competitors to this gravity-fed smoker and would you compare some of them?

[@obaidajmal879]

Hi another great video. Can you tell me which is better the lonestar grillz vertical smoker or this old country bbq pits gravity smoker?? Thanks

[@njsurf1973]

Could you review the masterbuilt gravity smoker? Just saw one at my local big box store and haven't heard anything about it, good or bad.

[@juliewoods6534]

I am in a quandary. I have used an offset smoker for about 28 years. Because of my laziness in not cleaning out the ashes from the firebox the sides have rusted. I can get it welded for about 500 dollars. Other than that it cooks very good. It also takes up a lot of space. I don't really want to be charcoal dependent as I have a steady supply of free wood to use. Now that I have rambled on I guess my question is can it be used with just wood after the charcoal fire is at the right temperature?

[@ggruber66]

@jeremy I know this is an older video, but how would you compare this to either a Woodwind Pro 36 (roughly the same price) or a Woodwind Pro XXL about 40% less? Is the WW Pro more on par with with what you can get from a gravity fed charcoal?

[@juandoe7802]

What did you get?

[@ggruber66]

@@juandoe7802I didn’t. Still have my old Camp Chef. Had to replace an A/C unit.

[@khaledramadan862]

Hi .. how would this compare to other gravity smokers in your opinion? There a few other really good manufacturers like Stump's and Myron Mixon. There's also a really interesting smoker that I wish someone like you can review for us, it's the Pet Boss Gravity Pallet Smoker (series 5 or 7).. before all, thank you very very much for all the insights and amazing content you have been sharing with us.

[@martinarroyo1870]

Wish you could compare the old country gravity smoker to the Masterbuilt gravity smoker

[@mohammedmustafa3791]

Nice video. Do you have a video that shows how to install and use a temperature regulator like bbq guru?

[@johnmarshall2332]

Just ordered this unit, which controller would you recommend me , I travel with my food trailer and use it many places I don’t have cell service for simple things like beans, cheese, and short cooks

[@jasons5726]

Are these pits better for low and slow cooks, or hot and fast cooks? I'm opening a catering business and want to cook hot and fast so I can manage my time better. But I don't want to invest in a gravity fed cooker if they're not going to perform well for hot and fast cooks. Thanks!

[@prestonbuffington954]

Nice informative video Jeremy.

[@shannontomasini4488]

I love the offset smoker but now I live in Pacific Northwest (Puyallup, WA). Lots of cool, wet weather and wind. At similar prices which do you recommend, the Old Country Brazos or this gravity fed smoker?

[@spoobi3scooter828]

Sweet man

[@pkt976]

Only 5 cooks in but, I'm loving my Masterbuilt 1050. No it's not the greatest build quality, yeah the app sucks. However, it does everything you could ever ask of a cooker and does it well. Sear as well as a gas grill, smoke as well as any smoker. Tons of space. Convenience of a pellet smoker. Can cook using straight wood chunks or charcoal or both. Bought the upgrades from Luke on Facebook. Work well. If someone ever builds a high quality version of the MB1050 they'll make a killing.

[@JeffManes123]

Appreciate the info.

[@nickmarkham3743]

Technical question. . . Why does this kind of cooker produce better flavor than a WSM? According to your review, there isn't that much greater airflow on this unit, and both use charcoal and chunks. You even advocate adding wood mixed into the charcoal, which (may or may not) end up smoldering the wood like a WSM. I can understand why chunks in the bottom, lit on fire, would produce better flavor; but from what you advocate, that seems like it's not the reason. Any ideas?

[@rm5282]

Wood in the bottom that is ignited by falling embers would smolder more than wood chunks layered into the chute with charcoal. High quality lump will help keep your fire burning cleaner which will enhance the way your wood ignites.

[@29madmangaud29]

Hey Jethro,,, thanks so much for doing this. This is the Pit that interests me the most. When that Masterbuilt 1050 came out> GREAT,,, until Tommy showed the inside after just like 9 cooks..... how much "wear" he had.......so > NO: for the Masterbuilt for me! But,,, you, and Trendkill,,, both have this same grill. I'm on it , with this one,,,,, but I'll wait for a while,,, thanks again Jethro! Marcel in Yuma, az

[@BradleyInKona]

$95 for 12 gauge 304 stainless plates permanently solves the firebox problem on MB Gravity Series 560 / 1050. I knew this before I bought my 560. No regrets. It performs as advertised.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thank you for the review and information😎

[@alman3071]

Another great review But You forgot to touch on dirty smoke or clean smoke control for the Gravity-fed smoker in the review

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

That is a pit I really want to try.

[@KSULynch]

Do you think this could be modified to have a tray carousel/rotisserie? Looks like it's the perfect shape to add something like that.

[@glenmoss02]

Update? It's been 10 months since you posted this video? How's it holding up? Are the gaskets still good? Any change of heart?

[@akumaking007]

You should check out the Masterbuilt gravity series, they are half the price and seem to be getting pretty great reviews everywhere. Any thoughts on how they compare?

[@FirebrewTV]

Skillers Inc the Masterbuilt gravity is junk; great design, poor quality and support.

[@pkt976]

@@FirebrewTV support sucks, yes. I'm fine not using the app though. Thing holds set temp like a champ. Build quality was better than I thought it would be. No, not $1300 RecTec quality but, better than I thought. Bought the upgrades from Luke on Facebook which should extend the life some. Show me a more complete cooker than the MB gravity series? Can sear with the best of any grill. Smoke with wood or charcoal or both as well as any smoker. Convenience of a pellet smoker. Flavor on par with a stick burner. 150-700 degrees. I'll wait.

[@leeavirett1287]

@@FirebrewTV Take an hour and read the customer complaints against Masterbuilt and their lame responses to each problem with their new gravity feed grills. These grills have a motherboard and other electronic systems that can fail, similar to a pellet grill. If something goes wrong, their warranty can be a major issue according to the reviews.

[@thefireman2854]

@@pkt976 I am deciding between Masterbuilt and the Old country. I love the heavy duty quality of old country, I like the usefullness of the Masterbuilt and the grilling functions. I don't care about the APP either. Will be taking it to Mexico, so finding a E-board or fan and other parts which fail concerns me. I would pay double to traeger or Grilla for a reliable gravity feed with the functions and features of the masterbuilt.

[@pkt976]

@@thefireman2854 there's a huge price difference, huge quality difference, and only one can grill while the other can probably be passed onto your children it's built so well. If you have a grill or griddle and the space and wallet I'd get the old country. If you're looking for an all in one, lack space, and don't want to spend $3k I'd get the MB.

[@patsmartin850]

I've been looking for one of these pits for months, but can't find one. Will they ever come back to the Academy website?

[@11ORTIZ11]

Do you still own this grill?! I have an offset but I'm thinking of buying this or the chargriller gravity. Any suggestions?!

[@frankhernandez1495]

Good stuff, do you have a video on the smoke house ?

[@martyvanord984]

You should play with a slow n sear in a weber kettle. Fill with charcoal, fill the water container, add wood chunks, place your meat then comeback as needed. Great smoke flavor. Of course no where near the capacity.

[@jermaineperkins4765]

Man this is a great review. I just got the brazos, but I wish I saw this video before hand lol, messing with the fires is cool but most times i don’t want to devote my whole day to sitting out there lol….

[@CravingsWithCarlos]

😃😃😃I absolutely love this channel.❤️❤️❤️ I can’t wait until mine can grow like this. I’m a small cooking channel right now, yet, I’m working hard to move up in the ranks. When you find what you like, it is so therapeutic. Another great video. Please keep up the great work. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@leonardodivinci804]

Thanks for the information. A lot of features, but not crazy about the latches, the paint flakes in the chimney tube which means a lot of heat going up that tube and back into your charcoal, and, why can't they install their name label straight. Just saying. Any answers? Love the channel.

[@kenrodz3858]

Academy is out from all smokers!!

[@speedonsteel]

Since I cannot find this smoker what other gravity smoker would you recommend?

[@billcrockett4976]

@Speedo steel academy has them now. I’m in Texas and I have seen them in multiple stores.

[@supremebuffalo6322]

keep on featherin it

[@DarwynnCarter]

Hey Jeremy, I'd be really interested in your thoughts a year later (18 months). Do you still feel the same way about the product?

[@bikerblues16]

When are these to hit the market and be available for the general public?

[@Breakn28]

Whats the whole concept of the charcoal chute? I dont see how it actually works when its full...does it release a large pile into the firebox at first then slowly the hopper pile drops down? How does the whole pile not burn all at once? How is that even a clean fire if youre simply adjusting the heat with air intake and not fuel capacity such as the amount of wood/charcoal? Still doesnt seem like the answer neither if its not a clean burn

[@fly1327]

Academy told me they have supplier issues getting this in stock, I think coming from Mexico(?). Also, apparently they can't (or won't?) deliver to CA for some "global warming" reason this state saw fit to impose. So when they're finally back in stock, I guess it's road trip time in my truck. And yes Jeremy, I think installing a ball valve on the grease drain is a MUST. Nice review!

[@w.j.5973]

Fun is illegal in California

[@AndrewFromTexas]

OC is located in Laredo, Tx. Throw a rock and you are in Mexico.

[@chrisnash2154]

Perhaps you can do a comparison of this smoker to a Masterbuilt 1050? It’s a gravity fed with a built-in computer-controlled fan. It comes in at lower price, (bout 800) so the build quality is sacrificed with thinner walls.

[@matthewmoore856]

Like you ....I love ruining a whole day cooking on my offset smoker. Nothing better!

[@edpope6087]

By chance do you know the temperature rating of this smoker? I have looked and can't find anything.

[@alexandroortega7636]

Hey! So I like to get one, I have been looking for it for about a year now with no luck, do you have an idea of where I can get it? Thanks

[@cliffwallace5521]

I've heard that cook times in insulated smokers are drastically reduced? Is that true with this model? How do cook times compare to more traditional smoking methods? BTW, I love your videos and really appreciate the detail oriented approach you take. Keep 'em coming.

[@epegr1075]

Watch the videos of his actual cooks on the cooker. He does ribs, pork butt and brisket. He talks about answers to your questions in those

[@HVACRTECH-83]

Cook times can't be sped up with any type of smoker,time and temp is time and temp. Not sure what you read online but if your cooking at let's say 250 the cook time will be the same on any cooker. What insulated cookers have as an advantage is cooking in cold weather once you get up to your cook temp, it holds temp better and uses less fuel to keep it there. But nothing will speed up your cook except raising your cooking temp which in many cases is not welcomed for these types of cooks. So an uninsulated cooker in extreme cold weather may take longer in the end because the temp keeps dipping but that would be the only factor that would make it take longer but if you keep on top of it then you can keep your temps steady enough to not notice any difference. Hope that answers your question

[@TxnBBQ75]

How many briskets will it fit?

[@danielmoore4756]

Trendkill BBQ says that this pit takes a long time to heat up, especially compared to the MasterBuilt GF series. What have you experienced regarding times from lighting to desired temps?

[@billcrockett4976]

Daniel, yes it does take longer to heat up. After half of doz cooks I have learn a couple tricks to speed this process up some. I also added a IQ 120 pit master temp control which helped out a lot...

[@YachtControllerNL]

I build my own gravity smoker, and it takes about 90 minutes before it reaches the set temp, however, i think it’s amazing, really love these type of smokers

[@jaygerber2767]

@@billcrockett4976 Do tell. What are your tricks to speed up the initial heating process?

[@perfectman3077]

Can you use leave in probes with this smoker?

[@javierduenas9852]

Quick question a 4inch stem will work for Old Country BBQ Pits All-American Brazos Smoker?

[@gunsncars469]

You got me looking at offset smokers, my budget is a pecos. I live in Michigan. I was going to pull the trigger on having it shipped from academy sports but the pecos, and the Brazos shows no stock, instore purchase only. You seem to know the folks there, are these just on a backorder, or cancelled? Great vids I enjoy all the info I've got from your channel

[@travisritzie5322]

Couldn’t be happier with my pecos. I took the charcoal baffle from the bottom of the box and use it as a tuning plate, and took the grilling grate out completely

[@vitaliypeker6640]

I live in southeast Michigan and have one of those. I might be selling it soon if you’re interested!

[@2005Pilot]

Travis Ritzie looking at the Pecos myself - how long have u had it and how fast does it eat wood running at 250? Do u get your wood from Academy or from craigslist? Thanks

[@travisritzie5322]

Conrad M it depends on the weather really. Less fuel on hot days more on cooler days. I’ve had it since February. Depending on size of the split I can get 45mins before adding to the fire or so. I bought from academy for my first cook, but found some nice cheap seasoned oak splits on Craigslist

[@eriknealson4336]

Never a ruined day at the pit Jeremy. Always enjoyed with friends and family. The question I would pose is: Do you want to be an old school pit master or the plug and play type? I understand what the message is you are conveying, but if you make bbq more of an interactive experience with others rather than an exercise in isolation your day will be great. #realbbqdoesn'truindays.

[@thomaslahr9022]

This is spot on. I've taught my 18 year old son how to run our offset pit. He's really into it now and proud of having this skill for when he has a family. We work it together and trade tips and ideas throughout the day.

[@2005Pilot]

Thomas Lahr now That is Kool Stuff!! 👍

[@eriknealson4336]

Son is 12, daughter is 9 and they are (luckily) bbq sponges! So much fun with the little people!

[@rm5282]

@@thomaslahr9022 that's the way to the tradition going. Great work sir!

[@rm5282]

I know this is a year late but I enjoy spending time with my smoker. Sometimes we have to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life. My BBQ time is a leisure activity for me. I am not in a hurry and I don't need to multi-task. Well, I drink my beer while running the smoker so in a sense there is some multi-tasking going on.

[@donhgr]

I’m looking at a Stumps

[@joeh.6262]

Academy website still doesn’t show it

[@diggindiggenit6540]

I just got a 36" X 8' tank thinking of a reverse smoker build great show.

[@misinformationwithrandy]

I *love* my reverse flow. It's a little slower to get up to temperature because I have 1/4" steel dividing the top and bottom, but once it locks in I'm golden. Please share your build!

[@georgecutting4265]

%g:ggggttg%ggt%ggtgtggg%ggtt%t%gtgggtttgttg:tgggtg%tggtg%gtgg:tgg%t%ttg%t:g::gg::::::::gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg:gg:hhhhhghhhhhgt

[@tewlbocks3362]

@@georgecutting4265 I hope someone called an ambulance. Looks like someone had an aneurysm at the keyboard.

[@coffeemochafrappucino]

apparently they don't sell these on the west coast.

[@rickzabala6020]

What or who is considered a pit master?

[@flyrideeatdrink]

hey, i am having a hard time finding where to order one of these. trying to have one sent to switzerland. any suggestions there other than the academy page....? thx for any advise.

[@PANG_671]

What about there vertical smoker?

[@alexbessler1575]

I know this is not the intent of this smoker but Do you think you could use it As a pseudo offset smoker? by only using the wood firebox. I’d like the option to be more hands on if I’d want but not required too

[@JohnDavis-be1sj]

Maybe consider buying an offset smoker and then you can use expanded steel to make a box where you can load more charcoal in and turn that into a gravity fed style smoker that way. Just would need to layer the wood chunks into the charcoal. Watched a video of a Pecos owner a while back that did that and it seemed to work great. Getting a good wood fire on an offset is so challenging I couldnt imagine trying to do it in that little firebox on the OC Gravity Fed smoker.

[@brockula1372]

Sir! Where do you find this apron!

[@2005Pilot]

On a scale of 1-10 for taste, with offset stick burner being 10 where would you rate this? Also- have you noticed a difference between taste and smoke rings between traditional offset vs reverse flow offset? Thanks and... where has Randy been??!

[@HVACRTECH-83]

Honestly I would rate it the same. A 10

[@amirshaikh8347]

Can you do a vid on grab fed dailing it in Air in and air out

[@rickzabala6020]

Thanks for your review but more than a year and not available. You should have options. Much of my research suggests Master built which are low cost but hard core quality, I don't know. Talk to your Friends and have options for good quality insulated gravity fed smokers.

[@daniellipscomb7658]

Can you get this Smoker in the UK

[@llamawizard]

have you used the backwoods chubby or the G2? I was thinking of getting it since it's a water smoker.

[@Ryansbbqnbrew]

I have a backwoods chubby and love it. Very smoky and is very easy to use. Almost same smoke as my offset and half the cost.

[@wesbennett302]

I am having a problem finding a long stem thermometer. Any advice on where I can find one or maybe send me a link. Thank you in advance.

[@24Mangible]

Teltru on Amazon

[@soumynonareverse7807]

So I'm searching for a set it and forget it BBQ that is electronically controlled on which I can use big lumps? What should I get that combines with Meater probes? Also, what insolation is used in that smoker? As metal extends and shrinks it can't be a ceramic kind of material unless its gravel.

[@2005Pilot]

Most likely mineral wool

[@davidlutz6768]

Informative.

[@markweinsheimer9129]

why dont you ever use or talk about reverse flow smokers, such as a Lang ??

[@tomevans5458]

No Academy stores in CA and they don't ship to CA. Too bad!

[@desertqbbq]

Anybody know the actual size of the racks? Can’t find that info anywhere.

[@KingGeneral21]

How do you stop the 'dirty smoke' in this?

[@rm5282]

Start your fire with good quality lump charcoal and layer your wood chunks. I would suggest B&B lump because it come in smaller pieces that will not clog the chute. You could mix in some briquettes but I would only use lump to keep the fire as clean as possible which will help ignite the wood better for cleaner smoke.

[@yesmanmola4181]

Can u please do video how to Franklin bbq pork rib ? Please please please please ??

[@Bbq551]

I have a reverse flow that I built and have been thinking about a gravity feed option for it. You ever see anyone do this?

[@ericp2726]

To create more smoke on a pellit smoker all u have to do is change your P setting to hire number the hire the number the more smoke u create

[@jakerayos3656]

Where do you find a 6" temperature gauge

[@24Mangible]

Tel tru on Amazon