The Best Bargain Backyard Offset Smoker - The Blue Smoke Smoker

[@hulkhuggett]

When I got mine a lot of these upgrades weren't available. Heres my recommendations (or what I would do different): I got the top rack. I would not get it again, I don't use it and it's in the way, I store it underneath the bottom rack to keep it seasoned and out of the way. Plus, the brackets for it get in the way of refilling my water pan. I would get a second probe port on the firebox side. Most of my probes aren't long enough to reach the entire pit, so I keep my wires hanging out of the door and just make sure I gently close the door every time. I dropped the lid one time and broke some wires. But other than that, hasn't ever been an issue. I do have the stack damper. I would ABSOLUTELY get the stack damper, that is number 1 on the list. A must have! I did get the folding shelf. I would definitely get that again. That is #2 on my list. I usually don't fold it down, but it really helped getting it through my gate and when transporting it. Clear coat wasn't option when I got mine. I would get that. I got the linseed treatment added. I would skip this one. I have to reapply it anyhow and it didn't come heated/burned in. I don't need or want a cumbersome cover. My pit is 3/8" thick. It can take a beating and will still be handed down to my unborn grandkids. If I had the room, I would get the trailer. In fact, that's the only way I ever see myself getting another pit is if I upgrade mine to a trailer. I would keep both temp gauges top and bottom. I like them for a reference, a back up if a digital thermometer fails, and having the second gauge also gives me a backup if one ever fails. I'm probably going to order the damper and see how that works. I don't think a removable water pan holder is necessary. I have the heavy duty casters. They work perfectly on concrete. This pit is moved aroud by grabbing the stack. So a foldable stack would most likely be a hinderance. A push/pull handle would be a nice option. I don't think people understand how BEEFY this pit is. I didn't. It is an absolute beast! It's massive and extremely heavy! Final thought, you need some kind of ash pan to put underneath your firebox when cooking. Ambers can and do fall out. I have a metal troth under mine that works perfect. I think I got it on Amazon or Tractor Supply. Hope that helps.

[@hulkhuggett]

I have one of these. I learned about it from this channel. I have had many good smokers, Lang, My dad had a yoder, and some others. The Big Phil isn't just a great bargain smoker, I truly believe it's the best smoker I've ever used. It is an OUTSTANDING piece of equipment. HIGLY RECOMMEND IT!!!

[@billbryant1288]

Congratulations on the growth of your channel! Looking forward to more hands-on reviews!

[@paulterronez2839]

I have a BSS 24x60, it's awesome. I added the scoop baffle before they started putting holes in it, it works well. I should have gotten a counter weight on the cook chamber door because it's heavy. Also, a grease drain is a good option, get it threaded to add a ball valve.

[@hojobbq]

The holes make a big difference on the baffle - I have been running one for about a year - after a few cooks I put some holes in my baffle and it keeps temps pretty even tip to tip

[@MikelHodgson]

Really looking forward to the review of the one you’re getting. They are one of the top contenders for my backyard!

[@crazymonkey9611]

Oh I cannot wait for those videos. I’ve whined to you before that I wanted a WHP, but because of the cost increases, I don’t think I can afford one anymore. But I am very interested in the blue smoke smoker. I did spend about an hour with big Phil and he showed me his shop and talked me through the process. I definitely think I’m leaning that direction and your videos will help me lock in the decision. What would also help me lock in the decision is if big Phil would send ME one of those smokers!

[@SmokeMasterD]

Lol

[@robemanuel1087]

Great video! I have a Blue Smoke with several of these options and more. I was able to add a 1" ball valve & grease bucket hander, both relocated to the stack end of my smoker to leave my wood rack clear, as well as a removeable pull handle. The pull handle works great but I would not get it again unless you plan to move the smoker around regularly. I'd also skip the top rack and water pan stand. My upgrades priority would be: stack damper, clear coat, foldable shelf, and probe port x 2 (one for each end). I'd also seriously consider spending a little more for 60" length, and if you can afford the cart upgrade seems well worth it for the mobility. If getting a cart model I'd add a folding stack. Phil will also do an insulated firebox, which has pros and cons. Finally, although these smokers can definitely take the abuse a cover is a good investment, and if you want to go through the trouble of putting in all the measurements and such you can save a bit and buy it direct from Covers Unlimited. Phil is great and makes a great product, 10/10 would buy again (and plan to lol). Thanks for the great video!

[@cbaur88]

I absolutely love the the look of Blue Smoke Smokers, looking forward to a review and actually seeing it in action. Thanks for the video! I reached out to Blue Smoke as I'd love to own one. $1 per mile is the shipping cost, that's about $1,400 in shipping to me up here in NJ, OUCH!

[@bigphilssmokers4035]

we can ship it via freight company for half the cost now.

[@cbaur88]

@@bigphilssmokers4035 Game changer, thank you!!!

[@commishg]

In the backyard offset market, many brands lose as much as a third of the cooking grate to the hotspot. But Big Phil has virtually eliminated the hotspot with his scoop baffle. I think you will really like his smoker, and I am glad to see you get this field testing opportunity.

[@mikecoughlin4128]

Reverse flow allows for use of the entire cooking surface.

[@wardad5628]

I would love to get one of these removable baffles for my Yoder Wichita!

[@jsdtx]

Big Phil has really created an excellent smoker that is reasonably priced to the backyard. Easy to reach company with excellent customer service. This pit is a tried and true offset that has been tweaked to optimize ease of use. Of course, his Big Phil line is slightly nicer, you cannot go wrong with the Blue Smoke smoker.

[@markbuser725]

🚧 I want you thank you for bringing me the information about blue smoke smokers, I’m a Navy veteran and I’m getting ready to order our build me a smoker but I’m disabled so I can’t handle tools like I used to, I am going to look up blue smoke smokers and get ready to order me one and I’m very happy with what I’ve seen because the only person I was seen was out in Tyler, Texas, and it was gonna be way more expensive

[@HansenMath]

Looking forward to cook video! Would love to see what the fire looks like trying to maintain 200, 250, 300 - this is the element missing from almost all pit reviews!

[@SmokeMasterD]

We'll see. I usually let it fluctuate a little, but I'll see what I can do.

[@hojobbq]

Have had a blue smoke for over 2 years - great pit

[@hojobbq]

Look forward to your cooks on it - fun pit to operate

[@jrockitrocket]

Wow, this thing looks awesome! Can't wait to see your cook videos on one. Any word on the dimensions (length & height to top of the stack) and shipping costs? Curious about your experience warming splits on top of a rounded firebox. I've got an OK Joe's Highland with the hot plate and wonder how splits balance on top of the rounded firebox, and if pre-heating splits is even necessary on a smoker like this. Thanks for all of your comparison and informational videos!

[@SmokeMasterD]

I'll measure it (though I'm not sure if there could be a difference in the standard wheels and golf cart tires). Shipping will change depending on how close you are to Cado Mills Texas. If you call, I'm sure they'd tell you.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Top to height of stack is about 6.5 feet.

[@ralphalf5897]

I own a custom made Phil pit. I like it but I will say it came dirty inside. A lot of work to get all the metal shavings out. Clogged my ball drain for a minute too. Pretty annoying.

[@Pete-wb4my]

My bellfab pit arrives next week 26x48 2200, I think I’ll try and get a baffle like this one added.

[@dnortonames]

I have a Blue Smoke Smoker on order and am very excited to start cooking on it. I should have it by mid/late October. I spoke to Phil (phone works best). He was great, patient, and helpful. The scoop baffle was not on the website and he did not mention it when we spoke, but it seems like, from this video, that it comes standard. Can anyone confirm? Anyway, my options are: stack damper, probe port, water pan shelf, linseed oil treatment, pull handle (not on the options list on the website, but an available option---I think it was $50 extra).

[@SmokeMasterD]

The scoop baffle does come standard. Enjoy your smoker!

[@hardluk3]

I think I’d opt for the folding stack and buy a heavy duty tarp for the difference between the stack and the cover. I like fussing with stuff so I’d probably oil it myself. The prices seem quite reasonable from what I’ve seen.

[@RodStiffinton]

I’ve had one for 2 years. It’s a great smoker at a decent price compared to others. I can tell you the fold down shelf is useless when the lid is closed. There’s hardly any room cuz of the handle. Also the way it props up with that rod is so hard to keep it up. Barely touch it and it comes crashing down. So I hardly keep it up. Unfortunately, the scoop baffle wasn’t around when I got it. But I just ordered it for 100 bucks. I’m curious about it.

[@SmokeMasterD]

The new fold down shelf has a new design for keeping it up, but still has limited space with the handle

[@Isovapor]

Interested in possibly adding Phil’s scoop baffle to my 1975 to see how it performs. Cheers!

[@SmokeMasterD]

While that's an interesting idea, I'm sure JD would not like it after he put so much effort into getting the downward angle of the baffle where it's at (if you were going to remove the original baffle). It's ultimately your decision, though.

[@Isovapor]

@@SmokeMasterD I paid cash for my 1975 and I’ll do whatever I want. I love Ashley and JD. Every design can be improved. You will never know until you know. Cheers!

[@spkendrick]

other than features... fit and finish. does one smoker vs another affect the taste in your opinion ? i love the bellfab you recommended, craig was great to work with. ... but i was just wondering what your thoughts were. bell fab vs bluesmoke vs others you have. not asking you to rank them, but just wondering if you have seen taste differences as you have upgraded smokers.

[@SmokeMasterD]

While there may be an effect on taste, the main determinant is on the pitmaster knowing how to use his pit. If you learn your pit, that will affect the taste more than which pit you have.

[@Hooghan04]

Thanks for this! Really enjoy the reviews, I’m thinking about buying an offset. I’m in NC was curious if you have any used smokers you would like to sell.

[@SmokeMasterD]

The Bellfab might show up on Facebook marketplace soon. Keep an eye out.

[@pareloader5989]

I talked to Phil today and he told me that he has 1/4” and 3/8” thick tube or barrel material and he can make me any size offset smoker I want. I think that you’re wrong with blue smoke smokers using repurposed material. I may be wrong, but like I said I talked to him this morning. I am ordering a 60” offset smoker from him that’s 1/4” thick smoke barrel with a 3/8” firebox. Thanks for your content.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Hope you enjoy your pit!

[@closeaus88]

I think a hot plate is actually super useful for preheating splits

[@bryannall1981]

what's the diameter of the holes on the scoop baffle?

[@SmokeMasterD]

It's about 1 3/8 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter.

[@bryandortch]

I emailed them over a week ago and have heard nothing. I was ready to make a purchase buuuut, I guess I will look elsewhere.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Not sure about this.

[@blaction8774]

He will respond on facebook quickly but I don't think they check there emails. I know from experience as well.

[@MAP_LPC]

How much for shipping? Awesome video.

[@SmokeMasterD]

I have no idea. He's shipping it to me for free, but if you call, I'm sure they will give you a quote.

[@MAP_LPC]

@@SmokeMasterD Thank You. I just did. I also asked if they could build a scoop baffle for an Old Country G2.

[@MrSilvervw]

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

[@thefiremansmokehouse4811]

I understand you are getting a pit from big Phil. I’ve been entertaining the idea as well. Cost effectiveness. But what would you say between the blue smoke and the 1975. By the time you put some add in’s the price is fairly near. Just picking your brain. Thank you and great video.

[@SmokeMasterD]

Not an easy decision. The Blue Smoke Smoker is likely to be more cost effective, though it would be interesting to see if the bargain of the repurposed pipe diminished with the addition of more and more upgrades. I really like the scoop baffle, so I would probably go Blue Smoke today, but Workhorse has always put out a quality product. Hard choice.

[@mrheyz]

I have a Blue Smoke Smoker but that is a different design.

[@bigphilssmokers4035]

What different about it. Only thing we did is add the scoop baffle

[@mrheyz]

The chamber and door are smooth, one unit, no flanges or seam covers. Looks nice.

[@bigphilssmokers4035]

@@mrheyzthe door is flanged on the inside. This is also a 1/4” chanber and not a 3/8” chamber but still has a 3/8” Firebox. We did that to help with door weight.

[@mrheyz]

Looks good 👍🏾. Nice and smooth. I'm really enjoying my smoker. I cooked for my family. I cook, they eat and are happy. 😊 I would like to get the scope baffle. Thanks

[@NuarStanger]

Damn it! I want one lol

[@MattPike-bc3tz]

All piping is stamped on the outside.

[@Pete-wb4my]

My bellfab pit arrives next week 26x48 2200, I think I’ll try and get a baffle like this one added.

[@bigtatergaming7583]

Could you provide Bellfab contact? I been looking for it everywhere and keep getting metal work for trucks 😂