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!!!

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.

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!

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

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

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

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

Ай бұрын

Lol

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

@hojobbq

Ай бұрын

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

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

Ай бұрын

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

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

Ай бұрын

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

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

Ай бұрын

Reverse flow allows for use of the entire cooking surface.

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

Ай бұрын

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

@cbaur88

Ай бұрын

@@bigphilssmokers4035 Game changer, thank you!!!

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.

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

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

Ай бұрын

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

Damn it! I want one lol

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

Ай бұрын

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

Ай бұрын

Top to height of stack is about 6.5 feet.

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

@SmokeMasterD

Ай бұрын

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

Ай бұрын

@@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!

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.

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

Ай бұрын

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.

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

Ай бұрын

Not sure about this.

@blaction8774

Ай бұрын

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

How much for shipping? Awesome video.

@SmokeMasterD

Ай бұрын

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.

@MP-kl5ej

Ай бұрын

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

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

@bigphilssmokers4035

Ай бұрын

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

@mrheyz

Ай бұрын

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

@bigphilssmokers4035

Ай бұрын

@@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

Ай бұрын

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

All piping is stamped on the outside.

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

@bigtatergaming7583

21 күн бұрын

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