On October 8, 2015, Brinkmann filed for Chapter 11 under the US bankruptcy code. As of November 30th, 2015 they are no longer selling products, not accepting returns or exchanges, and not honoring warranties. It appears one of their biggest client, Home Depot, stopped ordering and that pushed them over the edge.
Brinkmann is known for super low priced cookers, made for frugal people. Quality and price are close to value brands like Masterbuilt, Char-Griller and Master Forge, but Brinkmann is a small step above and sometimes offers interesting and useful value added features. Brinkmann is one of the largest BBQ manufacturers in the United States, angling for the market of price driven rival, Char-Broil, but lacking that company's focus and innovation. They have a thousand and one models and some have merit considering the price, but many of their products are more of the same cost driven stuff with a different logo on the lid.
Brinkmann is widely distributed online and at brick and mortar outlets, including big box stores.
Brinkmann Trailmaster 57" Vertical Smoker
On October 8, 2015, Brinkmann filed for Chapter 11 under the US bankruptcy code.
The Brinkmann Trailmaster 57" Vertical Smoker is one of the few Vertical Offsets on the market. We advise readers to avoid purchasing cheap horizontal barrel offsets, but this inexpensive vertical smoker mitigates the basic design flaw of horizontal offsets: heat travels upward not sideways. The vertical smokebox allows heat and smoke to go where they naturally want to go: up and out the chimney.
With five round grates plus hooks at the top for hanging sausage or ribs, Brinkmann's Vertical Smoker has beaucoup capacity. The main door runs from top to bottom for easy access to all of the above. A water pan suspended in a round support at the smokebox bottom can be replenished through a small door in the back so you can keep the main door shut and retain heat. The firebox includes a cooking grate for grilling and a lid with a built-in warming shelf. There is one damper on the firebox and another on the chimney. Stay cool coiled handles are featured on the firebox lid and main door. Large Oklahoma Joe style wheels and a small grease cup under the smokebox are included.
Available online from Home Depot.
Price:
$299 Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), actual price may vary.
Where To Buy (Buying from these suppliers supports this website):
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2) Please tell us everything we need to know to answer your question such as the type of cooker and thermometer you are using. Dial thermometers are often off by as much as 50°F so if you are not using a good digital thermometer we probably can't help you. Please read this article about thermometers.
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