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Brinkmann Trailmaster 57″ Vertical Smoker Review

Brinkmann Trailmaster 57" Vertical Smoker

Discontinued

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 cooking grates plus hooks at the top for hanging sausage or ribs, Brinkmann’s Vertical Smoker has beaucoup BBQ 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.

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Product Information
Model:
Brinkmann Trailmaster 57" Vertical Smoker
Item Price :
299.00
*Price Subject To Change
Review Method:
Researched it from Afar
We have researched this product from afar by gathering info from the manufacturer, owners, and other reliable sources, with our BS meters on high.
Primary Function:
Grill, Smoker, Combination Grill and Smoker
Fuel:
Charcoal, Logs
Primary Capacity:
Large (about 68 burgers) : 1390 square inches
Manufacturer Information
Brinkmann

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.

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Published On: August 9, 2013
Last Modified On: August 9, 2013

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