On October 8, 2015, Brinkmann filed for Chapter 11 under the US bankruptcy code.
There was a time when the Brinkmann name appeared on line of serious smokers that were made so solid they came with a 75-year limited warranty! The Cimarron, Longhorn and Southfork smokers were built with tight tolerances and made with 1/4 inch steel. Turns out they were actually made for Brinkmann by the same folks who started Oklahoma Joe Smokers. If you want to get your smoke on with one of those classic OJ 1/4 inch BBQ pits, check out our review of Horizon Smokers. The same guys who made Oklahoma Joe are back in business with a new name, Horizon, and the same solid designs and craftsmanship that earned their stellar reputation.
Alas, the newer Brinkmann Trailblazer Limited Editions, like the current Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn, were but a shadow of the great smokers of yore. The basic design was similar to the classic 1/4″ pits, but quality, construction and, fittingly, the price were drastically reduced. The warranty dropped from 75 years to 1 year. Still, it is a step up from Cheap Offset Smokers. For about a hundred bucks more than Char-Griller or Smoke ‘N Pit you got an all-around upgrade: heavier construction, better wheels, handles and shelves; everything is a bit more sturdy. The chimney vents out of the side instead of the top for better air flow and a warming rack is built onto the firebox for cooking sauces and sides.
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