We do not like or recommend cheap offset smokers like American Gourmet. Yes, the sticker price is low, the big horizontal drum looks like your BBQ dream come true, and if you don’t mind spending time and money for parts, (not to mention ruined meat), you may eventually get one to work OK. But they are a nightmare for a novice and by the time you add your hours and out of pocket expenses to the cheap price tag, you may end up feeling penny wise and dollar foolish. We have a detailed explanation of why you shouldn’t buy a cheap offset smoker, in a nutshell they are hard to use and don’t produce the best results.
American Gourmet models are low on our lowly COS list. Even one step down from Brinkmann’s Smoke ‘N Pit which is the exact same smoker with better wheels. Some other brands in this price range offer features like a slide out ash drawer or heavy duty wheels. AGs are stripped down to the bare essentials. They have porcelain coated wire cooking grates, a small door on the side of the firebox to scoop out ash, two plastic wheels and an inaccurate bi-metal thermometer. This large, Deluxe model also has an adjustable height coal grate, chrome plated warming rack and front work shelf.
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