Shopping for a stick burner for the patio. Just want to smoke a single brisket or small amount. Was going to get an Old Country Wrangler at academy, but it's now Wrangler II. Not 1/4" metal, looks like 14 gauge, pretty flimsy. Do I need 20" chamber, or will 16" fit my needs?

16 should work for you, but I wouldn't buy a smoker from Academy, as you stated, it won't last long. Try craigslist, always some on there.

Just finished building mine a couple of weeks ago, got some 18 inch and 2 inch pipe from the scrap yard, cost me about $140 with welding rods, paint and all

nice little pit!

Nice build Mike

68 how much $$ are you willing to spend?

Tag. Considering this myself so I'll piggyback on 68rustbucket

Budget was 500, now up to 1k. Will swing by bucees in new braunfels today and have a look. Found a place in SA called jeffs backyard. They have a 20" x 32" with the smoke stack at grate level and 12" metal wheels for 1k. 1/4" pipe, this is what I was looking for. 16"x32" is about 750

Lyfe Tyme ... my son in law picked up a nice offset 20" dia double door with fire box at HEB (Katy/Houston) ... should be in your price range.

Thanks!
I'll look at HEB in New Braunfels today. It's across the hwy from bucees. Found another called Helotes Pits in Helotes. Has a square fire box with side loading door. Was looking for one like that.

Looked online closest HEB that has one is in Kyle

I have an All Season 24" x 20" BBQ Pit w/ Firebox. They sell for around $900. Very well engineered and easy to keep consistent temp. They sell them at HEB and Bucees'

I've often wondered about them, with it being such thin metal how would it be at holding a temp and how much wood does it take vs. a thicker metal.

I saw a 48x20 at NB bucees today. It's only 3/16 metal, but interesting baffle plate with 4 tuning vents under the grill

68rustbucket Pm sent

Got it
Thanks!

my bro inlaw builds these

Lyfe Tyme can't beat them!!

Picked up my new smoker today. Looked at 5 different places, the last place is where I made the purchase. Missed out on a lyfe time 20x40 double lid that sold last night. Also the HEB pricing is different in central Texas than the Houston area. More expensive here. End up with a Helotes brand pit, made in Helotes. 20x36 with square fire box, end load door, 2 slide out racks, and smoke stack vented at grill level. All 1/4" metal. The branding is too blingy for me, so I'll paint it black. Will start the seasoning process tomorrow. Thanks for all the input.

Sweet

Dang That looks like a goodun!

Nice set up, i can't wait to build another. I really like the sliding racks

stupid I phone

Like that design - I am looking myself, just having a difficult time on price and decision.