On Sep 15, 11:28*am, frohe > wrote:

> As TFM said, design is irrelevant. *I cook in a horizontal 55 gallon
> drum. *It's not the prettiest nor fanciest smoker you'll find; it's
> leaky and uses more lump than some would be happy about but I know how
> to turn out kick ass Q my family and friends love, so I'm happy.

I agree with you and TFM both. I really learned to smoke on a 55
gallon pit, and when you get a good one, it kills.

I babied my last one along for about 16 years, it was one of the last
years that New Braunfels Smokers was actually making smokers in New
Braunfels. It stayed carefully protected under the deck cover and was
coated with veg oil on the outside after each use.

It used as much fuel as a small campfire and required a fair amount of
attention.

But man on man, what a great product that thing put out. My newer
stuff may be more efficient and easier to use, but I don't think they
always put out a better finished product.

Robert