Thanks to the feed back of Smokesaurus and other members of this forum I have been recently investigating wood and charcoal burners that are made in the State of Texas within 200 miles of my home in New Braunfels, TX. Smoke pointed me in the direction of one such company, Texas Pitcrafters that makes a variety of grills and smoker located just North of Houston. The smoker/grill that I am interested in is the PM 75. The base price of this grill is $795.00. It is an extremely well made grill, excellent testimonials, and some very nice features. This grill comes with a second shelf standard; a rectangular fire box which acts as a pot warmer, 700 square inches of cooking space; weighs 275 lbs.; ash pans in both the firebox and main grill area; and a thermometer. An option that is of interest is and adjustable charcoal rack inside the main grilling area for $100.00 extra. There is no direct grill option for the firebox. However, a larger firebox can be added for more bucks. There is not heat distribution system as they say that the contours of the grill distribute the heat evenly. There are no discounts and the price out the door would be $895.00 plus tax.
The big brother to this is the PM 100 which is 1100 square inches of cooking space. The major difference between the PM 75 and the PM 100 is that the PM 100 has a larger firebox which also has a great under the pot warmer for direct grilling. The base price for this unit is $1100.00 plus $195.00 for the adjustable grate. Total price would be $1295.00 plus tax.
The cost of the transportation would be the cost of diesel fuel on a Chevy 1 ton with our flatbed trailer round trip. Or, it can be delivered for $125.00.
The second grill that I am interested in is made by Texas Longhorn BBQ Pits in Uvalde, Texas which is about 115 miles from New Braunfels. It is a family owned business. He makes all sizes of grills/pits including those that mounted on trailers. He has two very nice grills/offset smokers that I am interested in: the TL-11 which is a single lid grill with offset firebox, 16 x 32 inches for a 512 square inch grilling surface with a 16 x 18 firebox. Options include heat baffles for $65.00; thermometer for $25.00; and a heat distribution diffuser for $50.00 like the Yoder with small drilled holes progressively leading to larger drilled holes to the opposite end of the grill area away from the firebox. This unit is made of 1/4 inch steel pipe for both the grilling area and the firebox. The unit weighs 290 lbs. The firebox has a flat surface to be used as a pot warmer and there is an additional grate provided for direct grilling. No second shelf is recommended by the owner as it is too small of an area for a second shelf. The price of this unit is $589.00. The owner will give me 15 per cent military discount. The price to me would be 729.00 less 15 % or $620.00 plus tax Delivery would by $160.00 or I pick up the unit.
The big brother to this unit is the TL-20. It is also a single lid grill/smoker with firebox with the grill area measuring 20 x 32 or 640 square inches of grilling space. The second shelf (rib shelf) is standard on this grill. The firebox is 20 x 18 inches and includes a pot warmer and internal grate for direct grilling. This is also made of 1/4 inch steel in the grill and firebox and weighs 350 lbs. The base price of this unit is $779.00 plus thermometer, baffle, and heat management plate for $919.00 less 15 per cent discount which is $781.00 plus tax.
The purchase of one of these grills will replace my Char-grill gas grill and be used as a grill for high heat food. It will also serve as an additional smoker which I would like to "play" with.
I think that they are both extremely well made and have excellent functionality. I lean towards price and who is willing to give me a military discount.
For me, the issue becomes when examining low end to low end. The PM 75 is $895.00 versus the 16 inch Texas Longhorn Pit for $620.00. That is a difference of $275.00. The high end units: PM 100 is priced at $1295 versus $781 or a difference of $514.00.
Now, that you know what I know, I would appreciate your feedback and thoughts.
Thanks everyone, and have a great day!
Regards,
Ed
