Choosing an Offset Smoker

The firebox is the heart and soul of an offset smoker. Mastering the craft of fire management for great barbecue requires many hours spent in front of a firebox, so it should not come as a surprise that every pitmaster eventually develops their own unique methods and style. There are books, videos, forums, and in-person courses entirely dedicated to teaching the art of fire management on an offset smoker; a summary of some key aspects are described here to provide context for our review of the firebox below.Firebox DesignThe design of the firebox for an offset smoker significantly impacts the ability of the pitmaster to manage a clean burning fire and the ease with which they can maintain consistent, uniform cooking temperatures within the cook chamber. There are many design variables for a firebox including shape, size, material thickness, insulation, door style and air intake, as well as how the firebox integrates to the cook chamber. There is no one-size-fits all firebox, and each s...