Oven Smoker/Grill POLL

[Gator Ritch]

I am referring to an Oven style Smoker/Grill like Cookshack, Backwoods Smokers, Stumps, etc.  We already have the Commercial REBEL.  I am talking about sheet metal style cabinet cookers with insulated walls, etc.  Smaller home cookers or Comp cookers.  

Feel free to throw your opinions out.  I would like feedback.  If you have experience with simlar cookers, share your Pro's and Con's.  I can use this in my design and prototype cooker.

Thanks, Ritch

[Zilla]

I would have to say yes.  These cookers are gaining in popularity all over the country.  It would be a good business move to offer more competition in that niche.  Furthermore, Gator Pit can offer some well needed improvements in the design and offer the finest quality oven cooker.  

[serialgriller]

i would have to say yes as well for the same reasons zilla mentioned.  i am somewhat confused however, as i thought the rebel was designed to compete with these oven/cabinet style cookers.  outside of steel vs. sheet metal what would be the differences in the new design?

[PIT BOSS]

Am I confused or isn't that the REBEL II

[whiskeynwine]

Trust me gentlemen, there is no sheet metal used in the making of a REBEL.

[Zilla]

Weight is an issue with this group of customers.  They want a one man rig that can work from the back of a pickup.

[Kevin_Texas]

Brother Ritch I would say yes.... Anytime you can offer something to a nich that I feel is growing would be great... I have had folks ask me if Gator made Stumps type of cookers. With the quality of work you guys do I think it would look awesome to see that little Gator logo on stumps type of cooker. Hell I might even get one for the backyard so when I don't want to fire of the Baby "K" Gator.

[totally smoked]

After seeing zman cooking all weekend on a backwoods..and I mean non stop...There is a market...what a machine...smoked escargot in garlic butter sauce...biscuts and gravy..wild hog in a blend of god knows what...on about 3 bags of char....over 3 days...yea..i'd look into it.

[Gator Ritch]

Well, I am planning on doing it.  I have already ordered the sheet metal fabrication equipment.  Should arrive this month or first of next month.  I do have some plans on paper.  I'll have to build my prototype and test her and probably do some tweaking before I offer it for sale. 

Guys, vote in the poll above this thread.  I put a poll up in case you didn't notice.  Thanks.

GS, can't answer with specifics on the design, but Zilla pretty much hit it on the head.  They will be constructed of sheet metal to lighten them up.  Whiskeywine has a Rebel and I do as well.  Fantastic cookers, but not one you want to load up and carry to a cookoff.  990 pounds of steel on the Rebel.  These new oven smokers from Gator will be under 200 lbs.  Not commercial cookers like the Rebel and other heavy Gators.  These will be competing with the Stumps, Cookshacks, Backwoods, and many others on the market. 

[bearbonz]

 Mixed feelings on this one. I ain't a fan of them foofoo boxes. To me they take away part of what bbq comps are about. These "set and forget" cookers, whether it's charcoal in a box with a guru or stoker, or an electric pellet pooper. They let people sleep..great, but I always figured that maintaining yer fire was part of the competitive aspect...aside from..what the heck is quiet time and why is everyone sleeping!?!?

 Now from a business aspect. There ain't no stoppin the popularity of these cookers and not everyone can afford or miss out having to save forever for a big ol stick burner. The affordability and portability of these units are appealing to the masses. They are big sellers and would be a smart addition..besides think on this...a box smoker that says "made by gator pits" not stumps, cookshack, etc..

[Kevin_Texas]

Mixed feelings on this one. I ain't a fan of them foofoo boxes. To me they take away part of what bbq comps are about. These "set and forget" cookers, whether it's charcoal in a box with a guru or stoker, or an electric pellet pooper. They let people sleep..great, but I always figured that maintaining yer fire was part of the competitive aspect...aside from..what the heck is quiet time and why is everyone sleeping!?!?

 Now from a business aspect. There ain't no stoppin the popularity of these cookers and not everyone can afford or miss out having to save forever for a big ol stick burner. The affordability and portability of these units are appealing to the masses. They are big sellers and would be a smart addition..besides think on this...a box smoker that says "made by gator pits" not stumps, cookshack, etc..

Well said Bear.. Especially the part about comps...

[Zilla]

Agreed but, business is business and if they can't buy it from Ritch they will buy it from the others so might as well offer it.

[Gator Ritch]

You are all correct in your comments. As a business man, I gotta keep up with the competition/market.  And there is definitely a market for these cookers.  Otherwise, you wouldn't have so many manufacturers making them.  Folks are buying them.  I will admit, these pits are not the heavy Gators we all love, but I can assure you they will be made with the quality of construction that Gator Pit is known for.  And I believe my design will make these Gators cook better than any comparable manufactures oven smoker.  I have researched many of these cookers and none have the air flow system that I am going to offer on this cooker.  It will be somewhat different in it's air flow from my Rebel and I am thinking about incorporating this design in the Rebel.  Baby steps first.  Gotta test it.  I WILL NOT put anything on the market that I don't feel 100% satisfied with and certainly something that I wouldn't or don't like to cook on myself.

With that said, get ready.  Gator Pit of Texas will have this new cooker out 2010.  

[Konrad_Haskins]

I've owned two Fast Eddie 100, one came with the computer controller and one I added.  The good was the computer controller, insulated and low weight. NSF and UL certification was a bonus.  Air flow made for the bottom shelf running hottest and top shelf running second hottest.  The bad included door latches that nobody not even the health inspector liked.  The door seals burned out.  It was picse to flare ups and grease fires even with good daily cleaning.  The whole electric/mechanical nature of the beast did not make it reliable.  I know many weekend warriors like them but I'm talking cooking on them all day and every day for a restaurant.   I don't own the FEC-100's any more. It would be great if your new one would work with a BBQ Guru or Stoker.

[Gator Ritch]

Konrad, either Guru or Stoker can  be used in this Gator, as well, as many other Gators.