Some general questions

[jrkahuna]

I am new to the forum, but I got interested in smoking baby back ribs a couple of years ago when my wife bought me a very "inexpensive" brinkman bullet smoker for Father's Day. Needless to say, I love it now and I am looking to upgrade my equipment. After doing much research and due diligence, I have landed on the Backwoods smoker, and now I am torn between the Chubby and the Party. I was going to try to go the used route, but I would really like to have one for our July 4th shin dig and want to get one in time to have a test run before I have 20 people over.

My needs:

Cooking for family and occasional parties for friends of 10-20 people. I have thought one day once I perfect my craft, I might like competing.

The site claims that you can get approx 12 slabs of baby backs on a chubby. Is this pretty accurate in practice? Are they too full for good air flow? Has anyone routinely gotten 12 slabs of baby backs on a Chubby and if so have you experienced any challenges?

I am leaning toward the Party, but cost does weigh in, so I would really like to know what upgrades are indispensable and which are just "flashy". After reading the forum, it is clear that the diverter is a no brainer. But what about the upgraded stainless steel doors? How much more in performance can one expect?

Additionally, I have never used a Guru. Are they really worth it? If I hold off getting it now is it something that is easily added later? How much height is gained by the permanent/removable stands? Do the stands have casters? Last question, if I buy a used one, how difficult is it to add some of the other upgrades like casters, stand, Guru adapter door?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[RickC]

A party is your best choice between what choices you gave us. Always go as big as you can afford within reason.

12 slabs in a Chubby, ROTFL. No way unless you cut at least 3 bones off of each rack so they will lay fore and aft on the rack. On a Chubby 1 full size baby backs per rack, so 4 racks per load.

Heat diverter is a must.

Going to a funeral will write more later.

[jaskew82]

The guru is worth it, in my opinion but not required. It is very easily added later.

[jrkahuna]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I initially was going to buy the used Chubby from abangs, but when I got there and saw the brand new Party sitting in the back and after the great deal he gave me, I couldn't help but pull the trigger on the Party. So now I am a proud owner of a Backwoods Party. It was a long day yesterday, but it was well worth it.

I can't wait to fire this thing up and get it started.

On a separate note, I cannot recommend The Q Company enough. Andy was phenomenal to deal with and probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. He is knowledgable and extremely flexible. He didn't try to oversell me on accessories he didn't think I needed.

If I ever upgrade to another Backwoods, I will definitely buy from Andy.

[abangs]

Hey Jim! Thanks for the plug! It was certainly a pleasure to meet and deal with you as well! Congratulations on a great smoker!