[kingbrutis]

Man, there are a lot of nice smokers out there. Alot of junk also. Anyway, I sold my 60 T Bird so I could get a decent trailer. I'm having a blast at looking at all the different designs and nuances that make each setup different. I'd love a fec 100, but need some grilling space also. A big trailer smoker looks the part. Alot of trailers dont come with sinks or running hot water. Isnt that against health dept regulations? Does that need to be nsf approved? Also I was looking at Maricopa county licensing and it appears a catering permet is over $500 a year. Is that right? God, so many unanswered questions. If you know of someone selling, send em my way. I'm gona miss my T Bird.

[jmcrig]

That was a classic bird. There seems to be alot of quality smokers on Craigslist in the San Antonio/Austin area lately. Don't know if that's an option for you. Have you looked at the Diamond Plates'? They were offering some very good deals. Check with Mike.

[azkitch]

It seems like I gravitate towards the reverse flow smokers. Our sponsor from (Nearly) back home, Huntingdon Customs, makes some gorgeous units, but he's in Pennsylvania. But I'd road trip it with you, if needs be. I don't smoke, and only drink if ordered to or on competition Friday nights. I am, however, 55; therefore I do have an exhaust leak at times...

[kingbrutis]

How far is that from PHX? I have seen 2 useds fat 50's. One in TX and one in UT. I'm still concerned about the health dept regs. It really is fun shopping for something you love. One of my main reasons for trying to get a big smoker is I plan on doing alot of charity cooks. My family and I are so lucky. Thanks for the heads up.

That was a classic bird. There seems to be alot of quality smokers on Craigslist in the San Antonio/Austin area lately. Don't know if that's an option for you. Have you looked at the Diamond Plates'? They were offering some very good deals. Check with Mike.

[jmcrig]

It's about 900 miles to the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio/Austin area. They are really into stick burners over here. As I said, check Craigslist throughout Texas. With the time of year and the economy, there are some deals to be found. Like you said, half the fun is the chase.

[kingbrutis]

You aint kidding. I just did a search in San Antonio and there are 20 nice pits on CL. WoW.

It's about 900 miles to the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio/Austin area. They are really into stick burners over here. As I said, check Craigslist throughout Texas. With the time of year and the economy, there are some deals to be found. Like you said, half the fun is the chase.

[jmcrig]

If I can be of help, let me know.

[kingbrutis]

Sweet, I might need some scouting.

If I can be of help, let me know.

[azkitch]

B4 I nod off, Kid Curry has some sort of deal that'll search several CL cities at a time. You might want to get hold of that link. In fact, I may have it in a PM, or he may have posted it in a thread. I'll let ya know.
dk

[jmcrig]

The copy and paste monster got me. Lets try this link;


http://www.mwd.com/2009/08/best-craigslist-search-engines-search-multiple-cities/

[kingbrutis]

I usually use www.craigshelper.com  Its simple and fast.

[azkitch]

Well, shet my mouth...

[toys4dlr]

If you are trying to do this to cater.  I would suggest that you find out what is acceptable from the health Dept stand point and work back from there?? 

The biggest thing you are going to find is that you will need a commerical kitchen to work out of to do the catering thing, well legally.  If that is not available you will be working as a "Private Chef". 

Before you blow a couple grand on a cooker, determine the use and then find the one that fits that use.  Think not just cost, but ease of use.  How much do I need to babysit it.  For a commerical gigs that is important.

and once you find that perfect cooker, buy the next larger one. 

Good luck on the search.

[Jaybird]

That's the hardest part...coming up with the commercial kitchen. Might want to talk to Tom Duncan with Whiskey Ranch this weekend. He knows all this stuff.

[toys4dlr]

You got that right Jay.  It is easier in some cases to open a small Restaurant to get the commerical kitchen to justify the catering aspect.  I hear some crazy family in Anthem is doing that.