My offset smoker firebox rusted through mid-cook last Saturday

I was six hours into a 12 pound brisket for the neighborhood block party when I noticed the firebox floor just gave way and dropped hot coals on the ground. The thing is only three years old and I keep it covered, but I guess humidity got to it anyway. I had to hustle and move the meat to my backup kettle grill and finish it there, which totally changed the smoke profile. The brisket still turned out okay but had way less bark than I wanted. Has anyone else had a firebox rot out on them faster than expected?

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2 Comments

mila3954mo ago

Man, that's the worst timing ever for a firebox to go. I had a buddy weld in a replacement patch panel on his after the floor rusted out, but it only bought him another season before the sides started going too. Seems like some of these offset manufacturers are skimping on the steel gauge on the firebox.

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brian_kelly914mo ago

Makes me wonder if they're building stuff to break on purpose now, just like they do with phones and printers where the battery dies right after the warranty ends. Had a buddy's grill go the same way, firebox rusted through in under four years even though he dried it out after every cook. Seems like planned obsolescence is creeping into everything we buy, not just electronics.

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