If you’re a true barbecue enthusiast, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the taste and aroma of slow-smoked meat. And when it comes to achieving that perfect smoke, there’s no better tool than an offset smoker. When it comes to buying, the options are endless and Franklin offset smoker is one of them.
That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide pertaining all the details for Franklin offset smoker to help you choose the perfect offset smoker for your barbecue needs. In this blog, we will describe the Franklin offset smoker, its key features, pricing, construction, pros and cons.
So, grab a cold drink, sit back, and let’s get started on your journey to becoming a barbecue pit master.
An Overview of the Franklin Offset Smoker
The Franklin Offset Smoker is a beast of a smoker, but it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about smoking meat. This offset smoker is made of heavy-gauge steel and has a large cooking chamber, so you can smoke a lot of meat at once for big gatherings.
- The main chamber has over 800 square inches of cooking space, enough for 8-12 racks of ribs or 2-3 pork butts. There are also two smaller chambers on the side for smoking sausage, jerky, or other snacks.
- It has a side firebox where you build your fire, then the smoke travels into the main chamber. The offset design and thick steel construction help maintain consistent temperatures. You’ll have no problem keeping the temperature between 225 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for low and slow cooking.
- The Franklin Offset Smoker has sturdy wheels so you can move it around, but once in place, it stays put. The doors seal well to maximize smoke and heat retention. There are also multiple vents and a chimney to control airflow.
- While the Franklin Offset Smoker requires more work since you have to manually feed the fire, many pit masters prefer the control and authentic smoky flavor you get from an offset smoker. The only downside is that it can be difficult for beginners to master temperature control.
If you want a serious smoker for competition-level barbecue, the Franklin Offset Smoker is a great choice. With some practice, you’ll be smoking juicy briskets, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulders in no time. Your friends and family will surely appreciate all the delicious smoked meat!
Parts of the Franklin Offset Smoker and How They Work?
Features:
The Franklin Offset Smoker is packed with features any backyard BBQ enthusiast will appreciate.
- Two cooking chambers: A larger chamber for smoking bigger cuts of meat and a smaller chamber for hot smoking or cold smoking things like cheese, nuts or jerky.
- Adjustable firebox: You can easily control the heat and smoke by adjusting the air vents on the firebox. More air means higher heat, less air means lower and slower cooking.
- Built-in thermometer: An oversized thermometer on the main chamber lid lets you monitor the internal temperature without opening the lid.
- Heavy-duty construction: Made from quarter-inch steel, this smoker is built to last. The extra-thick walls also help retain heat and smoke.
- Large capacity: With 775 square inches of cooking space in the main chamber and 275 in the smaller chamber; you can smoke a lot of food at once for big gatherings.
Of course, there are a few downsides to consider. The Franklin smoker requires frequent attention to maintain consistent temperature and smoke levels. It also uses a lot of fuel, so you’ll need plenty of wood or charcoal on hand. And with its weight and size, this smoker isn’t very portable.
Overall though, the Franklin Offset Smoker is a high-quality, heavy-duty smoker that will allow any pitmaster to cook delicious smoked meats and more for years to come. If you’re serious about smoking and want professional results in your own backyard, the Franklin smoker is worth the investment.
Assembly and Construction: High-Quality Build
The Franklin Offset Smoker is built to last with high quality, durable materials, and sturdy construction.
The main chamber is made of thick gage steel that won’t warp or dent easily. The steel is powder coated for protection from the elements. The cooking grates are also made of plated steel, built to handle high heat for years of use.
- Powder-coated steel main chamber for durability
- Plated steel cooking grates resistant to warping and rust
- Heavy-duty wheels for easy maneuvering on rough terrain
Precise Temperature Control
A large charcoal tray gives you space to create different heat zones for smoking different foods at once. Adjustable air vents on the firebox and chimney give you tight control over airflow and temperature. A built-in thermometer lets you closely monitor the internal temperature.
- Spacious charcoal tray for creating separate heat zones
- Adjustable air vents for accurate temperature control
- Built-in thermometer for closely monitoring internal temp
Convenient Features
The Franklin Smoker has some useful features for convenient use and transport. Large wheels make it easy to move on grass or gravel. A front-loading firebox lets you stoke the fire without removing the cooking grates or meat. A grease spout collects excess drippings.
- Large wheels for easy transport on rough terrain
- Front-loading firebox for convenient adding charcoal and wood
- Grease spout collects excess drippings
While the Franklin Smoker requires some assembly, the high-quality materials and solid construction make it worth the investment for any serious backyard smoker. If you’re looking for an offset smoker built to last a lifetime, the Franklin Smoker should be at the top of your list.
Temperature Control
The Franklin offset smoker gives you full control over the cooking temperature. An adjustable air intake vent on the firebox lets you control the amount of oxygen feeding the fire, which in turn controls how hot it burns. More air means higher heat, less air means lower heat. It may take a few cooks to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll be able to hold steady temperatures for hours.
Smoke Generation
The offset firebox design is ideal for producing lots of flavorful smoke. As the fire burns, smoke is drawn into the cooking chamber, surrounding the food with its smoky essence. Wood chips, chunks, or logs are added to the fire, producing smoke that permeates the meat. Mesquite, hickory, oak, and pecan are popular woods for smoking. Soak the wood in water first to produce more smoke.
The smokestack on top also has an adjustable vent to control the amount of smoke in the cooking chamber. More smoke means more intense smoky flavor, less smoke produces a lighter smoke profile. For most foods, a moderate level of smoke is ideal, but you can adjust to your tastes.
Some tips for maximizing smoke:
- Use a water pan under the grates to keep the air moist. Dry air won’t hold smoke as well.
- Keep the fire small and smoldering. A raging fire won’t produce as much smoke. Add a few small splits or chunks of wood at a time.
- For extra smoke, throw some wood chips on the fire. Soak them in water first so they smolder and smoke more.
- Try different woods for variety. Hickory and mesquite are bold, while oak and pecan are milder.
- Add smoke throughout the cook, not just at the beginning. To get smoke-infused food, you need consistent exposure to smoke.
The Franklin offset smoker provides excellent temperature control and ample smoke generation for authentic smoked barbecue. With some practice, you’ll be cooking up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork like a pro in no time.
Pros and Cons of the Franklin Offset Smoker
Pros
- The Franklin offset smoker is very affordable and budget-friendly. For under $200, you get a decent sized smoker that can handle cooking for a small family or group of friends.
- It’s made of heavy-duty steel and built to last. The cooking chamber is porcelain coated, so it’s non-stick and easy to clean.
- An offset firebox allows for easy temperature control. You can easily raise or lower the heat by adjusting the air vents and chimney.
- There’s enough cooking space to handle a couple racks of ribs, a small brisket, or a dozen burgers at a time.
Cons
- The thin metal used means it doesn’t retain heat that well, so you’ll need to monitor the temperature closely, especially in cold or windy weather.
- There’s a learning curve to controlling the temperature. It can take a few cooks to get the hang of adjusting the vents properly.
- It’s not very portable. Once assembled, it’s meant to stay in one place. It’s bulky and heavy, that’s why it’s difficult to move around your backyard.
Franklin Offset Smoker: Is It Right for You?
For a budget-friendly smoker, the Franklin offset smoker works pretty well and produces good results. If you’re just getting into smoking meat and want an affordable starter model, it’s a solid choice. However, if you’re an experienced smoker looking for a high-quality model that can precisely control temperature for competition-level results, you’ll probably want to invest in a heavier, more advanced smoker. For casual backyard barbecuing and learning the basics of smoking, the Franklin offset smoker should serve you nicely without breaking the bank.
The Final Verdict
So there you have it, a full rundown of the Franklin offset smoker. As you can see, while it may require a bit more effort and patience to master, the results can be well worth it. If you’re looking for an authentic smoking experience and are willing to put in the work to become a pitmaster, the Franklin offset smoker should be at the top of your list. With high-quality construction, versatile cooking options, and unparalleled flavor, this smoker will quickly become the centerpiece of your backyard. Fire it up, grab yourself a cold one, and get ready for some seriously delicious barbecue.