American Barbecue Systems - Pit-Boss
Here's something cool - best of both worlds in my book. Large enough for competition, and small enough for
efficient backyrad use of no more than a rack of bones or two.
Maden cook results here
The American Barbeque Systems, Model: Pit-Boss
I just brought this bad boy home from the truck depot. Here's some pictures. These pics are fresh - prior to
curing/seasoning/kicking a couple loads of fuel to burn off the manufacturing oils and goo and set a layer of nice
smelling cooking oil and smoke.
Who looks better - me or the pit?
![A boy and his pit A boy and his pit](images/me-and-my-q.jpg)
This thing has so many convenient design features in a compact package, hands down the cooker of choice. It
ain't exactly as sexy as a Klose pit, but let me tell you, the welds, workmanship, and usability are top notch.
A long time ago, I spent 10 years paid as a mechanical designer. One place I worked at during that time was
the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center or SLAC - Let me tell you, I've seen some dudes who could pull a real nice
weld bead.
The weldment beads on this unit are right up there with the best I've ever seen. Slag is ground down, and the
beads flow like butter.
![](images/sexy-thing-2.jpg)
Ummmm, I'm too sexy...
![](images/sexy-thing.jpg)
ditto ...
![](images/under-the-covers.jpg)
Look at the size of those racks. She's not half bad inside either!
This is a very user friendly cooker, very efficient, and very compact. Here's the deal - I don't make a
penny recommending American Barbecue Systems and you wont be pissed or feel
gyped if you buy one either.
Maiden cook results are in:
I did one rack of spares, 3 sausages, 6 thighs and two corn cobbs. That didn't come close to the capacity
of this compact cooker.
Aiming for competition quality ribs and chicken, I must admit, the rib bones were outstanding - some of the best
I've ever done including those done on the Weber Smoky Mountain bullet cooker.
I also used the firebox to grill, so I had stuff cooking in the front and cooking in the back all at the same
time. Not only that, but I cooked my bbq sauce out-doors on the lid of the firebox - came to boil in no time.
All in all, I'm completely thrilled with the Pit-Boss. I've got some work to do to make the trailer sutable for
safe, easy carefree loading, unloading and transport, but that's another subject.
After all, I could have opted for The Judge
instead.
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