Although I live in Texas, about the only cooker I've ever used has been a
Hasty-Bake. I have a Boomer and a Legacy, which is esentially the same
thing only newer.I've always enjoyed these units especially for their
versatility.The firebox can be easily move via a crank mechanism to allow
either grilling or smoking.

The one thing that was troublesome for a while - especially when I lived in
Colorado - was that the metal is relatively light gauge and temperature
stability not as great in some of the heavier smokers I've seen. To mitigate
this I've gone to placing a vertically standing firebrick on either side of
the bottom of the pit, then craking the firebox all the way down until it
comes to rest on the two fire-bricks. Then I build a small wall in the
middle of the forebos using several more fire-bricks.

This arrangement accomplishes two things: it assists in stabilizing the
temperature inside; and it makes for more effective indirect smoking than
the metal deflector that Hasty-Bake provides.

For those of you who use one of these, hope this is useful.

All the best,
George

Hello, Thanks for the info, there is one thing I'm not clear on , did you
arrange the bricks in an "H" pattern? I live in Chicago, and heat loss is
a problem in the winter. Also have you ever cooked a turkey in one, and do
you have any good recipes you are willing to share?

Thanks!!