How Many Chicken Quarters Fit on a Smokeslinger? Crispy Skin Guide
Want to cook a big BBQ feast? The Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker is your go-to smoker pit! In this easy guide, BBQ expert Frank Cox shows how to pack 25 chicken quarters on this Texas-built smoker and get super crispy skin. Watch his video below, try his tricks, and join our Pit Owners Group to share your BBQ fun!
How Many Quarters Fit?
Can the Full Size Smokeslinger handle a big cook? You bet! Frank loads 25 chicken quarters on the top rack, filling it to the max. “That’s a full case!” he says with a grin. The smoker’s two cooking grates, each about 39 inches wide and 23 inches deep, can hold 8 big briskets, 16 pork butts, or 16 slabs of ribs. For chicken quarters, 25 fit just right, perfect for a family party or BBQ contest.
To make all 25 cook evenly, Frank sets up the smoker’s tuning plates. These plates control heat from side to side. He puts small gaps over the fire baskets and bigger gaps at the edges. “I want it dead even,” Frank explains. This keeps every piece juicy, with no hot spots. The smoker’s design, built in Kaufman, Texas, makes it a champ for big cooks. Check out more at SmokerBuilder.
Setting Up Your Smokeslinger
Frank’s setup is simple but smart. He fills the fire baskets halfway with charcoal—any kind works, lump or briquettes. This gives 3 to 4 hours of steady heat. “Just add a small handful later,” he says. He lights it with a “Texas match” for even burning. For flavor, Frank tosses in cherry wood splits, about 12 inches long. “I got a pile of cherry wood,” he laughs, skipping hickory because it’s too strong for chicken.
The smoker’s fire baskets slide out like drawers, making it easy to add charcoal or wood. Frank sets the bottom dampers a third open for steady airflow. This setup keeps the heat just right, so all 25 quarters cook the same. Want to try smaller cooks? The Mini Smokeslinger fits 6 pork butts or 3 briskets!
Watch Frank Cook 25 Quarters
Frank’s video shows every step, from setup to crispy, juicy chicken. Watch it below to see the Smokeslinger in action!
Crispy Skin Secrets
How do you get chicken skin that’s crispy and juicy? Frank’s got the trick! He starts with young chicken quarters from Mace Supermarket in Cuba, Missouri. “They came in at 7 a.m. for me!” he says. No fancy prep needed—no brining, just good chicken. Frank rubs seasoning under the skin and around the leg. “Get it in that pocket,” he says, loosening the skin for flavor.
He disjoints the leg and thigh so they cook evenly. After a few hours, Frank flips the quarters skin-side down. “That fat is boiling inside the skin,” he explains, crisping it up while keeping the meat moist. Later, he braises them in pans, making the skin tender and bite-through. “It fell apart in my hands!” Frank cheers, with bones pulling clean. For extra zing, he suggests Blues Hog sauce, a tangy Memphis-style mix. Try more tips in our blog.
Why Smokeslinger Rocks for Big BBQs
The Full Size Smokeslinger makes big cooks easy. Its 700-pound steel frame holds heat like a pro, and the tuning plates let you cook 25 quarters without flipping too much. Frank ran the pit all afternoon while chatting and sipping drinks, proving it’s a “set it and forget it” smoker. “They were all dead even when we pulled them off,” he says.
The result? Juicy, pull-apart chicken perfect for sandwiches or plates. “We didn’t do anything special,” Frank notes, yet the meat was contest-ready. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or competing, the Smokeslinger delivers. See all our direct heat smokers!
Get Your Smokeslinger Today!
Ready to cook like Frank? Order your Smokeslinger at SmokeSlinger.com! With a 4-week lead time, your pit can be at your door fast. Contact us for a custom shipping quote—it’s often cheaper than listed. Fire up your BBQ dreams with a Texas-tough smoker pit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current wait time for my Smokeslinger Pit to be ready to ship or be picked up?
Our current lead time for Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smokers is only 4 weeks from the time of downpayment until your smoker is ready to ship or be picked up.
How Much Do The Smokeslinger Pits Cost?
The Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker is $2899 USD. The Mini Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker is $2199. The cost of shipping varies, and we can give you an accurate cost once you submit the quote form. The average range to ship the Mini or Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smokers to a residence with lift gate service is $350 to $799 in the USA 48 States. You can also pick up your Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker or Offset Smoker in person at our shop in Kaufman, Texas to save on shipping!
How Much Does It Cost To Ship The Smokeslinger Pits?
We make shipping as affordable and easy as possible. Our LTL Freight partners offer great prices to residential addresses, including lift gate service across the USA 48 States. Prices range from $350 to $799 for Direct Heat Smokers. Fill out the quote form for a custom shipping quote tailored to your address!
Can I Pick Up My Smokeslinger Pit In Person To Save The Shipping Cost?
Absolutely! You can pick up in person at our shop in Kaufman, TX. Just let us know when we speak on the phone, and we’ll help load your Smokeslinger Pit at no extra cost.
How Heavy Are The Smokeslinger Pits?
The Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker weighs 700 pounds off the pallet and 750 pounds on the pallet for shipping. The Mini Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker weighs 420 pounds off the pallet and 480 pounds on the pallet.
What Are The Dimensions Of The Smokeslinger Pits?
The Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker’s shipping dimensions on the pallet are 36x64x44 inches, and off the pallet, they’re 52x28x39 inches. The Mini Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker’s shipping dimensions on the pallet are 40x32x44 inches, and off the pallet, they’re 36x28x39 inches.
What Is The Cooking Grate Size?
The Full Size Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker has two levels of cooking grates, about 39 inches wide by 23 inches deep. You can fit up to 8+ briskets, 16+ pork butts, or 16+ slabs of St. Louis spare or baby back ribs, depending on size and trim. The Mini Smokeslinger Direct Heat Smoker has two levels of cooking grates, about 27 inches wide by 22.5 inches deep, fitting up to 3 briskets, 6 pork butts, or 6 slabs of ribs.
Can My Smokeslinger Pit Be Shipped To My House?
Yes! We offer affordable flat-rate LTL shipping to residential addresses in the USA 48 states, including lift gate service. For Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada, we can provide a custom shipping quote.
Can You Ship My Smokeslinger Pit Outside The USA?
Yes! Our UK partner, ProSmoke BBQ, can arrange shipping almost anywhere. They stock select Smokeslinger Pits at their main store.
How Does Payment Work?
When you order your Smokeslinger Pit, you can split the total into two easy payments. The first is a 50% down payment to start production, and the final payment is due in about 3 to 4 weeks when your pit is ready to ship. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments. Financing options are available—ask your salesman for details!