Hey pitmasters — I am excited about this Smokeslinger Full Size review because it spotlights an honest customer story. BBQ creator Allan Kiezel of FattyButts BBQ uncrated, set up, and seasoned his Full Size Smokeslinger with Planchas, then walked through the design in real time. You can watch more of Allan’s cooks on his FattyButts BBQ YouTube channel. If you want details on the cooker itself, see our Full Size Smokeslinger product page or Get a Quote.
Watch: “The ONLY Grill/Smoker You Need! — Smokeslinger Direct Heat Grill Review” by Allan (FattyButts BBQ).
Why this Smokeslinger Full Size review matters
When a real customer walks through an unboxing and setup, you get the truth about design decisions. Allan’s commentary called the Smokeslinger a “Swiss Army knife,” and I agree — not because it tries to be everything, but because the core architecture makes direct heat grill, normal flow, and reverse flow smoker configurations feel natural. That is rare in one cooker.
Uncrating the Smokeslinger Pits Full Size
Allan showed a straightforward way to get the cooker off the shipping crate: remove the bracket bolts, lock the casters (two locking swivels in front, two straight in the back), and reinstall the bolts. He also installed the vents and door handles before rolling off to keep doors from bouncing.
Moving Your Smokeslinger Across Grass
For lawn travel, Allan laid down wood planks as track boards, then rolled the cooker along the path. With internals removed, the weight distribution improves and the move is controlled.
Planchas: Flat-top Cooking for the Smokeslinger
Allan’s unit included the optional Planchas (two pieces with their own drain ports), which turn the Smokeslinger into a flat-top for breakfast, smash burgers, or sauté work.
Bar Grates Upgrade for the Smokeslinger Full Size
The round bar cooking grates are now standard and included with all Smokeslinger smokers. They replace earlier mesh-style pieces and use the same grate size for both the top and bottom levels. That consistency makes swapping, cleaning, and rearranging straightforward while maintaining full cooking capacity on each shelf.
Baffle Plates & Heat Control: Direct Heat vs Offset and Reverse Flow Smoker
The Smokeslinger’s baffle plates let you switch easily between direct heat, reverse flow smoker, and direct heat vs offset configurations. Use the lower grate for delicate smokes if you want to minimize lid radiant heat.
Slide-Out Charcoal Baskets for Easy Refueling
The twin slide-out charcoal/wood baskets let you refuel without tearing down your grates and food. The included ash trays improve airflow and cleanup. Be sure the basket vent faces the front for proper intake.
Adjustable Side Vents for Airflow Control
Each side has adjustable vents. Open both for grill mode; close one set to force a reverse flow path; match them for even chamber flow.
How to Season a Smokeslinger Full Size
- Outside: Wipe with boiled linseed oil for quick polymerization and durable protection.
- Inside: Use a food-safe high-heat spray (e.g., avocado oil or PAM).
- Heat cycle: Bring the pit to about 400–450°F for a few hours to bake in the oil films. Handle linseed-oil rags safely.
First-Cook Tips for the Smokeslinger
Try a reverse-sear steak to test both direct heat grill and indirect cooking modes in your first run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this a true direct heat grill and a real smoker?
The baffle plates and dual baskets create distinct heat paths. Open for direct flame or close/redirect for smoker behavior.
How do I refuel mid-cook?
Slide a basket out, add fuel, slide back in. No grate teardown needed.
Do the Planchas replace a flat-top?
For most backyard cooks, yes — dual plates with drains give you full griddle capability.
Any tips for managing lid radiant heat?
Use the lower grate to increase headspace when smoking delicate items; save the top grate for rendering phases.
What oils should I use for seasoning?
Outside: boiled linseed oil (thin coats). Inside: food-safe high-heat spray. Bake at 400–450°F for several hours.
How big can the temperature split be side to side?
With smart venting and basket placement, over a hundred degrees of differential is possible depending on your configuration.
Final thoughts
Allan’s review shows the Smokeslinger Full Size is more than a novel idea — it is a practical, every-week cooker. If you want a pit that moves between direct heat grill, offset smoker and reverse flow smoker finesse, this one earns a hard look.
Explore specs and availability on the Full Size Smokeslinger product page or Get a Quote. Also visit FattyButtsBBQ.com and Allan’s YouTube channel for more cooks.
Keep your smoke thin and blue, and we will see you on the flip side!
