Smokeslinger vs. Liberty94: Best Direct Heat or Offset Smoker?

Hey BBQ lovers! At Smokeslinger, we build awesome smoker pits in Kaufman, Texas. Our customers often ask: “Should I get the Full Size Smokeslinger or the Liberty94?” We’re here to help you pick the perfect smoker pit for your backyard BBQ! Whether you’re into direct heat smokers for fast cooks or offset smokers for classic Texas flavor, this guide breaks it down. Let’s dive in!

Meet the Full Size Smokeslinger

The Full Size Smokeslinger is a direct heat smoker that’s like the Swiss Army knife of BBQ. Cook hot and fast for juicy steaks or low and slow for tender brisket—it handles it all! With two cooking grates (39 inches wide, 23 inches deep), you can fit 8 briskets or 16 slabs of ribs. It’s 700 pounds of Texas-tough steel, built to last.

Want to see it in action? Check out this YouTube review. The Smokeslinger’s temperature zones let you sear near the fire or smoke slowly farther away. It’s perfect for busy pitmasters who want versatility in one smoker pit.

Meet the Liberty94 Offset Smoker

The Liberty94 is a 94-gallon offset smoker, designed for classic low-and-slow Texas BBQ. Its firebox sits on the side, sending smoke and heat through the cooking chamber for deep, smoky flavor. With one rack (47 inches wide, 22¾ inches deep), it fits 5 briskets or 10 pork butts. At 750 pounds, it’s a reliable beast.

Curious about setup? Watch this Liberty94 seasoning video. The FlowTuner Baffle Plate keeps heat even, making it a favorite for traditional BBQ fans in the Smokeslinger Pit Owners Group.

How They Compare: Brisket Test

We tested both smokers with Walmart briskets to see how they perform. Our BBQ Pit Engineer, Frank Cox, cooked them with cherry wood and simple rubs. The results? Both delivered awesome briskets! The Smokeslinger gave a juicy, tender brisket with a bold bark in less time. The Liberty94 produced a smoky, slow-cooked brisket with classic Texas flavor. Want the full scoop? Watch our YouTube video below!

Watch the Brisket Test

Check out “Direct Heat vs. Offset Smoker: Brisket Test” to see the Smokeslinger and Liberty94 go head-to-head. It’s 31 minutes of BBQ action, published on February 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM CT.

Which Smoker Fits You?

• Full Size Smokeslinger: Pick this direct heat smoker if you love versatility. Cook quick steaks for weeknight dinners, smoke ribs for tailgates, or slow-cook brisket for big parties. Its temperature zones make it easy to switch styles, and it matches or beats offset quality for large cuts.
• Liberty94: Choose this offset smoker if you’re all about classic BBQ. It’s perfect for low-and-slow brisket, pork butts, or competition cooks. If you enjoy tending the fire and savoring the process, the Liberty94 delivers authentic flavor.

Both smokers outshine charcoal grills, pellet grills, or electric smokers for real BBQ taste. Built in Kaufman, Texas, they’re tough and reliable, with 4-6 week lead times.

Tips for Your Smoker

• Smokeslinger: Use dry wood for clean smoke. Set tuning plates to create hot and cool zones—hot near the fire, slower farther away. Add small wood splits for any cook style.
• Liberty94: Stick to small wood splits (2-3 inches wide) for steady smoke. Adjust the FlowTuner Baffle Plate to control heat. Add wood every 30-45 minutes for even temps.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a direct heat and offset smoker?
Direct heat smokers, like the Smokeslinger, cook with the fire near the meat for fast, versatile cooking. Offset smokers, like the Liberty94, use a side firebox for low-and-slow smoking with deep flavor.

Can the Smokeslinger cook as well as an offset smoker?
Yes! Our brisket test showed the Smokeslinger matches or beats the Liberty94 for juiciness and bark, often in less time, making it great for most backyard pitmasters.

How long does it take to get a Smokeslinger or Liberty94?
Both have a 4-6 week lead time, built to order in Kaufman, Texas. Order at smokeslinger.com to get started!

Get Your Texas BBQ Smoker

From Kaufman, Texas, to your backyard, Smokeslinger crafts smoker pits that bring real BBQ flavor. The Full Size Smokeslinger is your go-to for versatile, high-quality cooks. The Liberty94 is the choice for classic offset BBQ. Can’t decide? Visit smokeslinger.com to explore both and order your dream smoker pit today!