What are the different ABS smoker models available?

American Barbecue Systems offers five primary professional-grade lines: the All-Star and Bar-Be-Cube for serious backyard use, the Pit-Boss for versatile rotisserie cooking, and The Judge and Smokehouse for high-capacity catering and restaurant needs.

Are ABS smokers suitable for food trucks and restaurants?

Yes. Our smokers are engineered for the rigorous demands of commercial use, offering fuel efficiency and consistent heat distribution essential for food trucks, caterers, and professional kitchens.

How can I join the ABS owner community?

We have an incredibly active Facebook community of over 4,200 members. It is a great place for new owners to get tips, recipes, and support from experienced pitmasters.

Why Buying a Smoker from a Small Manufacturer Is the Smarter Choice

Posted By: The Pit Boss, 7th July 4:36pm Category: All American Barbecue Systems Articles Smokers

When it comes to buying a smoker or grill, choosing a small manufacturer like American Barbecue Systems (ABS) makes all the difference. It’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience—big box stores offer shiny, mass-produced models with flashy marketing—but if you care about performance, durability, and craftsmanship, those units just don’t measure up.

At American Barbecue Systems (ABS), we believe that who builds your smoker matters just as much as how it’s built. As a small American manufacturer, we offer something the mass producers can’t: a deeper level of quality, care, and connection.

Here’s why choosing a small manufacturer makes a big difference—for your barbecue and beyond.

🔨 Real Craftsmanship, Not Assembly Lines

Mass-produced smokers are designed for speed and margin—not excellence. They’re made with thinner metals, rushed through production lines, and assembled with one goal in mind: cost savings.

Choosing a small manufacturer means choosing better quality and a better barbecue experience!

At ABS, we build our smokers in-house from the ground up, using laser-cut components and precision welding by professionals who understand the demands of real barbecue. Nothing is outsourced. Nothing is rushed. Every smoker is a result of hands-on craftsmanship and attention to detail.

🛠️ Customization You Can’t Get Off the Shelf

One of the greatest advantages of working with a small manufacturer? Flexibility. Big manufacturers offer a one-size-fits-all experience. We don’t.

We know that no two pitmasters are alike, which is why customization is central to what we do. Whether you prefer flat stainless steel racks, rotisserie systems, expanded cooking capacity, or a compact design for backyard use, we can build a configuration that fits your style and workflow.

Your smoker shouldn’t just work—it should work for you.

🔩 Built with Better Materials

Small manufacturers often invest more into the quality of their raw materials—and ABS is no exception. We use thicker, American-made steel to ensure superior heat retention, long-term durability, and better cooking results.

We’ve cooked in competition settings. We’ve catered events. We know what it takes for a smoker to perform under pressure. That’s why we use pro-grade components designed to last—and outperform.

🇺🇸 Supporting American Workers and Local Industry

Buying from a small, American-owned manufacturer like ABS means you’re not just getting a great product. You’re supporting:

American jobs
American steel
Local supply chains
A business that believes in doing things the right way, not the cheap way

It’s a choice that strengthens local economies and helps keep skilled craftsmanship alive.

🤝 Direct Support from People Who Know the Craft

When you buy from ABS, you’re not calling a help line overseas or getting generic advice. You’re talking to people who build, use, and stand behind the equipment. Whether you need setup support, tips on airflow control, or guidance for your first brisket—we’re here.

And we’ll still be here years down the road when that smoker is going strong.

👥 A Community That Cooks Together

One of the most unique parts of buying from a small manufacturer? The community that comes with it.

Our active Facebook user page is a place where ABS owners—from backyard warriors to seasoned pros—gather to:

Share cook photos, tips, and recipe ideas
Troubleshoot and swap modifications
Celebrate wins (and post-mortem the brisket that didn’t go to plan)

It’s more than just a group—it’s like a small town full of pitmasters who have your back. And that kind of camaraderie? You won’t find it with a mass-market brand.

🔥 More Than a Purchase—It’s a Partnership

At the end of the day, choosing a small manufacturer is about more than buying equipment. It’s about connecting with people who care—about quality, about their customers, and about the culture of barbecue.

At American Barbecue Systems, we don’t just build smokers. We build the tools that help people master their craft, feed their communities, and make memories around the fire.

Ready to Experience the Difference a Small Manufacturer Offers?

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter cookers and underbuilt grills, you’ve come to the right place. At ABS, we offer handcrafted smokers built by real people who care about barbecue as much as you do.

👉 Explore Our Lineup of Handcrafted Smokers →

American Barbecue Systems: Built to last. Built with pride. Built for you.