That $400 offset smoker I bought off Facebook Marketplace was a total bust

Spent $400 on what looked like a decent offset smoker from some guy's driveway, but the firebox was rusted through after two cooks. Has anyone else gotten burned buying used smokers online without bringing a magnet to check for thin spots?

2 comments

2 Comments

jesse_west16d ago

Oh man, that's a rough lesson to learn! A magnet trick is smart but you really gotta poke around the firebox with a screwdriver too, rust can hide under fresh paint. If the seams look sloppy or there's any flaking on the inside, just walk away next time.

willow24416d ago

You ever notice how that whole "trust but verify" thing applies to way more than just grills? @jesse_west hit the nail on the head with that magnet trick failing, and it got me thinking. It's like buying anything used, whether it's a car with fresh paint hiding bondo or a house with a quick coat of paint over water stains. People get real creative with covering up problems just long enough to make a sale, and you really gotta poke around and check underneath. That screwdriver method is solid advice for all sorts of stuff, not just fireboxes. I've seen so many people get burned by trusting a clean surface when the real damage is lurking just below.