My offset smoker rusted out mid-brisket, cheap fix or new firebox?

Last Saturday I fired up my old offset for a 14 pound packer and the firebox bottom basically fell out after two hours, ash and coals everywhere. I patched it with some sheet metal and high-temp caulk from the hardware store in Nashville, got the cook done but temps were all over the place. Do you guys think a $120 firebox replacement is worth it on a 5 year old rig, or should I just bite the bullet and look at a new smoker under $600? Has anyone else dealt with a rusted-out box mid-cook and how did you handle it?

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1 Comment

the_lucas1mo agoMost Upvoted

Firebox bottom basically fell out" sounds like a sign, not a fix. Slap a $120 box on it if you like playing roulette with your brisket again.