Workhorse Pits 1975 Smoker Review
The Workhorse Pits 1975 Wagon with the new counterweight is one of the most serious backyard offset smokers you can buy right now.
This isn’t a hype review. I’ve used Workhorse pits before. I’ve run cooks on them. And after getting this one seasoned and dialed in, I can confidently say: for the money, this is hands down one of the best offsets in its class.
Workhorse Pits 1975 Smoker Review Video
Seasoning Process (How I Did It)
First step was washing out the inside to remove any delivery debris or metal flakes. Once dry, I coated the interior with cooking spray (you can use beef tallow, avocado oil, or any cooking oil).
Workhorse recommends seasoning at 275°F for 4–6 hours. I followed their exact guidance. The goal is letting the steel acclimate properly and burn off anything remaining from fabrication. After 5–6 hours, it was ready to cook.
Build Quality — The 3/8-Inch Difference
The 1975 uses 3/8-inch thick steel throughout both the cook chamber and firebox. That thickness is the game changer.
Most comparable smokers in this price range — including options like the Mill Scale 94 — use 1/4-inch steel. That extra 1/8-inch may not sound like much, but in heat retention and stability, it absolutely matters.
This pit holds heat. Temps stay mint across the board. Once it’s dialed in, it cruises.
Cooking Capacity
Total cooking space fully loaded is about 2,316 square inches. The main grate alone measures 47″ x 23 1/4″ — just under 1,100 square inches.
You can comfortably run four briskets or 8–10 Boston butts on the main grate. The top rack (40 1/2″ x 15″) is fully usable with solid clearance.
If you add the cowboy firebox grates, you gain even more versatility for searing steaks or finishing reverse sears.
Fire Management & Wood Size
Workhorse recommends 12–15 inch splits around 3–4 inches in diameter. After testing longer and shorter splits, that recommendation is dead on.
The 27-inch firebox handles those splits perfectly. Combustion is clean. The flow is excellent. And once the steel heats through, temperature stability is impressive.
Heat Distribution & Performance
Temps run even across the chamber. The draw on this pit is strong — maybe even too strong at times — but in a good way. It moves air efficiently and keeps clean smoke flowing.
This is not a pit you fight with. Once dialed in, it runs steady and predictable.
Counterweight — Worth It?
The new counterweight is about a $250 upgrade. At first, I wasn’t sold on it from pictures. In person, it’s absolutely worth it.
This is 3/8-inch steel. The door is heavy. Without the counterweight, lifting it repeatedly gets old fast. With it? Smooth. My wife can open it easily.
If you’re ordering one — get the counterweight.
Wagon vs Caster Model
If you plan to move it across grass or uneven terrain, get the wagon. It rolls surprisingly easily for its size. The handle drops down and the front swivel axle makes positioning simple.
If it’s staying on a patio, save the money and go with casters — and you’ll get the wood rack underneath.
Firebox & Versatility
The 27-inch firebox is massive and built from 3/8-inch steel. The butterfly vent gives precise airflow control.
Add the cowboy firebox and you can reverse sear steaks directly over flame. It’s versatile enough to handle low-and-slow and high-heat grilling in one unit.
Grease Management Upgrade
The optional ball valve drain makes cleanup easier. I did have to extend it slightly on the wagon model using elbows so grease clears the crossbar — but once adjusted, it works great.
How It Compares to Other Smokers
Compared to the Mill Scale 94, I believe the 1975 offers better value at the price point because of the 3/8-inch steel.
If you’re shopping in the sub-$2,000 range, check out my Old Country Pits Gen 2 review — that’s the best smoker I’ve found in that category.
But in the $4–5k range? I don’t think there’s anything close.
Is It Worth $4,000–$5,000?
Yes. Hands down, yes.
Even if this exact build was $6,000, I would still say it’s worth it. The steel thickness, temperature stability, cooking capacity, and overall build quality justify it.
This is a lifetime smoker. Something you can pass down. Something you won’t outgrow.
Who Should Buy This
- Backyard pitmasters serious about offset cooking
- Anyone wanting a lifetime investment smoker
- Cooks who want consistent temps and strong airflow
Who Shouldn’t
- Casual grillers looking for convenience
- Anyone who doesn’t want to manage real wood fires
- Buyers under $2k budget
Final Verdict
The Workhorse Pits 1975 Wagon with the counterweight is one of the best offsets you can buy in its price range — and arguably above it.
For the money, I don’t think it can be beat.
