Which is better ?

[Big T]

I'm new to site and I'm wanting to build an offset RF smoker. I was wondering what would be better a flat end pipe or a bell end tank. I've never used a RF smoker but it seems like the bell end on a tank would allow for better air flow. I've seen a them both ways and I didn't know if it was personal preference or just what was available, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[The Czar]

and I say its all about personal preference baby!!!

[Frank_Cox]

The bell end looks cool but really does not give you a set advantage to airflow. if you think about filling the cook chamber up with meat, any advantage you might have gained is lost. it is better to be flat in my opinion so you can cause more turbulation in the cook chamber which will also aid in a more even cook chamber temp and better smoke penetration. in other words you don't want the smoke to roll right to the top straight out of the BP Gap and then straight over to the stack and straight out....

[Big T]

Thanks for the input, I was leaning towards a bell end but now I'm thinking that flat might be the way to go.

[Joe D]

What frank said. Ive been debating cutting mine off.Unless you fab a grate to fill the domed end its just lodt cooking surface.

[Smokeone]

Flat ends for me.

[Frank_Cox]

Well, on the other hand, if it is already there then leave it. it does not hurt to have one. they do make great cowboy cookers tho

[Big T]

I have a piece of pipe that's 1/2'' thick by 26'' O.D. I'm just starting to get everything together so I'm trying to get some input from some people that have built a few of them.