F.G.A.
(frequently given answers)

1. Where can I get parts for my Old Smokey¨barbecue grill?

Right here! We have every part your Old Smokey barbecue grill needs. At the moment, our online store only sells complete units. But you can contact us for all other items including replacement parts. We take MasterCard and VISA. Or, email us for the store nearest you. (back)

2. Can I buy directly from your company?

Yes, we sell a lot of products through our retail division. We accept MasterCard and VISA and ship via UPS.(back)

3. What other products do you sell?

You'll want to try our Old Smokey Electric Smoker. This special item works a little differently than a charcoal grill. It's electric! It has adjustable heat control and is best used for turkeys, roasts, briskets, and other larger cuts of meat. For hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs and the smaller cuts, nothing beats the Old Smokey charcoal grills. The well-equipped chef will want both! Also see our parts and accessories page. (back)

4. Have you really been in business since 1923?

Yes, and in the same location. Old Smokey¨ barbecue grills have become our mainstay since we introduced them in 1953. Before that we made stovepipe, coffee cans, beer cans, lard cans (don't ask), oyster cans, pails and washtubs. See the history of Old Smokey Products Company page. (back)

5. What multinational conglomerate owns Old Smokey Products Company?

None! The only way we can provide the service our customers deserve is to stay independent. Our customers tell us that we give the best turnaround time on an order they've ever seen. Maybe you've bought from companies where it seemed that your order had to go through the "Bi-Weekly Order Approval Committee" first. That's not the way we do it here. Call us up, you'll speak to a human, not a computer. (back)

6. Can you enclose a gift card when you ship an Old Smokey barbecue grill?

No problem. We maintain a supply of gift cards for every occasion.(back)

7. What size Old Smokey barbecue grill do I have?

Old Smokey charcoal grills come in three sizes: the Small (#14), the Classic (#18) and the Jumbo (#22). The numbers 14, 18 and 22 relate to the diameter of the Old Smokey at it its largest point. So, to find out what size you have, take the top off your Old Smokey and measure across the opening near where the grill is. If it's 14", you have a #14, and so on.(back)

That said, keep in mind that the actual top grill where the food goes is a little smaller in order to fit inside. The grill for a #14 Old Smokey is about 13", the grill for a #18 Old Smokey is about 17" and the top grill for a #22 Old Smokey is about 21". (back)

8. How long will it take to get my Old Smokey barbecue grill?

Most of the time we ship orders the same day we receive them. If things get a little crazy we might need an extra day or two to get your order processed. We like to process and ship orders in a hurry so you won't need to pay extra for overnight delivery services. UPS usually takes 3-5 days to deliver an order in the continental U.S. (back)

9. What's the best way to start a fire in my Old Smokey barbecue grill?

We've had success with the round metal "chimney-type" fire starters that have an upper area for charcoal, a lower area for rolled up newspapers, and a grill in between. You can achieve the same effect, however, by crumpling a few sheets of newspaper and placing them against the side of your Old Smokey barbecue grill rather than in the middle. Then pile on some charcoal or wood chunks and light the paper. Sit down, have a cold drink and wait a while. Once the fire gets going really well, carefully redistribute the coals. We are not so fond of lighter fluid. It works, of course, but we just feel better knowing that we built our fires "by hand." Properly applied, lighter fluid is safe, and if you put it on before you light the fire and then wait a few minutes before lighting it tends to burn off completely and not leave any smell or taste. Remember, you should NEVER put lighter fluid on a burning fire - it's just too dangerous. If you get in so much of a hurry that you'd be tempted to add lighter fluid to an already burning fire, just go out for hamburgers and wait to barbecue tomorrow. (back)

10. Do you carry parts for other makes of barbecue grills?

Some of our products, such as the grills, have been known to fit other barbecue products. Call us and tell us what you have and we'll give you more information. Of course, we're going to take the opportunity to try to convince you to abandon what you're using and get an Old Smokey barbecue grill instead. (back)

11. Where do I buy your products?

Our main products are sold right here through our web store. But we depend on our retail stores for the bulk of our business, and we'd like you to try one of them if you can. Call or email to info at oldsmokey.com and tell us where you are and we'll get you pointed in the right direction. (back)

12. Can I be an Old Smokey barbecue grill dealer?

Our policy on this is: "We like to sell Old Smokey barbecue grills and we'd like to sell them to you. " We don't grant exclusive territories or anything like that, but our wholesale price is available to all, assuming you buy in sufficient quantities (the minimum quantity to get a price break is lower than you think). Many times customers put together a group of friends and combine orders to take advantage of the lower price. As long as you pay us, we'll ship you all you want and what you charge your customers is your business. Call us for more information. (back)

13. Where is your factory located? 

We are just north of downtown Houston, Texas in an area called the "near north side." This historic area was once known as "railroad country" because most of the residents were originally employees of the Southern Pacific railroad. Down the street from us used to be the oldest rail facility in Houston, the engine shop and repair buildings. Nowadays the near north side is a thriving and diverse area of town with a mixture of businesses, schools, factories, churches and families. Our office hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm M-F, though we're usually here later than that and often on weekends. Our physical address is 1620 Maury, Houston, Texas 77026. From the west side of Houston, exit I-10 eastbound at McKee-Hardy and turn left (north) over the freeway at Hardy. Turn right (east) on Lyons, and then left again (north) on Maury. From North Houston, exit I-45 Southbound at Quitman and turn left (east). Turn right (south) at Maury. From the south side of Houston, exit I-45 Northbound onto I-10 Eastbound and exit McKee-Hardy, then follow directions as above. From the east side of Houston, exit I-10 Westbound at San Jacinto-Main, take a u-turn under the freeway, then turn left (north) over the freeway onto Hardy, then follow directions as above. Finally, from downtown Houston, take Crawford north out of downtown (past the Minute Maid Park baseball stadium) and turn right (east) at Harrington. You'll see us. (back)

14. How long will my Old Smokey barbecue grill last? 

Every time we answer this question, we hear from someone with an older model. One old timer (about 80) told us, "I've got my dad's Old Smokey and it cooks the same as the day it was made." The key to long life for an Old Smokey barbecue grill seems to be to clean out the ashes after each use (wait until they have cooled! ) and keep your Old Smokey out of the rain. Much as we like to sell new products, we prefer that you get a long life and many happy memories from your Old Smokey. We make our products from aluminized steel which is practically rust free. There's no paint to burn off (leaving steel to rust seemingly overnight), nor is there fragile porcelain to break off. Our product is simple, sturdy and long lasting. We're proud to sell them, and we know you'll be proud to own one. (back)

15. Is there any food that the Old Smokey barbecue grill cannot cook?

We have had no luck making ice cream on the Old Smokey. Sushi doesn't do so well either. If you have any suggestions about how to do this, let us know.(back)

16. Is there any way to make the Old Smokey¨ barbecue grill better?

You tell us! We'd love to read your suggestions. Send us an email to info at oldsmokey.com. (back)