We decided to drive to Ponca City today. (98* temp with heat index of 107*). Left Tulsa at 9:30 AM and arrived at Cookshack at about 11:20AM. They have a gigantic production facility and warehouse about a block from the airport. We met with Karen Hoogendoorn who is in charge with domestic sales. They were busy, and the only PG500's were in production inside the plant, the demand being high. Someone had purchased the demo and it was gone. Also the PG1000's were either packaged for shipping or under construction. Soooo-- we took a short tour of the plant construction and shipping area. There were many packaged, electric smokers, pellet grills, and commercial grills of all sizes in this area. They have a very large commercial business and ship internationally. The commercial grills were very impressive. Rotisserie types wood pellet fed, and both stationary and even towable for catering or large outdoor events. Since Karen is in charge of equipment for home sales, we went thru that area of the plant and saw the assembly line for the PG500, and PG1000. Below is a pic of the pg500 that was being completed. Parts are precut on site, and fabricated, welded by hand where nec. and then the rest are hand riveted, hand wired and completed on site. In other words, these are really hand made units, except for the electronics.
Some tech talk: The PG500 is all 430 stainless, and not insulated. The control is not PID but apparently very accurate in maintaining temps.
The PG1000 Karen says is made of 200 series SS? I think I would double check on that.
They also make 4 box like electric smokers for the back yard, that use chunk wood and produce very smoke flavored meat because of the slow smolder of the wood at lower temps. They range from $699 to $1899 and produce temps of 140* to 300*. These are descendent of their first products produced by founder, Gene Ellis and wife Judy in the back yard. About 50 years ago. Family descendants still own and run the company.
We enjoyed the visit but the heat limited my desire to take lots of pics. But below are a few. Lunch at Enriques Mexican was wonderful, it is at the airport a block away. Good food. Then a nice trip home.
PG500 under construction
PG500 ready for shipment (comes already put together, wheels and all)
PG500's ordered
Orders for commercial sized products.
COOKSHACK IS DOING VERY WELL!
Author
Topic: Puddle jumping from Tulsa to Ponca City for Lunch and Tour (Read 1778 times)