American Barbecue Systems builds the best-performing smokers

A trip to visit friends competing in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in the early 2000s convinced a team of Olathe metal fabricators that they could build a better smoker that would make the process easier, more precise and more versatile. 

So that’s what they set out to do. Led by Mark Hillman, the group launched American Barbecue Systems in 2006. 

“It was initially just a concept that we wanted to create the world’s best barbecue smokers,” Hillman says. “We ended up developing a product that is more versatile, easier to operate and clean, holds temperatures better in all weather conditions and is built to last for generations.” 

Forged out of heavy gauge American steel, the smokers provide backyard grilling enthusiasts, professional pitmasters and restaurants with the industry’s best-performing, easiest-to-use and most durable smokers that are equally capable of grilling and searing with over-flame heat. 

Currently, ABS sells five models, starting with the All-Star, which retails for around $1,800 and is designed for backyard warriors. It has nearly 1,200 square inches of smoking capacity and a 288-square-inch grilling surface. The high-end Smokehouse model features 7,300 square inches of capacity with up to 12 stainless steel rotisserie racks, made for feeding dozens to hundreds of guests.

“Fuel options and grilling capabilities truly make our smokers unique,” Hillman says. “You can grill or sear on grates directly over the firebox on the back of our most popular units without having to adjust any components during the cooking process. The smokers are fueled by charcoal or hardwood, and a pellet feeder accessory can be added any time for greater convenience. It’s really the best of all worlds when it comes to cooking with smoke and fire.” 

The ABS Pit-Boss is the company’s best seller for backyard enthusiasts and caterers due to the ease of cooking perfection, which is achieved through an automatically rotating stainless steel rotisserie rack, ensuring meat is smoked evenly and efficiently.

Now on the verge of its 20th anniversary, ABS has gained a cult following in Kansas City and beyond. Competition teams 913 Barbecue and Abs of Squeal have both won American Royal accolades using an ABS smoker; Hayward’s Pit Bar B Que and Meat Mitch depend on ABS smokers for their restaurants; and insider sources claim George Brett has a stainless-steel Pit-Boss as his go-to cooker. 

ABS sells directly to barbecue enthusiasts and distributes through 26 specialty retailers nationwide. The company’s showroom (15612 South Keeler Terrace, Olathe) is open to the public during the week. 

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