Brantley native’s brand of smokers known around world
NAHUNTA — To residents of Brantley County, the name of Lang BBQ Smokers needs no introduction.
Founded by Ben Lang, Sr. in 1988, the business has built a noteworthy reputation for its unique reverse-flow smoker design.
That reputation has now received the ultimate recognition, as Lang has been named one of the four inductees to 2026 Barbeque Hall of Fame.
Lang began developing and producing the reverse-flow smoker from a design created by his father and grandfather, and has continued that business for 38 years.
In the official induction announcement, the American Royal described the design as, “The reverse-flow design fundamentally changed barbecue cooking by creating more even heat and smoke distribution in offset smokers.”
Lang gave a more detailed description of how the smoker works.
“The primary reason,” he said of the smoke distribution and flavoring of food, “is there’s a griddle that acts as a baffle plate to reverse the heat. But the griddle doubles, as a baffle plate first and foremost, and a griddle secondary, and the fat renders out of what you’re cooking off the wracks, and the food sears on the griddle.” He chuckled, calling the method “pure magic. The only way you can goof it up is you don’t clean it up.”
The small workshop, located along Highway 82 west of Nahunta, not only builds the smokers, but continues to refurbish them for years after purchase. The humble operation has provided smokers to countless clients from across the United States and the world.
This is not the first time Lang has been acknowledged for his achievements. He also was nominated for induction to the Hall last year.
Lang officially will be inducted at the American Royal barbeque contest hosted from September 30 to October 4.
Lang described barbeque as a sport.
“Barbeque is a sport, and I’m just excited to be a part of the sport, always have been,” he said. “I’m equally very excited about the fact it’s led us to the BBQ Hall of Fame.”
Lang didn’t take all the credit for this recognition, however.
“It’s a great product,” he added, “and it’s the only reason I’ve gotten to the BBQ Hall of Fame, except for God and my family.”
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