Smokers

Outthouse · Apr-18-2008, 08:28 PM

Anyone here an expert in which smoker to buy? I know absolutely nothing about the subject but want to learn.

mmasuhr · Apr-18-2008, 08:49 PM

Dude, just went through your same itch. I bought a Brinkman, but wished I both the Weber Little Mountain Smokey, trust me, it's worth the money. Great to tinker around with too. PM me and I'll send you a great site to help you begin the smoking/BBQ process.
Mike

FishStalker · Apr-19-2008, 05:53 AM

BBQ's galore has a great smoker called the bar-b-chef for about $250. It's an offset smoker. I've put quite a bit of meat and fish through mine.

However, I really want one of these

**gonsurfn** · Apr-19-2008, 07:04 AM

Not an expert, but i have owned a few smokers. I prefer the electric over the coal...much easier to keep an even temp. i think mine is a brinkman. My coal one would either be too hot or not last long enough...and it got frustrating. I love the simplicity of the electric one cause i am a simple guy...

FishStalker · Apr-19-2008, 07:08 AM

If all you are ever going to smoke is fish, electric may work. If you want something that you can smoke fish, chicken, ribs, pork in, you'll want a bbq pit (smoker).

I'd never trade my wood/charcoal pit for an electric smoker.

Temperature control usually isn't a problem if a) you learn how to build a fire and b) you learn the nuances of your pit. It's also easier to keep stable temps in the shade without the sun blazing down on your black, cast iron pit.

Husker Heaven · Apr-19-2008, 07:57 AM

Any type of off-set smoker is easier to control the temps than the cheap smokers you see at Lowes or Home Depot. Home Depot used to have one similar to the pic above for about $200.

Back home, converting an old fridge to a smoker is pretty popular, and gives you tons of room.

Blackjack · Apr-19-2008, 08:12 AM

Build your own. Look up ugly drum smoker or uds. Much easier to use than a side box. Much better results than a small weber of brinkman.

Here is mine, The Smokenator

Blackjack · Apr-19-2008, 08:16 AM

[quote=Blackjack;970054]Build your own. Look up ugly drum smoker or uds. Much easier to use than a side box. Much better results than a small weber of brinkman.

Here is mine, The Smokenator

Captain Scottie · Apr-19-2008, 08:28 AM

I have an "Old Smokey" electric smoker and use it a few times a month. It is by far the most respected electric smoker on the market and really low in price. I got a 20lb turkey in mine this past Christmas and smoked for 11 hours at 180 degrees. A major limitation is keeping the heat down and still getting smoke so I vow to modify mine and attach a smoke box outside that will allow smoke to pass into the smoker and keep the heat low. Also, the Old Smokey has a flat lid so all the moisture falls back on the meat... Here is a link: Old Smokey Products Welcome

Gil Marlin · Apr-19-2008, 08:33 AM

Depends on if you want to hot or cold smoke. I've been through all the kettle types, charcoal, electric and they work and are fine to start with. I now have a gas smoker with 4 racks and a front load door that I really like. It's easier to change the chips and maintain the temperature than it was with the kettle types...

Walmart.com : Great Outdoors Grill Co. 34" Wide Body Smoky Mountain Gas Smoker : Grilling

Captain Scottie · Apr-19-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil Marlin

Depends on if you want to hot or cold smoke. I've been through all the kettle types, charcoal, electric and they work and are fine to start with. I now have a gas smoker with 4 racks and a front load door that I really like. It's easier to change the chips and get the temperature back up than it was with the kettle types...

For example: though it was delicious, I felt that my turkey wasn't flavored enough. If I had cranked up the heat to get the chips going, the bird would have cooked too fast. Either way, whatever method you use will require some tweaking. Here is a great forum: Smoking Meat Forums - Welcome to Smoking Meat Forums!

Gil Marlin · Apr-19-2008, 08:49 AM

Hey, thanks for the link. Here's another site that has good info on brining.

3Men Fish Smoking Process

Captain Scottie · Apr-19-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil Marlin

Hey, thanks for the link. Here's another site that has good info on brining.

3Men Fish Smoking Process

Thanks, I bookmarked it. Now I know what to do with some of the Yellowtail I'll be catching in a few months...

okie man · Apr-19-2008, 10:50 AM

if money is not an issue get a brinkman, if it is get the propane one at lowes. smokey mountain series is the brand.i've had mine for 4 years and still works like a charm and looks like new after heavy use!

Captain Scottie · Apr-19-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okie man

if money is not an issue get a brinkman, if it is get the propane one at lowes. smokey mountain series is the brand.i've had mine for 4 years and still works like a charm and looks like new after heavy use!

And if money IS an issue - I noticed your last name is not Gates, Ellison or Jobs: How to make a Smoker from a Trash Can

FishStalker · Apr-19-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okie man

if money is not an issue get a brinkman

If money was no issue, you should buy a Klose or Gator Pit, both of which are made to order, by hand by American workers....

MJ151 · Apr-21-2008, 07:33 PM

Weber smokey mountain. I bbq all the time and and it turns out some fine eats. Will hold temp for 22 hour while cooking butts, in my experience. The Virtual Weber Bullet - For the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker enthusiast has the low down all thing Weber smokey mountain.

Cheers...

drunknpirate · Apr-21-2008, 08:34 PM

Go barrel your food will look like this and taste even better.and its cheap to make. If you have money to burn check out LANG SMOKERS or SPICEWINE SMOKERS

knotmyfish · Apr-21-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishStalker

BBQ's galore has a great smoker called the bar-b-chef for about $250. It's an offset smoker. I've put quite a bit of meat and fish through mine.

However, I really want one of these

Dang Charles! Thats one helleva smoker. I like the dual racks. Get the sauce mop!

scarecrow86 · Apr-21-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outthouse

Anyone here an expert in which smoker to buy? I know absolutely nothing about the subject but want to learn.

get one in T.J. @

adelitas

Genelie · Apr-23-2008, 07:13 AM

I just had to post a pic of my smoker, I got it as a wedding present. LOVE it.

romeo1 · Apr-23-2008, 07:24 AM

check out the "big green egg" - BBQ's galore.. its an charcoal ceramic egg.. ive had both charcoal and electric, the egg is it!!

Kurt · Apr-23-2008, 07:37 AM

I have the same one as Gene and it's awesome. it has a big ol temp gauge on the top that I can read from the kitchen or den so it's easy to know if it wants more stuff. Once you get it down you'll know the exact time and coal/wood it will want for each batch.

Kareem Korn · Apr-23-2008, 08:07 AM

There selling these down the street from my work. They had a rep out doing cooking demos all day long. If I can save enough money after my landscaping projects are complete I might get one. TRAEGER Wood pellet BBQ's and Smokers

mmasuhr · Apr-23-2008, 08:19 AM

MJ115 is right on. That website (The Virtual Weber Bullet - For the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker enthusiast ) is absolutely fabulous. The guy who started it is my buddy's friend and just was invited to Kingsford for some demonstrations. These guys are serious (not that the others on this thread aren't) about the BBQ and smoking. All you really need is something that will consistently keep temperature. The Weber Smokey Mountain does that very well. I wish I would have got one instead of my Brinkman (and probably will), just so I don't have to worry about the heat that much.

The Weber, also, will not break the bank. I think you can get them on Amazon for about $190.00.
My $.02

Kurt · Apr-23-2008, 08:24 AM

140 out the door

Walmart.com : Brinkmann 40" Smoke 'n Pit Charcoal Smoker : Grilling

shinerunner · Apr-23-2008, 08:27 AM

I just use a $39.95 brinkman charcoal smoker from home depot, simple compact and smokes em up goood.

Kurt · Apr-23-2008, 08:30 AM

ya but but but........ can it do this?

chad gee · Apr-23-2008, 08:54 AM

Damn Kurt, my condolences on your dog - I hope he tasted good =)

chad gee · Apr-23-2008, 09:01 AM

To get back to Outhouse Jon-
I am definitely not the expert opinion you were looking for, but...
Here's my smoker, which can be used as a smoker or a regular BBQ
I use it at least 3 days a week as a BBQ, and usually smoke stuff on the weekends
Got it at Lowe's a year ago. The main part is $139 or so, and the smoke box is $49 or so. Easy & reliable, just like a good woman
Have fun