Advice for first smoker

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:39:59 GMT

Had I started small, I would have given up altogether. Some of the lower priced smokers are difficult to control or use which means put them in a corner of the yard and ignore, never to be used again.

That was the sentiment I received from a lot of my customers who never wanted to try smokers again.

Sometimes spending just a little bit more assures better results and a lust for the product and process.

It really works both ways.

Re:Advice for first smoker (manofschwa)

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:08:14 GMT

Foodbme

If youze guys paid attention to Lukez1122's ORIGINAL POST, he said, " I am interested in getting a small smoker to do a little BBQ here and there. Nothing major, just looking for nice tender meats done at home. Does anybody have advice for a simple easy to use smoker?
He's looking for a KIA and you're suggesting he buy a Lexus! Sure, a Big Green Egg is great, and maybe some day he'll want one but that's not what he's looking for right now!

Aside from the stem message, this may be the key posting in the thread. Luke1122 is wanting to explore the concept of using a smoker. It very well may be that after some success with an entry-level model, he'll want to refer back to the suggestions made throughout this thread. I suspect most of us started small, then upgraded to a more versatile and expensive smoker. In my case it was a very inexpensive water smoker which produced as good a brisket as many I've judged during KCBS events. Once hooked on the concept, I was ready to upgrade to a 1/4 inch steel Brinkman Cimarron that allows me the option to avoid charcoal altogether and use stove-wood sized oak, hickory or fruitwood (generally wild cherry and/or plum, and grapevine) harvested from my woodlot.

Luke1122 is at that enviable exploratory stage and about to discover a great hobby. Start small, ask questions, experiment, and soon you'll be offering us advice.

Re:Advice for first smoker (joseiw)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:06:07 GMT

I have only ever used an offset firebox type of smoker, but a regular Weber can be used as long as the source of the heat is indirect, by which I mean the fire does not directly heat the food but is off to the side. I recently looked at Myron Mixon's book and he advocates some methods that he calls "power" smoking that cooks at much higher temperatures than traditional, "low and slow" barbecue methods. The system then uses long insulated rest periods in which the cooking continues. I haven't yet had a chance to try this out, but it sounds intriguing and makes sense, and it works for him, and he's a BBQ god. His book or Smoke & Spice by Cheryl and Bill Jamison would have a lot of good advice and recipes for smoking/barbecuing. At any rate, its a lot of fun and gets good results, as fresh barbecue is much better than what you can get at the best barbecue restaurants unless you happen to be there at the time when the meat is at its peak. I get lots of compliments and recommendations to open my own place, but I always tell folks that I don't want to work that hard, and it is hard work.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:20:51 GMT

mar52

That would be interesting. They should make it so they could sell adapter kits to those that already own the charcoal, water style.

You should email them and suggest that. They pay attention to emails. That's how I found out about the electric Smoker.

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:15:27 GMT

That would be interesting. They should make it so they could sell adapter kits to those that already own the charcoal, water style.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:04:04 GMT

mar52

This is a fairly old thread, but not too old. They are just being bumped by the Spammer.

The Brinkman doesn't hold the heat as well as the WSM because it's made of a thinner guage metal and the gaps aren't addressed as well as with the WEber. Weber cares and has a huge following.

I'm waiting for Weber to bring out an ELECTRIC SM Grill! I understand they're working on it!

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:48:01 GMT

This is a fairly old thread, but not too old. They are just being bumped by the Spammer.

The Brinkman doesn't hold the heat as well as the WSM because it's made of a thinner guage metal and the gaps aren't addressed as well as with the WEber. Weber cares and has a huge following.

Re:Advice for first smoker (ChicagoIrish)

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:04:32 GMT

If you're going to SPAM, at least put some thought into it...

I have a Brinkman similar to the Weber Smoky Mountain, about half the price (or so) and while it is fine for me. I have to say that it's ability to hold temps as precisely as a WSM isn't there. Over a 8-10 hour smoke it's fine, but if you want to do chicken/parts or ribs the Weber might be a better choice. Not sure why my Brinkman, which is like a WSM clone, doesn't hold more precise temps but thats what it is. I do chicken and ribs on it, and have had great success now that I "know" it, but for beginners probably not the right choice. Adding this since the OP hasn't been around so adding my 2 cents as if its a general smoking topic. Would love a BGE if anyone wants to donate! ;)

Re:Advice for first smoker (Lost Nation)

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:19:45 GMT

The best bang for the buck is a Webber Smokey Mountain. They work great and are easy to use ans cheap. If you go to a BBQ contest you will see tons of them.

Re:Advice for first smoker (EdSails)

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:45:40 GMT

Yeah, a "drive by" poster!

Re:Advice for first smoker (MiamiDon)

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:35:00 GMT

I just noticed that lukez1122, the OP, last logged in six months ago.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:14:03 GMT

MiamiDon

Davwud

The Big Green Egg. Very easy to use.

After reading the above, I had to go see what a Weber Smokey Mountain was.
http://www.weber.com/explore/grills/smokers-series/smokey-mountain-cooker-22

I guess Weber does not make an Electric Smoker.
I hate it when companies build web sites using black backgrounds and then print in dark ink!
Can't read the damn things. Don't these people ever try to read their own web sites?

Re:Advice for first smoker (MiamiDon)

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:10:39 GMT

Davwud

Cooks Illustrated did a comparison of BGE and Webber Smokey Mountain. The BGE barely beat out the WSM and when it costs 3 times more, it's better to get the WSM

DT
This is the only item you will need. It smokes, grills and bakes.

The Big Green Egg. Very easy to use.

After reading the above, I had to go see what a Weber Smokey Mountain was.

http://www.weber.com/explore/grills/smokers-series/smokey-mountain-cooker-22

Re:Advice for first smoker (zimm3839)

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:49:05 GMT

I bought a masterbuilt... Excellent smoker. Its insulated like a frigde!!! U can smoke year round. The real cool feature is u can add chips without opening door... No heat or smoke loss.. Ita awsome!!!!!

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:42:44 GMT

baughman

I would say a WSM. Its a great bullet smoker. Even top teams in the KCBS use them in comps. Once you get use to how it works, not much is better for the low end price range. I have had one for a few years now and love it.

He's looking for an Electric one, not charcoal.

Re:Advice for first smoker (baughman)

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:40:14 GMT

I would say a WSM. Its a great bullet smoker. Even top teams in the KCBS use them in comps. Once you get use to how it works, not much is better for the low end price range. I have had one for a few years now and love it.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:10:33 GMT

mar52

Did you also notice that they offer free shipping over $100?

How do they do it?

Must have good markups on their total product offerings or they are desperate for business! They say their best sellers are their wood chips and their stovetop smoker.

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:02:04 GMT

Did you also notice that they offer free shipping over $100?

How do they do it?

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:28:42 GMT

mar52

I don't know anyone who owns one of these but it looks and sounds amazing. When built it's very similar to the $500 Cookshack that I used to own... and it's only $99.95

http://www.cameronscookwa...20Fold%20Aluminum.aspx

WOW! That Smoker looks great! And it comes in Stainless Steel for only $119.95. I wonder if it leaks heat & smoke?
You can get a thermal blanket for it also, so I guess that would solve the problem. Interesting other products on there too. Have you ever tried any of those Smoker Bags? I bookmarked that website!

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:42:12 GMT

I don't know anyone who owns one of these but it looks and sounds amazing. When built it's very similar to the $500 Cookshack that I used to own... and it's only $99.95

http://www.cameronscookwa...20Fold%20Aluminum.aspx

Re:Advice for first smoker (ScreamingChicken)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:39:10 GMT

Vertical units like the Brinkmann and Meco can be gateway drugs to a Weber.

My first smoker was an offset Char-Broil (the Silver Smoker model) like the one Edwmax posted above. I found that it was usually too large for the amount of smoking I did and when I found a used 18" Weber I got rid of the CBSS. The Weber takes up less space and burns less fuel, and is much better suited to the type of smoking I do.

Luke, keep an eye on Craigslist. You might find a good deal on a used one that just needs a little elbow grease. Good luck!

Brad

Re:Advice for first smoker (porkbeaks)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:15:56 GMT

I suggest the OP read this article.
http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/smokers/gas_smokers.html

Re:Advice for first smoker (edwmax)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:10:55 GMT

These will all do a Great job grilling or smoking.
At Wal-Mart
The Char-Broil charcoal smoker $89

The Meco Water-charcoal smoker $57

A smoker similar to one above.
Brinkmann Split-Door smoker $74

The Brinkmann Grill King pictured in my above post is discontinued, but a similar model is available. I think I paid $80 for it.

A hint to make these charcoal grills last and the bottom not rust out. Make sure water can drain out and not stand in the bottom. Drill 1/4 inch holes in the corners if needed to insure drainage. I did my Grill King and it's now 10 years old with no rust and it has always sat outside in the rain.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Rusty246)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:41:03 GMT

Go to Walmart and get a Brinkman, about $50.

Re:Advice for first smoker (mayor al)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:31:05 GMT

That's the way I read his question also. I look with envy at the egg, but the $500 I didn't spend for an item I have used twice this summer is a definite contributing factor to the decision-making process.
BTW my new Husqvana 414cc 30" Snowblower is due to arrive today ! Guess where my savings have been invested ! That pactically guarentees a snowless winter for us.

Re:Advice for first smoker (Foodbme)

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:40:59 GMT

If youze guys paid attention to Lukez1122's ORIGINAL POST, he said, " I am interested in getting a small smoker to do a little BBQ here and there. Nothing major, just looking for nice tender meats done at home. Does anybody have advice for a simple easy to use smoker?
He's looking for a KIA and you're suggesting he buy a Lexus! Sure, a Big Green Egg is great, and maybe some day he'll want one but that's not what he's looking for right now!

Re:Advice for first smoker (mar52)

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:08:01 GMT

I gave away my Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker, my 22" Weber AND my gas grill after I bought my BGE.

I smoked 4 chickens on it this afternoon for a party I just got home from.

My chicken was served along a tray of chicken purchased from The Santa Maria BBQ.

I heard someone say.... "This chicken is delicious, what restaurant does it come from?"

Best compliment I never got!

The BGE is worth the extra money.
Thinking back I should have kept the 22"er as I could take it places.

Re:Advice for first smoker (acoustic blues)

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:46:09 GMT

Hey joerogo, nice to see another NEPA Egghead!
I agree the BGE does it all including being able to get to very high temps for pizza

But to the OP, my suggestion for a low cost smoker would be the WSM. It will reward you with bbq as good as any commercial joint. I cooked on mine (and still do when I need the extra capacity) for over 10 years until I got my BGE last year.
ab

Re:Advice for first smoker (joerogo)

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:30:59 GMT

Jeez, I should have known my advice would be wrong. I forget how many people on this site are smarter than me

Again, one unit, smokes, grills and bakes. Didn't say it was cheap.

Smokes....

And Grills.....

Sort of reminds me of me......Easy, but not cheap.

Re:Advice for first smoker (edwmax)

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:38:31 GMT

I've been using the Brinkmann Grill King for the past few years. With the 16 x 30" grill, you can cook or smoke for a large crowd.