Propane smokers

[judgroybeanbag]

Still use my old standby wood smoker but was curious if anyone here has experience with the newer propane smokers. They are basically a cabinet with a cast iron wood box at the bottom, and a burner under that. Supposedly it is easier to regulate the heat on more delicate items and still get the proper wood smoke.

Any inputs would be appreciated.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Blasphemer.

 

[S197HQQKEM]

I usually smoke briskets, not propane.


What do you do with the propane after you smoke it?

 

[Luke Duke]

Exhale

 

[brntorng]

Before I knew any better, I bought what turned out to be a crappy wood-fired smoker. Regulating the temperature was impossible. So, I added a propane burner from a turkey deep fryer and use smoker boxes for the wood. It works great, although I admit it takes most of the authenticity out of the equation. You probably realize that many, if not most, large commercial smokers are gas fired with revolving grates. No one wants to hire a pit boss 24/7 when a simple thermostat and electric motor will do the job.

 

[judgroybeanbag]

Yes I realize that but most people here are pigheaded authenticists who don't realize that you can fix it better even if it ain't broke.

Or more likely just won't admit to wanting to try something that might be better. Or not. Which was my original question. Besides that, if you use a metal smoker you suck. You should hang the **** on wood teepees over a fire and standby, or build a goddamned smokehouse by hand. Because that's how the oldtimers did it. Plus they had to walk a mile barefoot in the snow without storebought beer to find the wood.

 

[EEE]

Heh.
My bro picked up an electric unit from Sam's (the same ones they sell at Cabela's). It has a digital display and thermostat. Perfect for slower smoked foods like jerky, fish, cheese, bacon, etc. Not so manly for here, though.

 

[Luke Duke]

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[brntorng]

"Better" in my opinion would be determined by the product. No doubt excellent BBQ can be had from any number of smoker types as long as the basic requirements can be met. It's more a function of who's operating it and knowing what they're doing. For those who enjoy the nostalgia of a wood-fired smoker and don't mind the extra effort to keep it stable, go for it. That was my goal before I screwed up and bought a crummy smoker. For those who just want to be able to smoke with less babysitting and still get a good result, both electric and gas smokers can do the job very well. To each his own.

 

[Smoky Brisket]

do propane smokers use "pellets" for smoke?

 

[brntorng]

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[S197HQQKEM]

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[brntorng]

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