Smokers

[Uninformed]

Costco has 2 smokers, a stainless steel electric one for $399 and a propane one for $299. I haven't ever owned a smoker. Would you recommend either of those two or is there another one that you prefer? Also let me know why you would or wouldn't purchase either.

 

[Sip94]

I'm gonna guess no one here would recommend a gas or electric smoker.

 

[#3Rules]

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[Uninformed]

Can you elaborate? The chips would provide the flavor, correct?

 

[hullabelew]

Watch amazon for them to put the Weber Bullet smoker on sale for $199.

 

[#3Rules]

I didn't have much time earlier, so I kept it short. I'll try to elaborate the best I can, but to be honest I don't have much knowledge of electric or propane smokers, and I'm not sure if anyone on this board will. Using one of the aforementioned devices would be comparable to black jerseys or orange pants, you just don't want to **** with the way BBQ is meant to be.

The fact that you're looking at these leads me to believe that you're looking for a easy to use smoker. The horizontal offset smokers are difficult, though this is what I use, they are not easy to perfect, but I like the attention they command. If you decide to not go with one of the electric or propane smokers, and want something easier to use, go with one of these -The Link I think you'll find that most others on this board will recommend the WSM as well (as hullabelew did while I was composing this). You can find plenty of info on the WSM here -The Link

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

For 3 bills, you can get an offset New Braunfels (made in China these days, unfortunately) Bandera like what I have.

This bad boy has served me quite well for 5+ years now & I have cooked for 60+ people on this thing (fire up your brisket, then it comes off & into a cooler for around 3 - 4 hours, then on goes the ribs... off to another cooler for 1 - 2 hours, then the yardbird for 1 - 2 hours on the smoker & max 30 minutes in a cooler.

It's the real deal James Holyfield...

Still sold @ Academy.

You wanna come & check one out, see the thread I'm posting about my Birthday Q.

 

[Uninformed]

Thanks for all the info. I didn't want to come across as ungrateful, but as a neophyte, it is hard to separate kind of an elitist attitude in cooking from true/important differences in taste. Obviously,the simplicity of an electric or gas smoker would make it a lot easier for people like myself who are always in a bit of a hurry: Plus, Costco is just down the road. The Webber is on sale now, so it sounds like that is what you guys would recommend.

Another question - I would place the smoker on a wood deck. Is this a problem with the Webber? I can't tell how close the heat source is to the bottom.

 

[baboso]

If you like firemen, it won't be a problem.

 

[UTEE]

I would not recommend using a smoker on a wood deck, or near a wooden fence, or within 5-8 feet of anything made of wood.

I don't know anything about the electric or gas smokers, but there's a reason that wood-burning smokers are the ones that are used for BBQ competitions, and why wood-burning smokers are the ones that are used at BBQ restaurants.

The vertical, bullet smokers are very simple to use, and inexpensive. Offset smokers typically have more capacity than bullet smokers, and are a bit more difficult to use, though once you master them they're not that tough either.

There's just no such thing as good, "fast" BBQ. It's a process, and it should be enjoyed.

Good luck!

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

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[S197HQQKEM]

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[Uninformed]

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[NCAAFBALLROX]

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[S197HQQKEM]

^^^^

Don't ever forget the Boy Scout rule of cooking, i.e. "If it's brown, it's cooking, if it's black, it's done."

 

[UTinBigD]

it is out of your price range, but you might look at a BGE (big green egg). I am no pitmaster, but these pretty easy to control the temps and you can use them on decks no problem. They hold temps very well and you don't have to keep feeding the fire. I was very surprised at how little fuel they need to cook for 16+ hours.

wife got me one for my b-day and I really have not touched my other charcoal grill since. The only drawback is you cant cook a ton of big items at the same time.

 

[Ok_Longhorn]

How about the little Brinkman bullets they sell at Lowe's? Those any good or just a waste of money?

 

[IPoopOnWhoop]

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[cbs]

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[Arnold Layne]

Just throw some wood chips in the bottom of your oven.

 

[hullabelew]

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[baboso]

Just give a man a smoker and he shits on it all over the internet. Sheesh.

 

[hullabelew]

You should have paid me to take it off your hands.

 

[Ok_Longhorn]

FYI. Academy has the NB Hondo Junior on sale up here. Bought it for $53. I don't know how well it'll work but I figure it's a place to start.

Breaking it in right now..

 

[IPoopOnWhoop]

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[IPoopOnWhoop]

SUCCESS!!! The only spike in tempurature was when the logs caught for about 10-15 minutes, but other than that it was smooth sailing.

 

[The Drake]

Anybody have any experience with the Big Green Egg? They are proud of them. Worth it??

 

[UTinBigD]

Drake, I have one and love it. Think I already posted in this thread about it.

Holds the temp very well and does not use very much fuel at all. You never really need to add any wood/lump after you get the fire going. It will burn steady for 18+ hours.

 

[stillaphlopin]

get this oneThe Link