Choosing a better SMOKER><><><INPUT?

[chubbs]

I was in the local Gander MTN. today and saw that they had the Smoky Mountain 30in. electric for $99.

The 34in. propane was $130.

I'm looking to upgrade from the Big Chief so I can do larger meats and not just jerky. Would the propane be the better way to go?

 

[walking dude]

you have a LOCAL Gander MTN.?

 

[smokebuzz]

Dude we got 1 in CR..

 

[richtee]

HArd to tell...he's kinda quiet about his location. Maybe he's my neighbor... got one 30 min. from here.

 

[chubbs]

It is in Rochester, NY...I know I need to take a few minutes to do my profile.

 

[walking dude]

C.R.?

what the h*ll is wrong with the LARGEST city in the GREAT STATE OF IOWA???????

 

[richtee]

Alphabetical or numerical order?

 

[smokebuzz]

Where shall i start?

 

[chubbs]

So now that I did my profile...and started the Iowa Debates....can I get a smoker opinion?

 

[smokebuzz]

Caucas is Jan. 3rd

 

[richtee]

OK NY... cold. Propane, or a honker electric. I mean if ya don't have the room/space patience for a stickburner anyway.

But seriously, anything is an improvement over the LC in the seriousQ dep't. You know their capabilities, and it ain't enuff.

The true art demands stick/coals burning as near as I have acertained. But it's a P I T A. I have an ECB, and can do anything...slightly less painfully than a stick rig.

The propanes are an improvement in temp management/maintainance, and sheer BTUs for cold weather.

The electrics have good temp control, but ya best consider your location and get a heavy KW unit. and..look to your left for more info...that menu on the main screen.

 

[kew_el_steve]

Where's Iowa? Is that where all the potatoes are grown? Is it cold there?

Seriously, Decide what fuel you want to use and what you want to spend, and do some searches on the threads. This is debated endlessly. A better smoker can mean anything from a UDS to a GOSM to an offset stick-burner to a BGE to a Stumps to a Backwoods to a Southern Pride. I covered the range from $100 to $10,000. So what is better? Depends on you!!!

Go Pats...

 

[chubbs]

Thanks, but I only wanted to know what was better between the 2 I listed.

I think I would prefer the gas one. Especially in this climate.

 

[richtee]

Get the one with the beer holder.

 

[lcruzen]

I can relate to your issue. I have a Big Chief and it has just sat idle since I got my propane GOSM. Holds a good steady temp in cold weather, has enough capacity to feed a big crowd if needed.

Lou

 

[virgo53]

Gas one I find is easier to use, The comments about the others are valid
your explained situation, from my experience indicates a propane unit.

Virg053

 

[fritz]

I say go with the gaser. I have a GOSM and it works great in Rochester. Get the widest one they got.

Oh...We have a Gander in Rochester.

 

[chubbs]

Walmart has these back in stock. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3342513

 

[brianj517]

Chubbs,

My vote definitely is for the propane unit. I live in NE Ohio, and I would assume a very similar climate. I actually own two GOSM gassers, (both sizes 'cause I quickly outgrew the smaller one once I recognized and came to terms with my addiction

). Propane allows me to regulate temps much more easily during the colder months.

FYI; Be very careful with the Walmart unit...I have seen many that are very thin walled and flimsy. Both my units came from Gander Mtn and are far more sturdy. In fact, my "youngest" is ready to celebrate the beginning of her fourth season around March and she still puts out some of the finest stuff around and looks real purty doin' it!

Cheers,
Brian

 

[brianj517]

An addendum...

By the way, Chubbs, as others have stated, a stick burner is THE way to go for authenticity...no question about it. In fact I am looking into upgrading to one myself this spring. But for convenience and control, based on the two models you mentioned in your original post, my suggestion is the GOSM gasser from Gander Mtn.

Cheers,
Brian