New and would like some advice

[davidreading]

My name is Dave and I was born in Idaho, but as of this year I have officially spent more of my life in CA than ID. My biggest critic and fan is my wife, which is great because when she likes somehting I have smoked I know I did it right. I am fairly new to this and currently use a weber grill with the Smokenator. I am looking to purchase my first smoker, but I can't decide if I want to get a 22.5 WSM or save up and spend 5x more for a Klose...any advice on this would be helpful. My favorite smokes are turkey, bone-in butts, and pork ribs. Love all the helpful chat and of course Jeff's news letter. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[mike chs]

You can get all the info you need on here but I'm curious what kind of luck you have had with the Smokenator. I also was going to buy a Weber WSM but decided why bother after I got the Smokenator. :)

 

[indyadmin1974]

Welcome!

I just bought my 2nd WSM (18.5") not 22.5" per the high reviews seen here.

It really depends on what you want to do.

If you want to do backyard stuff then I think you'd be better off with the WSM.

If you want to do large cooks often, you're gonna need a bigger rig.

If you want to do backyard and comps, read up on Harry Soo and Slap Yo Daddy BBQ. He regularly wins comps with 2 WSMs setup right next to competitors with mondo rigs.

This is one man's opinion. My wife is much happier that I spent less than 500 bucks on 2 smokers and I produce what my friends and family think is amazing Q.

 

[smokin relaxin steve]

I have 2 gas smokers... im thinking about selling one in a few months and in the mean time save up for the 22.5 WSM... everything i read about them and seen on this forum sugests that it is a great reliable unit... Now after i save and sell one of the gas units my next obstical will be convining the family LOL!!!! but hopefully i will have a WSM by summers end... A man can dream cant he???

 

[graybeard]

Welcome David! You may want to try a ECB just to get the feel of things before investing a ton of money. All smokers have something to offer butt you need to figure which one you like the most.

beard

 

[davidreading]

The Smokenator is great and will hold a solid temp for 5-6 hours on a calm day. I was looking for something with more capacity and that was insulated so that it wouldn't take quite so much fuel on a cold or windy day.

 

[indyadmin1974]

Wind is going to be an issue with a lot of smokers in general.

A simple wind break out of mdf and door hinges seemed to work fine on the gasser...haven't had any major wind lately though...

 

[treegje]

Welcome to the SMF Dave, We are glad to have you onboard

 

[southern home boy]

Hey Dave,
Here's a link to another thread talking about this same issue.
http://http://www.smokingmeatforums....810#post494810

There's some pretty good advice throughout the thread and I'm sure it will get longer.

 

[jirodriguez]

I would get the 22.5" WSM Dave, I have one and love it. I can put plenty of food on it, it doesn't take up a huge amount of space, works well in all kinds of weather (except high wind unless you build a windbreak), and runs for 12+ hrs. on one load of the charcoal ring.

Remember - bigger smoker, bigger cost of fuel. If you are just doing friends and family then the 22.5" WSM is plenty big, and your have your weber kettle with smokenator for backup. If you are going to go into business and/or do professional competitions, then you might consider spending more.

.... OH... and welcome to the forum!

 

[realtorterry]

Welcome to the smoke train my friend

 

[etcher1]

Welcome to the SMF forum, You came to the right place. Good people and good info.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.