New Member wanting new smoker

[rockysmoke]

Well I finally joined after reading a large assortment of threads. I've really enjoyed SMF and can already say I will be learning a lot.

A little about myself - I live in Colorado with my wife and new son (fatherhood rocks).  Being from Georgia originally, BBQ is in my blood and I want to start making my own.

First things first, though....

I want to buy a new smoker in the $150-300 range.  I live in a townhome so I don't have a lot of space, which limits me to propane or electric.  Ease and foolproof operation is a plus right now because I have a new baby. However I realize that this is an artform and some tending will be required no matter what, plus that's what makes it fun, right? I plan to be smoking pork ribs, butts, and chicken and turkey mostly but would like to venture into other areas eventually.

I've been looking at 3 different smokers (based on what I've read on SMF and browsing at Bass Pro) and would like to get some opinions:

1)  GOSM.  The Big Block is nice but might be too big for my current space and needs. It seems everyone who has one of these loves it.  I'd consider the smaller version at Wal-Mart but the construction doesn't seem to be as good.

2)  MES 30 (the new one with legs). Looks like a well-built unit and most folks seem to like it. The MES 40 is also a possibility but it's getting up there in my price range.

3)  Masterbuilt Vertical Propane Smoker.  I saw this one at Bass Pro and really liked the design, plus the construction looks to be of good quality.  I'm leaning toward this one as it seems to be a good size for my needs right now.  However, I haven't seen many reviews on this one.  I also checked out the Masterbuilt website and it's not even on there. Is it new? Does anyone have any info/experience with this smoker? I've checked the forums with very little success finding any info.

I look forward to good discussions and learning "on the job"!

God Bless!

 

[harryho]

You will never go wrong with a GOSM Big Block. Maybe the best bang for your buck. It may be about 6" wider, but well worth it.

If space is that big of a problem, the smaller GOSM will also be a workhorse for your needs.

 

[pineywoods]

Welcome to SMF glad you decided to join us. I didn't find the Masterbuilt Propane smokers on their website either other than the 7 in 1 and since I know they have been out there awhile it leads me to believe they may not be making them anymore but I don't know that for a fact.

The Big Block GOSM  model 3605BGD is a very good smoker and I'm going to be buying one soon. I have the bigger one that Walmart carries its the model 3405BGW also called the widebody and its a very good smoker as well it just doesn't have the room the Big Block does. Mine still performs great but I want to have one at camp and not bother dragging one back and fourth.

I have never used the MES but we sure have a lot of members who so and like them so that wouldn't be a bad decision either. Its just a matter of whether you want electric or propane and they both have advantages and disadvantages.

Good luck with your decision 

 

[jirodriguez]

If you aren't dead set on a gas or electric you might want to look at the Weber Smokey Mountains (WSM). Small footprint, the wonderfull flavor you get from charcoal, super easy to use, long, long, long burn times, 18" model is priced at $300, 22.5" model is priced at $400. There is a very large (and growing) following/cult

 of us that have been switching to WSM's. They truely are a joy to use and produce some outstanding Que.

 

[mballi3011]

First off welcome Rocky to SMF. You should go with the Weber for it does have the small footprint and it's alot like the GOSM. I do believe it is better built then the new GOSM at wally world. It's them dang old chineses are building everything here theses days. Maybe you should buy the Smoke Vault 24" it is so well built and good looking to the apartment folks will let you keep it on the outside of your place. So hang around here and you will be a regular smoking guru to your neighbors and everyone within your smokey range.

 

[grampyskids]

I have the MES 40" and absolutely love it. If you have a way to keep precipitation off it I would buy the MES. To that, I would add Todd Johnson's A-MAZE-N smoker to it. Otherwise, I would go with the 18.5" Weber GSM. Either way, you will be able to produce great Q.

 

[richoso1]

Welcome to the SMF, plenty of good advise from great folks. You really can't go too wrong with any of those smokers. I moved your thread to roll call, so that everyone has a chance to welcome you. It's all good my friend.

 

[etcher1]

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

 

[bassman]

Welcome to the forum.  If you're looking at propane, Sportsman's Warehouse here in Junction has the Smoke Vault 24 on sale for $249.00. I know for a fact that this is a good smoker.

 

[pineywoods]

Welcome to the forum.  If you're looking at propane, Sportsman's Warehouse here in Junction has the Smoke Vault 24 on sale for $249.00. I know for a fact that this is a good smoker.

Thats a good smoker at a great price!!!!!!!

 

[meateater]

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

 

[rockysmoke]

Thanks for everyone's input.  I think the Masterbuilt propane smoker has been discontinued. I emailed their customer service and they needed me to give hem a product number - didn't know what I was talking about.  I guess it could be new, though, so I'll give em a call, if anything.

Bassman, I'll check into the Smoke Vault. We have a Sportsmans Warehouse here in the Springs. If that price stands, you're right, that's an incredible deal.

Weber smoker is out b/c charcoal and they're not allowed by the HOA.  Heard and read great things about those, though.

Thanks to everyone!!

 

[rockysmoke]

Well, the Masterbuilt Propane smoker has not been discontinued - but, it's only manufactured for certain retail stores like bass pro.  Unable to get any info on it.

 

[rockysmoke]

Well, as much as I like the Smoke Vault 24 (Bassman, you are right about the price!) I think it's going to be too big for my current patio space. Bummer, because I really liked that one... Maybe sometime in the future!

So, I've pretty much wittled my possibilities down to the MES 30 digital, MES 30 analog, and Masterbuilt Propane smokehouse (still need to more research on this one, though).  What do you guys/gals think?

 

[ronp]

Well, as much as I like the Smoke Vault 24 (Bassman, you are right about the price!) I think it's going to be too big for my current patio space. Bummer, because I really liked that one... Maybe sometime in the future!

So, I've pretty much wittled my possibilities down to the MES 30 digital, MES 30 analog, and Masterbuilt Propane smokehouse (still need to more research on this one, though).  What do you guys/gals think?

Look at the MES 40' ar Sams.

 

[deltadude]

Welcome to SMF RockySmoke

Sounds like you have some limitations thus a reduced selection of smokers to buy.

I think the MES 30 will do well in a townhouse condo,  the footprint is small, but the performance is big and it is consistent.  Grampyskids made an excellent suggestion to buy the MES and the AMNS, you could put a pork butt or brisket on, light up the AMNS and go play a round of golf, and not have to worry about the house burning down.  (You can't leave a propane burner unattended).  Also the AMNS doesn't put out lots of billowing smoke, so your neighbors won't have an issue with your smoke.  SMF has a huge community of MES owners, so help is readily available.  Also your in a state where the winters are cold, the propane smokers typically are NOT insulated, the MES is an insulated double walled smoker.  Insulated works better and more consistent results in cold weather.  You can achieve good results without insulation, but there will be a big learning curve the first few times.  A lot of SMF members have operated their MES between 0º and 32º with excellent results.

Whatever you buy SMF will have smoking friends who will help you....

SMOKE ON DUDE!

 

[ecto1]

MES 40 from Sams is the way to go you can cook for large and small groups for very little money.  You don't have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of a smoke and it is very easy to use.  299.00 is in your range get the warrenty and you are covered for the next 4 years if anything happens to it. 

 

[rockysmoke]

Bummer, checked the Sams website and it says the MES40 is out of stock.  I was looking at the Masterbuilt website and it looks like they're coming out with a MES30 with window.  Cabelas has it for 299.00.  I don't see it at BassPro yet.  Maybe stores are fixin' to transition to the new line.  Anyone use the new MES30 with window?

 

[eman]

They do not stock the 40 on the website but if you can find it at a store you can have it shipped to a store close to you.