Noob from Wisconsin

[schlechtenwolf]

Hello and Hi to all,

Introducing me, a poor soul who doesn't own a meat smoker yet however, I have been treated numerous times to smoked pulled pork from a friend of a friend. It's getting to the point that I want to move in his house and just eat his smoked meat. Since this maybe considered creepy by some and erotic by others I have decided to buy and smoke my own meat.

I however, have the further dilemma that I can't decide between a charcoal or propane smoker. My friend used the WSM, in fact since he went and built an UDS, he offered to sell me the WSM for half retail. My better half wishes for us to use a propane smoker. I am thinking a 7 in 1 smoker to compromise but I don't know if they are as good as the WSM. 

I went and looked at several smokers at Gander Mountain, Home Depot, Menards today. I liked the Smoke Vault and the Smoke Hollow Deluxe double insulated version for 379(although a member here has a review on amazon regarding the poor design of the sliding drawer) but if I could add insulation to the Smoke Vault 24" I would be fine with that too. 

I am fine with laying down some cash but don't want to be buying something that I will want to sell in a couple years. I already have the Maverick ET7 in my amazon basket. 

Laura

at Haus des Schlechter Wolf

 

[gary s]

Hello and welcome from East Texas

Gary

 

[kathrynn]

to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! I own a Smoke Vault 24" and totally love it.  I can do anything from smoking cheese to a pizza in there.  If you have any questions...just ask me and I will tell you what I do.

We love to see pictures of what you are cooking (or what we call q-views here at SMF).  To "upload the q-views" just follow the directions here and it will be easier. If you are using a cell phone, an IPad or a kindle, go to the main SMF page and click the Mobile button. Will make the uploads a bit faster too.

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums and some guidelines of how to interact within the forums. Off site links are not allowed here at SMF per Jeff. Not that you have done anything wrong....just a little bit of FYI for new members!

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat

 

[seenred]

Welcome to the forums, Laura!  This is the best place I know for sharing ideas on smoking, grilling, curing, etc.  There are plenty of friendly, knowledgeable folks here who really enjoy helping one another.  Looking forward to your input here, and just ask when you need anything...someone here will surely have the answer.

It really depends on what fuel you and your better half prefer to cook with.  There are plenty of great gas smokers out there, including that Smoke Vault...just know that you'd have a hard time finding a better smoker for the money than a WSM...especially at half the cost of a new one, as long as its still in good shape. 

Good luck!  Whatever you decide, be sure to post some pics of your cooks to show it off...

Red

 

[schlechtenwolf]

Thanks for the welcome! I read the rules and the long version. Basically talk and play nice with others in the sand box. No throwing sand and no sharing outside links. 

 LOL. 

I been reading this forum and reviews for the last few days. My head is overwhelmed. 

Laura

at Haus des Schlechter Wolf

 

[disco]

Welcome from Canada, Laura.

I know what you mean about being overwhelmed. I only started smoking last year and was having limited success until I found this forum. I decided what I wanted to cook, did a search in the search bar and read many posts and generally found a method that suited me for anything I wanted to make. 

The harder part is all the great ideas I get from reading the forums as my BBQ newspaper each day. I have tried things I never heard of before (double smoked ham, pulled ham, etc) with great success but the list of things I want to try is growing faster than I can possibly try them.

This is a great forum with lots of very nice people.

Disco

 

[s2k9k]

:welcome1: to SMF!!! We're happy you joined us! We have over 50,000 members now who just love to share what they know. You've come to the best place on the net to learn and share everything Q!!!

 

[gary s]

I know your weather is a lot colder and wetter than her in East Texas. I would first decide what type of smoker you want and will work best for what you want to cook. Since our weather is pretty mild I use a charcoal/wood Reverse Flow. I smoke year around. I think I would definitely be looking at insulated type smokers. In the winter here I have to adjust for the cold and rain. Search the web there are lots of good smokers out there. I agree that you do want to get something you want be replacing in a year or so. In saying that I am always looking for something better. Our next build we are going with a Reverse Flow and a insulated fire box. Last year we built a Vertical, Insulated  Reverse Flow that worked great, weather really does not affect it and it is cool to the touch.

Gary

 

[schlechtenwolf]

Thanks for the warm welcome!! 

I made arrangements to buy my friends WSM for $150. I feel like I had to join a side and so I chose Team Charcoal. It was a hard decision but I felt the smoker price was a good deal and because I have a propane grill. I want to play with the charcoal too. I love doing mods though. My favorite thing to do in my spare time was modding out my camper. So I nearly chose Team Propane just for that. LOL

 I ordered a welders blanket off amazon since I live in Wisconsin and wind, cold, rain, really cold temps afflict us and frankly I just want to smoke when I want to smoke. Although I might just make a cart. In any case, I can't wait for my smoker to be ready for pickup. My friend is pressure washing it. I picked up a Maverick et-73 off amazon and requested Low & Slow from my library. I am still reading and absorbing all the knowledge from this forum!

Laura

at Haus des Schlechter Wolf

 

[gary s]

Sounds like you will be smoking in no time. Be sure and try some different types of wood chunks for flavor. The fire blanket will help. Be sure and check your temp gauge to see how accurate it is. Nothing more frustrating than watching an incorrect gauge and wondering why your meat didn't turn out.

Post some pictures of your smoker and your cook

Gary