Q about propane smokers

[brentman0110]

I have 1 quick question. I am toying with the idea of purchasing a propane smoker, but I am curious about how long the propane tanks last. I know that several times a smoke can last 8+ hours at 225 or so. At that temp and time, how long will a typical propane tank last. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but just trying to weigh the costs versus my ECB.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Brent

 

[t-bone tim]

No such thing as a stupid question , I don't have a propane smoker , but hang in there someone will give you the answer you need !

 

[rip]

I get about 30 to 40 hours on one tank. $17.00 to fill it up.

 

[brentman0110]

Thanks RIP. Do you recommend this over an electric since you can regulate the temp better? I was thinking about a Great outdoors gas smoker over my ECB.

 

[kueh]

30-40 hours sounds about right, but it also depends on outside temperature and wind and what else ?

With a gas smoker, I can put an electric hot plate inside if I run out of gas and keep on smoking. With an electric, I don't think you can easily put in a temporary gas burner in if the mains are off.

Just a thought...

 

[ron50]

I get about the same results as RIP, as was said many variables like outside temperature, wind, how full the smoker is etc.

That's why I always make sure I have an extra full tank.

 

[peculiarmike]

Yep, sounds about right for a 20lb. bottle.
Gotta factor in wind and ambient temperature. If it is cold & blowing you WILL use more gas. They are real thrifty in the summer.
A wind break really helps.
Excellent temperature control with a gasser, but NOT "set it and forget it".
$.02

 

[desert smokin]

With the desert heat I got 35 to 42 hours from each of my last two tanks. I still think 30 to 40 will be realistic with our winter temps.

 

[mossymo]

I have propane, electrics and a charcoal, "Right tool for the right job" philoshopy.

In my opinion, an electric that is thermostatically controlled is great for long smokes, ecspecially when you have other projects to work on also. I have used them at -20º and 90º. Besides adding wood chips and check ing internal meat temps, they are a set it and forget it type smoker.

Propane is great for heat and temp recovery time. As RIP and other commented, you can get many hours out of a 20 lb. tank.

Charcoal needs to be tending to but I feel for ribs, brisket, pulled pork, ABT's, etc. gives a more authentic taste and better smoke ring than propane or gas.

Stick burners, I have no clue but it is on my "to get" and try list. Some day.....

 

[walking dude]

i thought you HAD a stick burner mossy........wasn't that YOU posting those mods with the tuning plates?
if not.......MY bad

 

[deejaydebi]

I also have charcoal and propane smokers.

I average 40 hours per tank with a wind break and like to add a charcoal briquette or two every now and then to the wood just because I like the taste of charcoal. It also helps keep the wood going on low temperatures smokes. Jus because your using propane doesn't mean you have to mis charcoal!

If you go propane keep two tanks so you cn quickly change them out if needed.

 

[walking dude]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS THREAD.........wow........never thought bout doing that.......thast why i LOVE this site......

great idea deb......specially for those low temp smokes for cheese and such

 

[mossymo]

Walking Dude
The Char-griller to me is charcoal, to me a stick burner has wheels on it and hitches up to my pickup (IMHO).

 

[walking dude]

ahhh mossy.........you can still do a stick burn in that.........

 

[deejaydebi]

Hey D88de ....

http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/Downl...ld%20Smoke.pdf

 

[walking dude]

heheh.......hon.......already bookmarked.......but thankyou very much

 

[walking dude]

ahhhh.........DJ......i JUST noticed you changed you sig.........LOVE carlin