That's a big question.
Choosing the right smoker is sort of a life style question.
Does your hubby bbq/grill now? Charcoal or gas?
Does your hubby have a lot of time to play around with cooking or does he just like to get it done without a lot of tinkering?
Your basic choices are:
Charcoal -
Weber Smoky Mountain, is really a solid choice and highly recommended by many. There are also
offset smokers , don't bother with the cheaper ones at home depot or lowes.
Propane - Lots of choices here but the
GOSM "Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain" is highly recommended by many on this SMF.
Also the
Brinkman Vertical Gas Smoker similiar to the GOSM can be found at Home Depot.
Electric - The MES "
Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse", is another SMF highly recommended smoker.
Wood - for a newbie too expensive
Charcoal using the
WSM mentioned above is really a great choice, the
WSM is versatile can be used for both smoking and grilling, even competition BBQ teams use
WSM. Depending on how much you want to spend this option could be a little high. I haven't checked prices in awhile but I think around $250+
Offsets, that are built correctly (expensive) are great, and some allow both charcoal or wood. The cheaper models are just not worth the time. Learning to properly use a offset as a cooking tool will take some practice.
Propane - is good smoker and big bang for buck, good heat control, and can get the job done. However you will have to remember to check the LP bottles for gas ( you don't want to be 9 hours in on a 12 hour smoke and discover you are out of Propane tank is empty, if that happens at 3am you are really stuck). Often many owners modify their Propane Smokers for optimal performance. Most require you to buy a propane tank.
Electric - Electric is the least expensive fuel source, and in the MES case, gives very consistent heat, with some bonus features, that produce great smoked meat. Of all the smokers electric is probably the easiest to use and learn.
If your hubby likes to tinker and baby sit his work, then he won't mind the Charcoal, though the
WSM runs so smooth and requires very little constant attention.
If he is already into grilling, has a couple of propane tanks, then propane may be the way to go, however most propane units are not insulated, so how cold it is will be a factor in keeping a consistent smoking temp, which is important for consistent results. Propane is almost as easy as electric, except for the fuel hassle.
Electric works great for busy people, who want things simple and easy. The MES 30" can be purchased for under $200, the 40" is more expensive. Insulated cabinet, digital control sets temp and timer. Once the meat is in wood can be added from an external wood loading tray, and the digital thermometer tells you what temp your cooking at, plus you can set a timer to turn it off automatically.
A great info source on BBQ Smokers is:
•
How to buy a smoker
•
Choosing a Charcoal Smoker
•
Gas or Propane Smokers
•
Electric Smokers
Your hubby is a lucky guy to have his sweetie hook him up with a new smoker... Merry Christmas
