Electronic Smoker Advice/Questions

djtech2k · Apr 10, 2012

I have a similar thread in the charcoal smoker forum because I am really struggling with the decision for my next smoker. I currently have 2 not so great charcoal smokers and I want to buy something new. I was about 75% sure that I was going to buy the Big Green Egg, but I have recently been thinking that I should check all options first. The BGE is very $$ and dealing with my cheaper charcoal smokers takes a lot of work, so it makes me question charcoal.

So I want to look into electric. How is the taste/moisture of meats smoked in an electric smoker? How is it compared to charcoal? How is the smoke generated?

Now what about the electric smokers? I have had the following models suggested to me:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ctric+Smoker&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

On that note, I noticed the Bradleys, like:

http://www.basspro.com/Bradley-Smoker-6Rack-Digital-Electric-Smoker/product/81944/36360

There seems to be all sorts of different ones, so what would be a solid choice? I am looking for something to make it easy to make great smoked meats.

jzampier · Apr 10, 2012

I too looked at smokers for a LONG time. After reading about the Electric smoker MES40, it just made sense to me. Plug it in, set it and forget it....to a sense. Alot of people that have the MES40 end up getting the AMNPS from Todd and almost all of them get the Maverick remote thermo too. If you read up on the problems the MES has with temp readings, not all experience the problems. So rid yourself of concern and get the maverick. The AMNPS will produce smoke for up to 11 hours without refilling it. Much better than having to worry about the wood chips in the small chip tray that the MES has.

IMO, why worry about charcoal running out or chips running out and having to refill it every 30 minutes.

Get the MES40, last years model from Sams Club for $299 if you don't want to spend $449 for the newest one from Cabela's.

AMNPS runs about $30-40, sawdust or Pellets are reasonable as well, $6 for 2lbs or so.

The Maverick ET732 is about $60 ish depends on where you look. Not a neccessity but not a bad idea for long smokes over night and what not.

badbob · Apr 10, 2012

I have the MES40 from Sam's and the AMNPS and Maverick from Todd. They all work great so I'm real happy with them.

ironhorse07 · Apr 10, 2012

X2 with both

chef jimmyj · Apr 11, 2012

The MES40+Mav732+AMNPS=Great Q under $500

If money is no object, Cookshack Amerique is a similar size for $1700+/-

Lots of guys making tons of Smoked goodness in the MES 30 & 40's...JJ

djtech2k · Apr 11, 2012

Wow, thanks for all the great fedback. Keep it coming :)So the Masterbuilt seems to get good marks. Any opinions on the Bradley?I am a bit curious about the smoke part of it. What does it burn/run on? I know the Bradley uses its own "discs" or whatever. For the others, can I use normal wood chips or do I have to buy something different? Wood chips I buy now for my charcoal smokers and are easy to find locally.How is the food taste and moisture level compared to charcoal smokers? Is there a difference?One thing I just noticed from reading some specs is that the electric smokers seem to max out around 275 degrees whereas the BGE is regularly used over 500 for things like pizzas and stuff like that. I know thats a lot different than smoking and I know 275 should be more than enough temp for smoking. Do you guys find yourself wishing you had something different from your electric smokers or is it really a complete smoking solution for you?

daveomak · Apr 11, 2012

dj, morning.... If you want to smoke stuff.... generally low and slow is the norm.... less than 225 usually.... if you want to cook a steak, my choice is 600 deg or higher..... pizza about the same... I do not know of a unit that will do everything with any success....

I have modified my MES to use a smoke generator and the electronics for heat only.... I chose an AMNPS or something similar.... better control of smoke and better control of heat.... using the heating element to make smoke is tricky....

I think you may end up getting 2 or even three outdoor cooking units to do what you are suggesting.... find the best unit for each application and you will be in hog heaven and making great food...

Dave

hkeiner · Apr 11, 2012

How is the food taste and moisture level compared to charcoal smokers? Is there a difference?

To some, there is a difference in the result when using a charcoal vs. an electric smoker. Kind of like when some see a difference in result when using a charcoal grill vs. a gas grill. IMO gas grills are more popular than charcoal grills because of their greater convenience, which overshadows any noticable difference in the final result. I think the same applies to smokers. The hard question is whether the difference in result between a charcoal vs. electric smoker is enough to choose charcoal over electric. The opinions you will likekly see on this electric smokers forum will most likely be (rightly) biased towards the electric smokers. My opinion is that the MES/AMNPS/Maverick setup is so much easier to use and provides such good results that using a charcoal smoker is not worth the extra effort.

deltadude · Apr 11, 2012

djtech2k, IMHO you have two serious bang for buck choices.

1st for the electric the MES 40 is a solid performer with plenty of capacity that will achieve the desired results plus capable of cooking enough Q for 50+ people. Included in the MES are features not found in other smokers except as options for extra dollars, internal temp sensor, meat probe, 1200 watts of power, window to view your Q, and digital controller, plus external wood chip loader, and plenty of capacity. Further you have the testimony in this forum of hundreds who strongly agree that the MES works great.

2nd the charcoal smoker recommendation would be the Weber Smoky Mountain WSM. The WSM is such a good smoker that many competition BBQ teams either use it as a primary smoker or a backup. In 2009 the KCBS (Kansas City BBQ society, largest competition circuit) team of the year used exclusively WSM smokers. There is absolutely no doubt the WSM is capable of the finest quality Q. The price of the WSM for such an extremely capable smoker is low compared to other popular competition smoke cookers, thus serious bang for buck.

So you need to figure out do you want to compete in the future in a BBQ competition or see if you can cook like the pros, then buy a WSM. OR, you want equally as good Q but the simple ease of cooking that a electric MES provides. The one serious advantage the MES has is cost of operation, you can beat electric for cost per cook. However if you plan ahead you can buy charcoal briquettes in quantity when stores offer huge discount sales.

Remember though its not the smoker/cooker but the cook that makes the difference in how good Q will taste.

capntrip · Apr 11, 2012

Check out the smokin-it line of smokers all 5 star reviews and I have the model 1 and it is built well and has a low wattage element all stainless steel and on wheels so you can roll it in and out of the house www.smokin-it.com They also have excellent customer service!

skygreenbud · Apr 11, 2012

Has anyone heard of the Landmann Smoky mountain Vertical 2 drawer Electric smoker. Advertised on the Northern Tool website???

beerbelley · Apr 11, 2012

I purchased the Green Mountain Grill and Smoker about a year ago, could not be happier with it. This is a pellet grill if your not familiar with the brand. I would advise you take a look at this smoker.

lostarrow · Apr 11, 2012

I have had both a MES & a WSM.
The WSM will run for 15 hours with one load of fuel. Ir is a " Set & Forget cooker"
The cost of charcoal, runs $2.50 to $4.00 / cook
Cleanup takes 10 min.
The product is EXCELLENT
The MES will run as a set & forget smoker.
The cost of fuel for a cook is pennies.
The cleanup is 5-10 min
The product is GOOD
I still have the WSM , gave the MES to my nephew

deltadude · Apr 12, 2012

lostarrow said:
I have had both a MES & a WSM.
The WSM will run for 15 hours with one load of fuel. Ir is a " Set & Forget cooker"
The cost of charcoal, runs $2.50 to $4.00 / cook
Cleanup takes 10 min.
The product is EXCELLENT
The MES will run as a set & forget smoker.
The cost of fuel for a cook is pennies.
The cleanup is 5-10 min
The product is GOOD
I still have the WSM , gave the MES to my nephew

Thanks lostarrow for sharing your experience with both smokers. If Weber had the 22" WSM when I bought my MES40 I probably would have purchased the WSM, I truly believe they are exceptional smokers and serious bang for buck. However, even with a 22" WSM I doubt you can smoke 16 full racks of ribs (none cut in half or folded). I do ribs more than anything in my MES, and whether I am doing 3 or 4 racks or 12-16 racks I love the capacity of my MES 40, plus if doing 8 racks or less I can simply lay 2 rib racks per each grill. I have thought about buying the new WSM 22", however my next addition to my BBQ/Smoking equipment will be an outdoor wood fired pizza oven, so the WSM will have to wait a few years.

djtech2k · Apr 12, 2012

Wow this is great info! Thanks to all for responding.

The WSM is surely a popular smoker on these forums. Nearly every1 seems to like it. I just started to smoke last summer and I am just hooked. I have 2 bad/cheap smokers that I really struggle to manage temps with. I am still a beginner and am learning as I go/read. For example, the smoke I did last weekend was a 3lb brisket, 4lb chicken, and a few pieces of salmon. I smoked it for about 6 hours or so in total (not all items were on the whole time). I went thru over 1 full bag of lump coal and even dipped into a bag of briquettes to "fill-in" toward the end. I had to reload the side fire box at least 2x. Its a lot of work. Thats really how I got started looking. My buddy has a BGE, so he preaches about it. With the level of effot I have had to use on my cheap/bad smokers, it makes me gun-shy on anything charcoal, even though I know better smokers have to be much easier to manage temps. Now with all of your great things said about the electric smokers, its really making it difficult for me :)

So with the electric smokers, and specifically the MES, how does the smoke generation work? Do u use normal wood chips? Does the heater inside the smoker burn the chips or is there an external source that burns it? I just want to make sure that if I do buy an electric smoker, then I can get the stuff I need easily or locally and that it will not be an unpredictable or painful thing to manage.

I see many references to the AMNS or whatever and I am guessing its a tray that u put inside the smoker that creates smoke, but not sure....and I am not sure why u woudl need/want it.

Thanks again!!

rabbithutch · Apr 12, 2012

I went through the same decision making last Fall. I really wanted to get a wood smoker, but my wife - Bless Her - reminded me that I am getting older (70) and probably wouldn't want to work to keep it fired on a long, long smoke. So, I bought the MES40 at Sam's for $299 then went for Todd's AMNPS and some pellets indifferent woods. I already had the Maverick.

My first smoke was the Thanksgiving bird (yeah, a little cock-sure, I know). My next were ribs and Boston butts that I did for guests coming from out of town to our daughter's wedding at the first of the year. Since then I've done some chickens - 4 at once on beer cans - and last weekend a brisket.

Despite my lack of experience and knowledge, all of the smokes came out well. SMF is the killer place for asking questions and getting help as you go along.

So, my advice would be to consider how much you want to work at smoking and how much you want to automate. Automation won for me and I couldn't be happier with the MES. I don't think you can beat that price point anywhere. As a retiree I couldn't justify the cost of BGE.

One of these days I'm probably gonna snag a WSM just to try it. I have a tabletop Weber that I use for grilling.

Let us know what you decide. You will have folks here who can help you with just about any choice you make.

daveomak · Apr 12, 2012

djtech2k said:
Wow this is great info! Thanks to all for responding.

So with the electric smokers, and specifically the MES, how does the smoke generation work? Do u use normal wood chips? Does the heater inside the smoker burn the chips or is there an external source that burns it? I just want to make sure that if I do buy an electric smoker, then I can get the stuff I need easily or locally and that it will not be an unpredictable or painful thing to manage.

I see many references to the AMNS or whatever and I am guessing its a tray that u put inside the smoker that creates smoke, but not sure....and I am not sure why u woudl need/want it.

Thanks again!!

dj, evening.... The AMNPS (pellet smoker version) they are so cool.... light them and they burn for 10 hrs maybe more with pellets.... they will burn chips too (I've heard).... I have to do a test with chips,(so much to do, so little time)..... I am so impressed with this little unit, I have built many smoke gens and Todd's is the best.... It don't get any better than that.... Dave

chef jimmyj · Apr 13, 2012

The MES as is with it's Chip Drawer works great. You load a small handfull of chips every 30-40 minutes and it's good to go. Because it uses the Main heating coil to burn the chips it is hard pressed to make smoke below 180*F, no big deal because for most items, Birds ,Butts and Ribs we are a 225*. However, if Sausage, Cheese or Bacon is your goal, you need to generate smoke at 70 to 170*F and the coil, in the MES, is not on long enough to get the chips to burn. This is where a Cold smoke generator like the Awesome AMNPS comes in. You get 10+ hours of TBS in a variety of flavors for less than $1. So for about $350 there is nothing that you can't smoke!

BTW... Even if you went with the BGE at 4X the price of the MES...

...you would still need to get the AMNPS to do Sausage, Bacon and Cheese...AND...You will need to buy a SECOND BGE to fit the same amount of stuff as ONE MES...

...JJ

djtech2k · Apr 21, 2012

Again, great info.

I am really leaning towards the MES now. So I am assuming you all suggest the 40"? I see some different ones at different sites, like ones with remote, etc. Any particular suggestion for which model or where to get it?

With such a strong endorsement, I guess I am going to have to get the AMNPS also. Anything special about getting it? For example, do I get chips or these pellets I see u mentioned? I have never seen pellets so I am not sure where to get those if I need them.

With the AMNPS, how do you light it or keep it smoking without burning too fast or going out?

I also see the strong endorsement for the Maverick. Wheres the best place to get it also? I would love to be able to get all of these at like Home Depot since its local and I have a gift card, but let me know the best price/option.

Thanks!

tromaron · Apr 22, 2012

djtech2k said:
Again, great info.

I am really leaning towards the MES now. So I am assuming you all suggest the 40"? The 40 is great. Holds lots of meat & can fit a whole rack of ribs without cutting. I see some different ones at different sites, like ones with remote, etc. Any particular suggestion for which model or where to get it? The latest model available comes with the remote. It's cheapest from Sam's Club. If you don't have a membership, you can get a 1 day pass for 10% more. The newest model isn't available yet, but it moves the control panel to the front, also the grease tray. It also moves the vent to the left side.

With such a strong endorsement, I guess I am going to have to get the AMNPS also. Anything special about getting it? Just order from Todd. http://www.amazenproducts.com/default.asp For example, do I get chips or these pellets I see u mentioned? Todd has everything you need. Pellets, Propane Torch, & Maverick Thermometers. The Pittmaster Blend pellets are incredible. I have never seen pellets so I am not sure where to get those if I need them. A-MAZE-N Products.

With the AMNPS, how do you light it or keep it smoking without burning too fast or going out? You get instructions with the AMNPS, But my best success has been to microwave the pellets for 90 seconds then load the AMNPS & light with a torch. Once you get a good sized flame going, let it burn for at least 10 min, then blow it out & give it another min or 2 before putting it on the rails in the bottom left of the MES. I use a small piece of foil doubled over to day flat on the bottom rack directly above the AMNPS to keep grease from dripping on the pellets.

I also see the strong endorsement for the Maverick. The ET-732 is great. Let's you sit in your living room & still keep an eye on your smoker. Has alarms you can set for high & low temps in the MES, as well as meat temp. Wheres the best place to get it also? A-MAZE-N Products. I would love to be able to get all of these at like Home Depot since its local and I have a gift card, but let me know the best price/option.

Give it a bit to get used to it, each one's a little different. If your temp on the control panel is too far off from the correct reading on your Maverick, call Masterbuilt customer service. They're great. Have fun. You're gonna love it.

Thanks!

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