From WSM to Propane? OH MY! Which to Buy?

Hi,

I did the exact same swap about 18 mos ago, for exactly the same reasons.

After doing some research and reading some blogs, I decided on the Masterbuilt XL (40 inch wide smoker).

For between $200-300, you get a mostly set it and forget it experience.  They just released a new model of this smoker with a glass door.  I haven't used this one, but it is almost $100 more than the previous model which I purchased (for $179).

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/99268/masterbuilt-xl-wide-smoker-owners-air-flow-issues

I read, and followed some of the mods from this blog page.  You definitely need to swap out the chip pan for a small cast iron pan - that worked well.  I tried putting oven gasket around the door, but it fell off after about 3 smokes, and I haven't tried to put it back on yet. It seems to hold its temps pretty well, so I haven't been worried about it.

I swapped out the tiny water pan for a "hotel" pan which fits exactly the width of the smoker, which is nice because it also doubles as a drip pan.

I also opted to buy a larger propane tank.  Probably one up from the size of a normal gas grill tank.  That has been nice.  If I know I am doing a 10-12 hour smoke I just make sure to top it off before I start and it is good to go with ample room to spare.

I did build a 2x4 cart for it that allows me to roll it and the tank around together which has been nice. This is a the picture I used to build mine, but I added a "side-car" for the propane tank and painted the whole thing with heat resistant paint.


The smoker has operated fine.  I am pleased with it.  I am thinking about crafting a water heater blanket for it since it is getting really cold.  For the price, you can't beat it!

enjoy  :)

Cheri

Hmm, your requirements are somewhat limiting. I know some great propane smokers for under $200, but when you start looking at the wide-body models, it's tougher to find one at that price. Any chance you can put more skin in the game?

If you are generally happy with the WSM but tired of baby sitting the vents and charcoal during a smoke, you might consider adding a power draft controller to the WSM instead of replacing it.  It will make it as set and forget as possible.

I have a BBQ Guru DigiQ-II and have been using it with my WSM for years.  Never a single problem, and it will hold the set temp as long as you have fuel in the WSM.   It's about as painless as it can get and in the price range your are talking about.

Just a thought.

I have a gosm wide body from wal-mart and love it. Cheri have you though of getting a welding blanket. They work well and aren't as bulky.you can get one cheap from harbor freight.

Thanks Michael. I'll check it out!

So I looked at them online, and it looks like a tarp. Do you hold it in place with magnets or just drape it over the top and sides and don't worry about the back?

Thanks

I got a Master Built Dual Fuel smoker, it is in your price range ( $179) but not big enought do a full slab of ribs.  I really like my master built and if I really wanted to go bigger I would really consider the XL model. I would prefer a model with two doors though, I see hardly any change in temp when I add wood or water using the lower door. 

I would say save a little dough and go with Landmann GOSM Big Block. I have one and love it. With a needle valve added you can keep temps form 120-400 with ease. Good Luck with whatever smoker you go with.

Robert

I have a 24" Smoke Vault...and can do just about anything I want to.  Full racks of ribs...even the large aluminum pans fit it  nicely.  I will get another one...when this one decides to go to that Smoker heaven in the sky.  

Babysit a WSM?  hmmm   I think it's about as close to set it and forget it as it gets -- with or without a power draft.  Cooking on hardwood natural lump for me. :)

I'd think twice before going with something else..You basically have one of, if not, THE best smoker on the market. Many professional competitors use the WSM's. I love them.  They can cook LONG, and low and slow!

If you are really having to babysit it, something is wrong.  I'd take that $200 you were going to put into a propane smoker, and get the IQ110 or similar stoker type unit....you can set the temp on it, and it'll hold a solid temp for over 12 hours easily.

Hope that helps

Dan

quemeI just got the Smoke Hollow 44" from same club  $279 really like it has 2 burners 2 chip trays 2 water pans  All I had to do was install a needle valve  Here it is next to my old Cajun InjectorView media item 188382

I was useing magnets but i finly broke down and just screwed it to it. It gives me a extra 10f in the dead of winter. Hogridder47 that's one nice 44.