As new as you can be

donaldhatch

Newbie

Original poster

Jan 7, 2013

6

10

Lynnwood Washington

• Jan 7, 2013

• #1

Hi, I'm a novice smoker .I live in Washington state, I am 52 years old and work for the Post office. I have used Lhur Jensen smokers and currently own a Big Chief electric smoker. I mostly smoke Salmon that I catch in the Puget sound but want to upgrade my smoker and try different meats. I'd love to learn how to do great ribs, Brisket, chicken, etc.

I like the convenience of an electric smoker since I usually don't have a lot of time. I'm concerned after reading about electric smokers that the moderate priced smokers 200 to 400 are built cheaply and won't last very long. I have read about Weber smokers and their quality but usually don't have the time to cook with charcoal and am also concerned about smoking the salmon to fast. I’d really like some advice on my upcoming purchase of a new smoker!  

 

old sarge

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 26, 2012

3,163

922

SE Arizona

• Jan 7, 2013

• #2

Welcome. 

 

kathrynn

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Jun 13, 2012

9,442

121

Madison, AL

• Jan 7, 2013

• #3

Hi Donald and welcome to the forums. Check out the different comments folks have made about all of the brands. You will find everyone is passionate about a certain type. Ask questions. You will find out a lot! I like my Smoke Vault...its a propane smoker. Understand the time factor.....me too!

Take some time to explore all of SMF! You will have fun here!

 

s2k9k

AMNPS Test Group

Sep 8, 2011

11,324

182

SEUSA

• Jan 8, 2013

• #4

to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 40,000 members and over 800,000 posts so you should be able to find almost anything you want to know. Remember the search bar at the top can be your best friend for finding answers fast!

Would you do us a favor and update your profile to include your location, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-course it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more!

If you have any questions about the forums or need any help navigating around don’t hesitate to ask or send me a PM, I am more than happy to help out!

 

frosty

Master of the Pit

Oct 25, 2011

1,666

32

Houston, Texas, USA

• Jan 8, 2013

• #5

Hi DonaldHatch, and WELCOME to the SMF.

Lots of helpful folks, and TONS of information and recipes.

Take your time, and your research will help point you in  a direction best suited to your needs.  There are tons of smokers out there to consider, so GOOD LUCK!

 

smoke happens

Smoking Fanatic

Nov 20, 2012

520

37

Arlington, WA

• Jan 8, 2013

• #6

You will find your answer on the right smoker for you here at SMF, no question. Also check out the WA Smokers Group, if you ask you will find a bit more regional advise based on how the different models do up here in our unique WA weather patterns.

I love smoking salmon on a Big Chief, I grew up with my Dad smoking almost all of the salmon we caught in the sound on that model. His trick was he left it in the cardboard box it came in, was able to get the heat up a bit that way.

 

humdinger

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jun 27, 2012

1,686

90

Shelby Township MI

• Jan 8, 2013

• #7

Welcome Donald. I don't have much experience with electric smokers so I can't testify about the quality of the heating element or internal electronics, but I do know that like any appliance, if you keep your smoker out of the elements as much as possible. It should last years.

Like Smoke Happens says, definitely check out the Washington group and solicit some info there. That's your best bet.

 

smokinhusker

Legendary Pitmaster

Oct 20, 2010

8,179

77

Mountains west of Colorado Springs, CO

• Jan 8, 2013

• #8

Hello and welcome to SMF! I have a Masterbuilt Electric 40" and love the ease of it. I'm also looking to add a propane smoker to the mix. 

 

donaldhatch

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 7, 2013

6

10

Lynnwood Washington

• Jan 8, 2013

• #9

Thanks for the generous welcome. I'll take the advice to do some research and will definitely check out the WA smokers group. Thanks!