Moving Up

the question is what is your price range and how much do you want to have to spend to 'modify' the new one.  There are a lot of great smokers out there.  If you are the do-it-your-selfer I don't think you could ever go wrong with a simple but VERY effective Ugly Drum Smoker.  I have a huge log burner and I am getting ready to build a UDS for my much smaller cookouts.  They are very much charcoal smokers and you can make them with very few tools.  Many designs have no weld at all on them.

I would start there....and paint your favorite sports team logo on to make it your own.

Just an idea.  I would look and cruise around the UDS area on this forum. Look up Fat Ash BBQ. That man wins big comps with his assortment and he made them all himself.

Best of luck and keep an open mind there are all kinds..side firebox, reverse flow, pellet, UDS, big green eggs....it just goes on forever.

most of all pick the one and learn all you can about it before you buy so you can know all the uh-ohs up front.

getshorty40 said:

Smokey Mo:

Thanks for the information and I will keep your suggestions in mind. I do appreciate your words and wisdom. To answer a few questions of yours, I am not a do it yourself person. And the price I am wilping to pay is no more than 2k. Thanks for your insights.

Click to expand...

If you are in the 2K range these are reverse flow type smokers.  I have a very large reverse flow but you really don't need that unless you cater or have a huge family....the smaller patio size versions will work for most people.  

http://langbbqsmokers.com/smoker_cookers.html

http://www.meadowcreekbbq.com/smokers/index.php

For $2K you can look at Lang and Yoder and other similary built smokers.

Another option if you don't want to build a UDS, but want that kind of efficiency get a 22.5" Weber Smokey Mountain. The plus to these vs. a big lang or yoder is they are much easier to move around and find a place to store, and they only cost $400 (leaving $1600 to spend on meat! ).

My 22.5" WSM will average 1 lb. of charcoal per hr. or better in the summer and 1.25-1.5 lbs. per hr. in the winter. It holds 20 lbs. in one load, so doing overnight briskets and PP are absolutely no problem.