New Purchase suggestions

Hi Steve!  to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 45,000 members who just love to share their experience and over 900,000 posts describing it! The search bar at the top can be your best friend when you are trying to find answers to your questions but you can still ask too if you want!

Would you do us a favor and add your location to your profile, it helps others to know where you are when they offer advice, Thanks!

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

Every style smoker is going to be a little different. Several people own multiple units (electric, gasser, stick burner and a SFB). It really just comes down to what your goal is. I have a side fire box smoker that was what I started with but that has since turned into a grill only for the most part. I built a UDS and haven't looked back yet! Cheap, easy and effective. Others prefer to only hit a button or turn a knob, each to their own.

I have both electric and wood burning. I have had so many issues over the years with the two electrics that I've decided not to put any more money in them. I really liked my MES for making sausage, but that's about all I used it for. Thermostat has gone out twice and I'm done there. Same thing with my Traeger. Had it repaired twice. Done. My opinion would be to buy a WSM, it's wood and coal burning, if you go with the larger size you can get a good bit of meat on there. Other options would be the Big Green Egg or a Primo. I have the Primo XL and love it. I've heard good things about the Egg as well.

Check on Craigslist, you'll be surprised at the deals you can find. I bought two older model Weber 22.5" for $10 each. I had to replace some parts, but nothing compared to a new one and Weber is a great product. I replaced the grate with a hinged grate so I can use it for smoking as well. I also bought the rotisserie that fits it and OMG that was the best purchase I've made so far. I think it would fit the 22.5 WSM as well. Good luck!!!

 to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! You are going to love it here.


If you need any help roaming around the forums...just holler.  Will be glad to help out!

Kat

Hi Steve,

Squirelly girl gave you some great advice!  I own three smokers...one electric MES, a CG w/ SFB, and a WSM.  The WSM is my favorite for its versatility and ability to smoke large amounts of meat if I need to (I just add another stack to the top).

BTW...

   to the SMF, the best BBQ site on the web.  Whatever you need to know about the fine art of BBQ you can find it right here, from recipes to technical knowledge.

One thing you need to know about us is that we like to see pictures of your creations and your gear.  We call it Q-View and its basically the !!!

So, don't just talk about your food, show it!  Otherwise you may get a gentle reminder, like this...

  or this...

Good Luck and Get Smokin'

Bill