Opinions Smoke Hollow 30" 30166

radioguy

Master of the Pit

Original poster

Jan 12, 2013

1,433

1,034

Columbus, Ohio

• Dec 31, 2013

• #1

I can get this one for $111 on sale at a local store.  It looks pretty fairly built (insulated about 1/2")  and I know it will need some mods to get it work right.  It has what is equivalent to an electric fry pan controller for temp control.   I already have an AMNPS for better smoke generation.  I am currently building a RF cooker but that won't be done for a little while longer.   I got the smoked food bug real bad....for $111.... I could be having smoked meat for breakfast.

Smoke.jpg

• radioguy
• Dec 31, 2013

Let me know your thoughts,

Happiest New Year to ALL!!!

RG

 

old sarge

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 26, 2012

3,201

980

SE Arizona

• Jan 5, 2014

• #2

I just read thru the manual for this smoker. Looks like a nice unit.   I don't think you can go wrong for the price. Hopefully some folks with user time on a Smoke Hollow smoker will chime in.  But for the money, I would go for it and have fun. 

Here is a link within this forum concerning this unit.  

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/64090/smoke-hollow-electric-smoker-questions

 

Last edited: Jan 5, 2014

radioguy

Master of the Pit

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 12, 2013

1,433

1,034

Columbus, Ohio

• Jan 5, 2014

• #3

Thanks Sarge.

Sale is over now...but I'll keep my eyes open.

RG

 

old sarge

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

Nov 26, 2012

3,201

980

SE Arizona

• Jan 5, 2014

• #4

I also checked Amazon and the SH smokers get good marks. 

 

sb59

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 27, 2013

461

24

New Jersey

• Jan 8, 2014

• #5

Basically the same smoker as Masterbuilt analog " which I own". Good point is if temp. control or heat coil need replacing you can order from Smoke Hollow and install in either smoker. I drilled an adjustable vent in mine because too much humidity and creosote buildup in the Masterbuilt due to small vent in their model. Also found best smoke at lower temps. with sawdust, and pan placed right on top of coils. For real low smoke temps I use the amaz. smoker. No problems with smoke at temps above 180. Picked mine up for $99. bucks a few years ago and Bass Pro had a Masterbuilt mod. on sale before  Christmas for $69.  So keep your eyes open. Can't build a smoker for that price. Always figured in a pinch I could throw a $10. hot plate in the bottom of this unit in a coil emergency.

 

radioguy

Master of the Pit

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 12, 2013

1,433

1,034

Columbus, Ohio

• Jan 8, 2014

• #6

SB59 said:

 
Basically the same smoker as Masterbuilt analog " which I own". Good point is if temp. control or heat coil need replacing you can order from Smoke Hollow and install in either smoker. I drilled an adjustable vent in mine because too much humidity and creosote buildup in the Masterbuilt due to small vent in their model. Also found best smoke at lower temps. with sawdust, and pan placed right on top of coils. For real low smoke temps I use the amaz. smoker. No problems with smoke at temps above 180. Picked mine up for $99. bucks a few years ago and Bass Pro had a Masterbuilt mod. on sale before  Christmas for $69.  So keep your eyes open. Can't build a smoker for that price. Always figured in a pinch I could throw a $10. hot plate in the bottom of this unit in a coil emergency.

Click to expand...

SB59,

Thanks for the comment.  I ended up buying this one for $111, could not pass it up for that price.  You are right can't build one for the price.  The cabinet is fairly stiff, insulated about 1/2".  I do want to get some more ventilation going through this one.  Can you let me know how big a vent you put into your MES?  (intake and exhaust) 

I just got a AMNPS for good smoke generation.  Most likely will do some sort of mailbox mod is the future.  But I want to do some homework before I cut into this cabinet. 

Thanks Again!!

RG

 

sb59

Smoking Fanatic

Dec 27, 2013

461

24

New Jersey

• Jan 8, 2014

• #7

Hi RadioGuy,

My heat coil on the MB analog is on the lower left of center so I drilled a 1 1/2 inch hole upper right rear corner. Then using a folded metal coffee can lid and a pop rivet I made a swinging door to control air flow. The cabinet had a small drip hole in the bottom and the Masterbuilt doors are not air tight so intake has been no problem. I did and 4 small L brackets and a rack to put a drip pan on just above the chip pan and water pan. Keeps the unit cleaner and blocks direct heat from the coils so I slow smoke with indirect heat and don't grill my food. When I use the AMNPS I have just set it on the lower meat rack above this drip pan and have had no problems keeping the dust smoking. When smoking at heat 160 & over I just fill both chip and water pan with dry dust and get plenty of long smoke.

 

Last edited: Jan 8, 2014