New Member, TimberCook

timbercook

Newbie

Original poster

Feb 16, 2015

7

10

Smoker location will be Redstone Lake, about 4 hou

• Feb 16, 2015

• #1

Hi Everybody,

This looks like a great forum to learn about smoking meat and sharing experiences. I am in the process of buying my first smoker. Based on the research, I have narrowed it down to the Big Green Egg, or the Horizon Offset Barrel Smoker. Most of the smoking will be done at our cottage near Algonquin Park in central Ontario.

I would appreciate some help in choosing a smoker, so I have compiled a list of needs and circumstances:

- we entertain large groups and enjoy cooking

- I would like to make my own sausages for smoking

- we have an abundance of hardwood for smoking

- in some instances, the smoking would take place in cold weather

- it would be nice to be able to transport a smoker from the cottage to our house, but not critical

- mostly interested in smoking pork, beef and sausages

- I enjoy experimenting with dry rubs and sauces ( I have a lot of experience with BBQ's)

Any advice would be appreciated; additionally, if you think there is a better smoker than the two that I have selected, please let me know.

Many thanks in advance for your time and advice.

All the best,

Karl.

 

bluewhisper

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Apr 1, 2014

3,587

455

Columbus Ohio

• Feb 16, 2015

• #2

Welcome to the board!

The Weber would be the easiest to transport, and it's hailed as a very versatile and reliable setup. To move a big green egg, get a forklift. An offset falls between the two.

The Weber and the offset easily double as grills, if you anticipate entertaining by grilling for many you might want the easy-access large cooking  area of the offset. Either rig can burn any mix of charcoal and wood.

The Weber might be better for tall items like butts and turkeys, also for hanging sausages. They tend to be less leaky than offsets, and their enamel finish will last for decades - no exaggeration. Look into accessories like side baskets for indirect smoking.

Use the Search here to look for reviews and tips on many types of smokers. Have fun!

 

gary s

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

Jan 6, 2011

26,255

4,705

• Feb 16, 2015

• #3

Boy have you come to the right place, Tons of information on just about everything on here, Welcome !

Gary

 

themule69

Epic Pitmaster

Oct 7, 2012

12,884

350

live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and

• Feb 16, 2015

• #4

Glad you joined the group. The search bar at the top of any page is your best friend.
About anything you wanna know about smoking/grilling/curing/brining/cutting or slicing
and the list goes on has probably been posted. Remember to post a QVIEW of your smokes.
We are all smoke junkies here and we have to get our fix. If you have questions
Post it and you will probably get 10 replies with 11 different answers. That is
because their are so many different ways to make great Q...
Happy smoken.
David

 

timbercook

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 16, 2015

7

10

Smoker location will be Redstone Lake, about 4 hou

• Feb 16, 2015

• #5

Thanks for the welcome. I can already see that I'm in the right place.

Take care,

Karl.

 

timbercook

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 16, 2015

7

10

Smoker location will be Redstone Lake, about 4 hou

• Feb 16, 2015

• #6

Thanks for the welcome and your toy list. I will not be smoking until some snow leaves and the temperature rises (currently -44). I will be sure to keep everybody posted when I start smoking...maybe even some bragging, but more likely to be cries for help.

Take care,

Karl (TimberCook).

 

joe black

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Jan 25, 2015

4,535

341

Greenville, SC

• Feb 20, 2015

• #7

Welcome, this site really fits t he old adage of you get out of it what you put in. The people are very knowledgable and all will help. If it were me, I'd go with the horizon. A lot of folks want to push the WSM but it's not as much fun as an offset. Playing with the fire and trying different methods will give much enjoyment while giving excellent food results. Good luck and have fun in your shopping.

 

timbercook

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 16, 2015

7

10

Smoker location will be Redstone Lake, about 4 hou

• Feb 20, 2015

• #8

Thanks Joe. It seems like a really nice group that's happy to share their knowledge and experiences. I'm going with the offset barrel smoker. Purchase date will be late March.

Take care,

TimberCook.

 

gary s

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

Jan 6, 2011

26,255

4,705

• Feb 21, 2015

• #9

Hey TimberCook, we'll be waiting to see your smoker, glad you joined the group

Gary

 

timbercook

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Feb 16, 2015

7

10

Smoker location will be Redstone Lake, about 4 hou

• Feb 21, 2015

• #10

Thanks Gary. I should be getting it around the end of March.