Which of these smokers to buy?

ozsmoker · Feb 3, 2017

Here are the prices and models:

Brinkman 810-3016-S 822sq in Smoker....... $90

Char-Griller Smokin' Pro 830sq in Grilll/Smkr...... $130

Oklahoma Joe Highland 879 sq in Smoker........ $150

Chargriller 9040 580 sq in Pellet Smoker......$200

I want to smoke a really good brisket, that's pretty much it. All the other stuff i'm not too concerned about.

I have owned an MES-30 and had terrible results, it gave out a few months ago so I tossed it

I have also tried with a small kamado cooker, with better results but no where near what I am after

Can anyone chime in on any of the above smokers, I think the prices are really good.

Other suggestions welcome

cornman · Feb 3, 2017

I love my WSM. Know it's not on your list, but I've been very happy with it.

firemanjon · Feb 3, 2017

What is it you are after that the other smokers let you down on? Knowing what you want to change might help aid in advice a lil bit.

ozsmoker · Feb 3, 2017

Something bigger and something that can maintain heat a little better

With the MES, all I got was dried out meat. The Kamado is nice and all but it's a budget model and hard to add woodchunks and charcoal during the cook

gr0uch0 · Feb 3, 2017

What vintage is the Highland? If it's old school, jump on it. If it's CharBroil, run, don't walk.

ozsmoker · Feb 3, 2017

All new unfortunately

gr0uch0 · Feb 3, 2017

Sorry, I'll pass all the way around. My thought: save up for several months and buy quality that's going to last instead of buying price now that won't stand the test of time. My $0.02

meesterq · Feb 3, 2017

I love my GMG Daniel Boone, but I wished I could get stronger smoke flavor out of it. I "taught" myself on a cheap charcoal bullet smoker before I bought there GMG but if I had to do it again, I'd go straight to the GMG. Here are pictures of the last few smokes of brisket and a shot of beef ribs for fun :)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

firemanjon · Feb 3, 2017

I agree with getting something that may hold up a little better and I understand being on a budget too. IMO they are capable of turning out some good bbq but there will be a good effort involved overcoming some quirks with each one such as air leaks/temp swings, etc. May not last terribly long either with heavy use. I use my WSM's most of the time because of ease of use. I personally think a stick burner offset has better flavor capabilities but I seldom have time to manage the fire all day which is why I love the WSM. Mine can be loaded up with enough chunks and charcoal at the start to set it and forget about it while I sleep all night. Never ran a komado so can't help there but I hear they can be loaded similarly to do the same. Best opinion I can give think about what type of fuel you want to heat with, if you can tend the fire constantly or need something you don't have to be with constantly, then research each model in that category maybe speak with some guys who own each and see their opinions if they would buy again etc. I also have bought 3 cheaper offsets in the last 6 yrs. in the neighborhood of 300 or so dollar range that have made some great bbq but just didn't last. Had I just saved that money up I could have bought a Lang that would last from now on which I'm saving for now lol.

ozsmoker · Feb 4, 2017

thanks for the suggestions, i will give these models a miss for now and save up for something better

in the meantime, i will keep trying to improve with my kamado

firemanjon · Feb 4, 2017

Don't know what model komado you have but I love those things...I don't have yet but my uncle just bought an egg and it's awesome. I'm saving for a Lang right now but after that I'm going to get a komado

gr0uch0 · Feb 4, 2017

I think it's a good move, Oz. Look on your local Craigslist, look on this website's classifieds, look on some other (albeit lesser) barbecue websites' classifieds, go to a local cookoff and ask around for any gently used equipment. If you're set on new, look at Old Country for charcoal/sticks: they can be had for around $400 and good quality units. Step up from there are Horizons: old OK Joe boys running that and really good equipment. Don't get sucked in on price alone, as you'll likely be disappointed in the long run. Good luck.

ozsmoker · Feb 6, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
What vintage is the Highland? If it's old school, jump on it. If it's CharBroil, run, don't walk.

Actually, how should I determine that?

gr0uch0 · Feb 6, 2017

Made before 1998 in Perry or Stillwater OK, 1/4" steel used. After that, CharBroil bought them, began production in Mexico, then China for OK Joe: you can imagine what the comparative quality is in the befores and afters....

nyc smoke · Feb 7, 2017

I'd throw the Pit Barrel Cooker in the mix - for $299 it's affordable and well reviewed (especially by ME!)...

IMG_4816.JPG

nyc smoke
Feb 7, 2017

joakimericsson · Feb 9, 2017

I got WSM , i prefer it to you

gnappi · Feb 11, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
What vintage is the Highland? If it's old school, jump on it. If it's CharBroil, run, don't walk.

I don't know about that. I bought a Char Broil vertical smoker and after fixing the door leaks and dumping the charcoal pan I LOVE it.

I bought a "stainless companion" pan for charcoal, and an extra stainless grill and it has GR8 capacity, holds temp and smokes very well.

gr0uch0 · Feb 11, 2017

Go look at a pre-1998 Oklahoma Joe or New Braunfels, and you'll see what I'm talking about. No comparison whatsoever.

firemanjon · Feb 11, 2017

If you have an academy sports nearby they usually carry old country smokers. The difference he is describing is like the difference between their pecos and brazos model. Both look alike but one is around $300 and the other around $1000. Open the lids and one is lightweight thin metal and the other is all 1/4" thick steel. They do look like a pretty well built unit too.

ozsmoker · Feb 11, 2017

gnappi said:
I don't know about that. I bought a Char Broil vertical smoker and after fixing the door leaks and dumping the charcoal pan I LOVE it.

I bought a "stainless companion" pan for charcoal, and an extra stainless grill and it has GR8 capacity, holds temp and smokes very well.

i'm considering this route been reading up on the other thread were lots of mods were done

how did you fix the air leaks? i noticed that people are using atv orange but i've also read it might not work too well around the firebox since it gets too hot

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