Best option for a newbie?

spaceman spiff

Newbie

Original poster

Aug 1, 2017

11

10

• Aug 1, 2017

• #1

Gents, ladies, undecideds

Howdy! New here and to smoking in general, but starting on the path to righteousness by way of grilled/smoked meats for nightly noms. Wifey and I, along with 2 y/o kiddo, moved into our new build at beginning of year. I'm feeling all manly with my big property (1/3 acre, which is "huge" as far as new subdivisions in Orlando go) and the wife has given the green light to build a patio/deck with pergola to house an outdoor seating area and my grilling station. In my exuberance I've already purchased a Weber Kettle and the Slow-N-Sear accessory with which to do small smokes.

That said, I still want a dedicated smoker; something basic and not too large. After a bit of research I've narrowed down my current choices to either a WSM 18" and the Pit Barrell Company. Space on the deck is at a premium, so these bullet type designs are what I'm looking for. I also like the "set it and forget it" reviews of both smokers. To the experienced smokers out there, is there a preference between the 2 that would benefit a newbie like me?

Thanks (and I'll get over to roll call soon for a better introduction)

 

uncle eddie

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May 14, 2016

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Central Missouri

• Aug 1, 2017

• #2

Since you live in Florida and outdoor temps will not get crazy low like it does here in Missouri when we try to winter like Minnesota instead of Texas, I think either option will be fine.

I base the above comment on my experience with an electric Brinkman bullet smoker that worked great until it got really cold and windy and I lost a lot of heat through the sidewalls.

 

spaceman spiff

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Aug 1, 2017

11

10

• Aug 1, 2017

• #3

Haha, yeah, if it gets below 40 I'm probably not gonna be spending much time outside; though that only happens a handful of times each "winter". Rain and windy storms will be the biggest outdoor deterrent most likely.

 

SmokinAl

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Central Florida (Sebring)

• Aug 2, 2017

• #4

I think if you can spend the extra $100, I would go with a WSM 22.5.

Al

 

danbono

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Feb 19, 2012

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North New Jersey Paramus

• Aug 2, 2017

• #5

What Al said 

 

gmc2003

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• Aug 3, 2017

• #6

below 40, what maybe 40 below...if cooking just for you, wifey and kiddo 18 should be fine. If your cooking for more peeps then I agree with Al and go with the 22. I have the 22 and rarely use the bottom rack.

 

smokinbill1638

Meat Mopper

Apr 6, 2014

261

75

Western North Carolina

• Aug 3, 2017

• #7

I have the wsm 22.5 and love it.  Great for smoking, easy to use, solid temps, 2 racks that can hold a lot of food.  Multiple 8 lb pork butts at a time.

 

phatbac

Master of the Pit

Jun 11, 2013

2,207

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Monroe, NC USA

• Aug 3, 2017

• #8

SmokinAl said:

 
I think if you can spend the extra $100, I would go with a WSM 22.5.

Al

Click to expand...

phatbac (Aaron)

 

noboundaries

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Roseville, CA, a suburb of Sacramento

• Aug 3, 2017

• #9

22.5" WSM and a BBQ Guru if you want a completely set and forget. I am smoking short ribs today on my WSM. I've already run three errands and don't give it a second thought. Makes for a comfortable night's sleep too if you choose to do low n slow for butts and briskets. You can always add the Guru later. Let your your wife give it to you for Christmas or your birthday!

 

yankee2bbq

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Northern Arkansas-Banjo Land

• Aug 3, 2017

• #10

Have to chime in here. I've been grilling and smoking food now for over 10 years, but just started really getting into it here recently. (Just joined this site not to long ago).

I have an Oklahoma joe highland that is my main smoker, however, I have another smoker that I bought over 10 years ago and used it very little. It is a WSM. And because of this forum I learned so much about it and how good they are. I rarely used mine because, I didn't think it was an actual "smoker" because it doesn't have a side firebox.

The WSM is very easy to use. Keeps the heat. Very

image.jpg

• yankee2bbq
• Aug 3, 2017

little baby sitting.

My vote is the Weber Smokey Mountain!

 

spaceman spiff

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Aug 1, 2017

11

10

• Aug 3, 2017

• #11

Trust me, my inner "Tim the Toolman Taylor" says get the WSM 22.5...but my inner Dave Ramsey says I don't need that size and therefore don't need to spend the extra $. The frugal side is correct, though, I'd never cook for more than the family, so a few racks of ribs or a 6lb butt would be the standard cook. I think I'm gonna save up and get the 18.5 WSM around xmas time and build a mini-WSM in the interim; never heard of such a thing until I found this place and it looks like a fun little project for my Dad and I

Thanks guys! And if you see any sales online, post 'em!