New to the Forum (Columbus OH) New Smoker Advice Appreciated

[bloat dastardly]

Hello Everybody,

Came across this fine board by accident. I have been smoking (brisket, butts, fatties, shrimp, ABTs) for a few years now and with good reviews. I have been using a gas Brinkman All-In-One and it has proven to be serviceable. This spring I will be upgrading and I am starting some research. I figured this would be a good place to start an open ended discussion on what you use, would recommend or wish you had for a smoker.

I am looking to spend $500-1000, I am willing to travel to get a custom job if anyone knows of a guy who knows of a guy, and am not married to gas if you prefer tradition over ease.

I appreciate your thoughts and look forward to sending pictures and adding to the forum!

Best,
Bloat

 

[acemakr]

Welcome to the forum.

What kind/style of smoker did you have in mind?

 

[chef jeff tx]

Howdy & welcome to the SMF!!

 

[werdwolf]

welcome.

How much smoking are you going to be doing?

I love my little MES 30.

 

[jak757]

Welcome to SMF -- good to see another Ohio smoker!

I can't help much on your question as I an pretty new myself. But I'm sure others will be around soon who know lots and will contribute much.

God luck to you....and Go Bucs!!

 

[bloat dastardly]

I would like something that can do multiple briskets at the same time, something with enough room to handle different things at the same time and provides easy access to everything. This is where the Brinkman kind of sucks. I can do 2 butts but cant get to the bottom one without removing the top one, and it heats unevenly.

More than anything I am curious what everyone here is currently using so I can google it and start research that way. Or if you would recommend something that you wish you had.

 

[jacksmoke]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your adventure!

 

[bloat dastardly]

I'll do 4-5 briskets a summer, 4-5 butts, 2-3 fatties and fil in with shrimp, etc. Not a ton, and I wont be entering any competitions with the smoker, but I wouldn't mind something sturdy, heats evenly and large enough to handle multiple things simultaneously. If it helps me step up my game all the better.

What is the MES 30?

 

[rbargoalie19]

Another central Ohio smoker on the forums.

Welcome to SMF and enjoy.

MES = Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
30 = 30 inch

Masterbuilt also makes a 40 inch model.

 

[irishteabear]

Welcome to SMF. Glad you joined us.

 

[werdwolf]

If your are considering electric. MES!

the 30 inch that I have I can get 6 butts or chickens in without a problem.

Often do 2 racks of spares, ABTs, nuts all in one smoke. The rack of ribs you do have to cut due to the size. I understand with the 40 inch, you can get a full rack of ribs in.

Set your temp, throw a few chips in every 30-40 min and your good to go.

Draw back, not good at "crisping" skin etc as max temp 275.

 

[bigbaldbbq]

Hey there Bloat. Always good to see another Buckeye on the forum. I'm also in Columbus, and I had some friends of mine build me a smoker. Get in touch if you want some contact information. Here are some pictures, I just got it back from StreetWerkz they sandblasted it and powder coated it for me.




It will hold a lot of meat

 

[richoso1]

Welcome to the SMF, and take your time in selecting your next smoker. It's all good my friend.

 

[newflame]

if you're interested in bigger custom smokers, I have found craigs list to be pretty helpful in the search, ebay has some decent deals from time to time, another option you might consider is just going to a welding shop, and seeing how much they could fabricate one for you, I know some guys out this way (nebraska) who love doing that and would generally just do it for the cost of parts and tools...just a thought, in any case, welcome to the forums, look forward to seeing your work!

 

[etcher1]

Welcome to the SMF forum, You came to the right place. Good people and good info.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks here and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.

 

[treegje]

Welcome to the SMF, We are glad to have you onboard

 

[beer-b-q]

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