Help me find the right smoker

twoods · Feb 26, 2010

Last year I bought my first smoker, it was an ECB which after doing the right mods it worked great. Only problem is, I went out of town for a week, and came home to find that someone stole it. Now I am looking to buy a replacement, I am debating between Charcoal, Gas, or Electric, not quite sure which to go for. I was hoping that some of you could help me out. Here are a few that I am looking at. If you have any suggestion of other models that you've used that work good I am open to suggestions, I would like to keep the price under 200 though. If I posted this in the wrong area, I apologize and will understand if a mod needs to move it. Thanks in advance for any responses.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

jirodriguez · Feb 26, 2010

A lot of it depends on how you like to que. If you are a "set it, and forget it" kind of person you want to stick with a gasser or electric. If you are a pyro at heart and enjoy poking around the fire go with charcoal.

I personally have a Char-Griller Smokin' Pro with offset firebox that I have been very happy with. If you prefer the vertical charcoal smokers I would suggest looking at a Weber Smokey Mountain, better quality (IMHO) than the Brinkmans. It will cost you more, but will last a long time and turn out great que!

chisoxjim · Feb 26, 2010

charcoal for sure.

Id suggest a WSM(as always..

).

Ive got one, and love it. Great temp control, a feul miser, and turns out great Q'.

rickw · Feb 26, 2010

I too would suggest you look at the WSM. It will be easier to use, has great CS and it is indeed a fuel miser.

The WSM is about as close to set and forget as a charcoal unit can be.

schmoke · Feb 26, 2010

I also have a Char Griller Pro w/side firebox and I love it. "Course I like to play with FIRE! Anyway, it's a great working smoker, especially after the mods.

http://www.grillirious.com/?page_id=321

reents · Feb 26, 2010

They all look like they would do what you want. As for me its gas and as with all looks like you could chain it to tree or something thru the handle if that is possible to keep from beign stolen again.

phrogs4ever · Feb 26, 2010

http://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-Dou...7222408&sr=8-1

If you're on a budget, read the reviews for the Char-Broil Double Chef. I just got mine and seems to be a good (cheaper) alternative to the WSM.

rp ribking · Feb 26, 2010

If you live in my neck of the woods, South Bend, In I have a 2 for sale: Cheap.

Silver Smoker w/firebox: used 3 seasons, seasoned
Charbroil Outlaw w/firebox: used once, seasoned

michchef · Feb 27, 2010

Have you considered building a UDS or Ugly Drum Smoker? They're easy to build, easy to use, you can build one for around $100.00 and you can smoke more in one at one time than in any of those Brinkmanns you posted. And on the plus side, you can get 14-16 hours smokes on a drum that a charcoal Brinkmann will never do.

rstr hunter · Feb 27, 2010

I second this, however, an elelectric or propane will handle winter better depending on where you are. If I had only one though, the Chargriller would be it.

rickw · Feb 27, 2010

I have smoked with my Horizon and WSM in negative ° weather. Both do a very good job, though the WSM needs no tending.

timtimmay · Feb 27, 2010

I love the chargriller super pro with side fire box. Fits under your $200 budget. You can smoke a LOT of food at once, just ask my deep freeze.

I think chargriller has one a little bit smaller as well if that is too much.

This isn't the set it and forget it like electrics, but you can turn out a lot of good q with it and it is fun.

williamzanzinger · Feb 27, 2010

I would get another ecb AND THEN start a project. build a drum or get an offset and take your time modifying it. But get an ecb first. Good to have them around and at the right price there practically disposable.I have a digital bradley that works great but I hardly use it anymore. Its lump all the way when it comes to flavor.

daveafguy · Feb 27, 2010

Hey guys. This is guy is hilarious. :) For those just starting out smoking, he's pretty good. Don't be Non-Union. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8smk...eature=related

twoods · Feb 28, 2010

I'm in California so winter where I am not too concerned with winter, talking to folks and on here it seems the way to go is the WSM, my buddy actually just bought one and he loves it, so I think I'm gonna go with one of those. Price is a bit higher than I wanted to spend but if the quality is there I don't mind spending a little more.

chisoxjim · Feb 28, 2010

cant go wrong with the WSM, I think its the king of the small smokers.

chefrob · Feb 28, 2010

i'm sure you will like it.........my buddy loves his.

rickw · Feb 28, 2010

Great choice imo, you'll love it.

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