First Time Smoker!

[Sack1971]

Now that I have a dehydrator on my list, I am looking for a smoker. I'm open to charcoal, gas, whatever. Simply for home use. Can you folks steer me in the direction of brand or brands. One that is reliable and durable. Doing ribs, whole turkey, etc. Obviously this is a wide open question. But lets start with brand. Smoker that can handle cold weather of Minnesota.

 

[mike243]

Welcome Home, first step how much are you willing to spend? how much hands on do you wish? lot of smokers and sizes so you need to narrow it down or we will have you broke in no time flat lol.

 

[DRKsmoking]

Welcome , and you are going to get a lot of answers . Just add some answers like mike243 asked. and that will help.
Lots of different styles of smokers and prices.

Also Steve H should be along soon to help out here. He has a good handle on opening others wallets with his suggestions

David

 

[Brokenhandle]

Also, what kind of protection do you have from the elements? Cold temps are one thing, cold temps with wind are different.

And just so I don't lose my enabler status... you can have more than one smoker! I only have 6...

Ryan

 

[JLeonard]

Entry level…. Weber kettle….get the 26 in…..can do a ton of things with it.

Jim

 

[Steve H]

Now that I have a dehydrator on my list, I am looking for a smoker. I'm open to charcoal, gas, whatever. Simply for home use. Can you folks steer me in the direction of brand or brands. One that is reliable and durable. Doing ribs, whole turkey, etc. Obviously this is a wide open question. But lets start with brand. Smoker that can handle cold weather of Minnesota.

I was gifted a dehyber 8 layer dehydrator. Do a search on amazon for it. I love mine.

DEHYBER 8 Layer Food Dehydrator​

 

[clifish]

I was gifted a dehyber 8 layer dehydrator. Do a search on amazon for it. I love mine.

DEHYBER 8 Layer Food Dehydrator​

surprised you have not bought 3 more for each floor and the RV...lol

 

[schlotz]

Now that I have a dehydrator on my list, I am looking for a smoker. I'm open to charcoal, gas, whatever. Simply for home use. Can you folks steer me in the direction of brand or brands. One that is reliable and durable. Doing ribs, whole turkey, etc. Obviously this is a wide open question. But lets start with brand. Smoker that can handle cold weather of Minnesota.

Welcome to SMF! It might help to know a bit more. There are stick burners, pellet, electric, charcoal and gas versions. Each have their pluses and minuses. Some require more attention than others. Are you a set it and forget it person or one who likes to tinker? Budget wise there is quite a range so what are you willing to spend? Generally you will most likely get replies based upon what each individual currently uses which is fine but at the end of the day what is important is how you want to approach smoking.

 

[Steve H]

surprised you have not bought 3 more for each floor and the RV...lol

One works. For now! Lol!

 

[Colin1230]

Welcome to the forum Sack.

18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain. It is a great backyard cooker to learn on.
Also, as previously stated, you need a Weber kettle for preparing side dishes on while the ribs and butts are smoking. Again, welcome.