So for the last several years I have been smoking in a cheap <$200 traditional offset smoker from Home Depot. It has leaks and horrible heat retention and the dampers are garbage. However, despite this, I have managed to produce meat that many of my fellow Texans have greatly approved of. So, I am thinking that it is time for me to invest in a higher quality smoker.
So which do you guys suggest, and why? I'm familiar with traditional offset smokers. Never used a vertical smoker. However, I already have a nice grill that I use for things like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, etc. So I don't need anything that is versatile. I am looking for something that excels at only one thing......smoking. I do like to experiment with wood flavors so I need something that burns wood.
What are the pros and cons of getting a vertical smoker over a traditional offset smoker?
And do you guys have any suggestions on which style to get and which manufacturers within those styles? I am looking for something that is going to last me a long time. Heavy duty and good quality. I am hoping to spend less than $800. Obviously, the cheaper, the better. But $800 is about where my cut off is for now.
So which do you guys suggest, and why? I'm familiar with traditional offset smokers. Never used a vertical smoker. However, I already have a nice grill that I use for things like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, etc. So I don't need anything that is versatile. I am looking for something that excels at only one thing......smoking. I do like to experiment with wood flavors so I need something that burns wood.
What are the pros and cons of getting a vertical smoker over a traditional offset smoker?
And do you guys have any suggestions on which style to get and which manufacturers within those styles? I am looking for something that is going to last me a long time. Heavy duty and good quality. I am hoping to spend less than $800. Obviously, the cheaper, the better. But $800 is about where my cut off is for now.