About to buy a Camp Chef Vault 18

[blodzoo]

I wasn't really planning on buying a smoker today but I've almost bought them in the past and I just happened to see one of these Vault 18"s on clearance, checked online, it's a great deal, but I have a concern.

I've been looking around online and I've seen some places that said that the turkey cannon doesn't fit and other places say that it does.  Can anyone verify that it does?  I really want to be able to smoke a turkey in this thing.

If anyone can verify that I'll be able to smoke a fantastic turkey in this thing, I'm going to run and grab it right now because I think they've only got one in the store.

 

[kathrynn]

I have the CC #24 and love it.  Mine...did 2 turkeys this past Thanksgiving.  I just placed my on the racks...no cannon needed.

Kat

 

[blodzoo]

Perhaps a better question would have been "Do you need a turkey cannon?"

I think I'll go for it.  The 24" is an extra $100 and I'd have to order it.  I can go pick up the 18" for $179 right now.

 

[s2k9k]

I've seen a ton of turkeys smoked without a cannon and they all look Awesome, I've even done a couple myself that came out really good!

 

[blodzoo]

I went ahead and bought the 18".  I'm assembling it right now.  I'm pretty happy with the the quality so far.  It's obviously not a $600 smoker, I would expect more precision, but everything is going together smoothly and mine doesn't wobble like the display model in the store.

Also, s2k9k, it appears that we share another interest.  I had to sell my AP1 when my daughter was born (bought a jetta sportwagen TDI, great car, but just not the same).  I hope to buy another someday.

If anyone wants to suggest any simple crowd-pleasing recipes for a first-timer, I'm all ears. 
 

 

[s2k9k]

Yea I had an AP1 Berlina Black but sold it for various reasons and bought a Scion tC1 Release Series 6.0 and it's a fun car but yea not the same, hope to get another someday too!

 

[blodzoo]

I had to google what the release 6.0 meant.  Cool looking car.  AfterI get a bunch of other stuff sorted, I'd like to look for a low-mileage ap2.

I am currently seasoning my smoker.  I think the thermometer might be off, I'm having a friend bring another one so that we can compare. 

I was unprepared for the amount of smoke.  I had all the windows open, house smells strongly of smoke now.  At 225 degrees, the chips burned up pretty fast.  At 175, it seems like a much nicer slow smoke.

First test with actual meat will be tomorrow.