Advise me on what smoker to buy...

[smoker13]

I am new to smoking and need advice on what smoker will best serve my needs.  I am looking at either propane or electric.   I want to be able to make jerky and snack sticks but also ribs, pulled pork, turkeys and chickens.  I have read many reviews of different models but it seems like many either break within a year or two or do not maintain a low/high enough heat.  Please let me know any advise you have on if electric or propane will best serve my needs and/or a model that you particularly like.  I am looking at trying to get one for under $300.00.  Thanks!

 

[larrym]

In all honesty,, my personal thought would be.  How much do you plan to smoke at one time,, for how big of a gathering and how much time can you dedicate to watch it ? 

I suppose there is always a chance that a bad unit is out there though I think the odds might increase with a propane or electric smoker vice a errr,, wanna have me one,,, firebox type smoker.

For example.  I smoke for family and friends, normally 2 times a month.  With a Masterbuilt Electric smoker, the old style 30 inch.  I can fit a 10# pork butt, 2 racks of ribs and bottom tray for a pan of mac n cheese.  That is more then enough for my size gathering.  Once I learned here that I need different thermometer setup,, my lil MES is perfect for what I want to do and it has run great for 3 years.

Let us know your smoking plans and the experts here should be able to point you in right direction.

 

[SmokinAl]

MES 40, with window $299 at Sam's Club.

 

[tjohnson]

X2

Actually X3, because I own 3 of them!


Todd

 

[smoker13]

I assume we will smoke anywhere from 2-4 times per month (well maybe not as much during the winter).  I would like a unit that I can pretty much set and does not need a whole lot of monitoring except adding more wood chips.  I assume we will be making LOTS of snack sticks and jerky that we can share with family and friends as this is the way my husband prefers his venison.  There are only two of us right now but I would like enough space to be able to smoke for large family gatherings during the summer. 

LarryM- Thanks for the suggestion.  I will look into the MES 40 at Sam's. 

 

[larrym]

If you are planning on doing some lower temp smoking,, you may want to look at the AMPS setup.  Basically, there are 2 units,, 1 is for dust and one is for pellets.  The way they set in the smoker, you are able to smoke at a much lower temperature with perfect smoke / flavor.  I do not have one as my older style MES seems to do okay now.  There is so much information here on this site,, its hard to keep track :)  I am still a new member but as you are too.  Trust me on this,, the experts will point you in the right direction, they will take into account your budget and smoker equipment needs and they will also give advice and walk you through any cooking projects.  The search option at the top will give you more then enough info.  Please feel free to ask anything and if you feel froggy,, go to the roll call section and let us know more about you.  We can help, just let us know what you are looking for :)

 

[billyj571]

That's what I have and love it and 2 webers
 

MES 40, with window $299 at Sam's Club.