So I am looking to buy my first smoker and I think I am going to get either a barrel smoker or a gas smoker. From what I have read both are good choices for a beginner but I would like your input. Both smoker I am looking at are priced around the same: Big Poppa barrel smoker and Camp Chef Vault 24" gas smoker.
From what I can tell the the benefits of the barrel are easy to set up and use, large area to smoke, uses charcoal.
Downside is it is messy, hard to use multiple racks
Benefits of gas: Easy access to the meat, gas is easy to use, multiple racks
Downside: Some claim that propane makes the meat taste different, can be hard to control heat, tends to leak, could cost more to use
I am sure there are advantages and disadvantages that I am missing, this is just a brief list.
If you could give me some guidance I would greatly appreciate it. Please give me reasons why you think I should go with one over the other. Also if you have a certain barrel or gas system you recommend I am all for recommendation.
From what I can tell the the benefits of the barrel are easy to set up and use, large area to smoke, uses charcoal.
Downside is it is messy, hard to use multiple racks
Benefits of gas: Easy access to the meat, gas is easy to use, multiple racks
Downside: Some claim that propane makes the meat taste different, can be hard to control heat, tends to leak, could cost more to use
I am sure there are advantages and disadvantages that I am missing, this is just a brief list.
If you could give me some guidance I would greatly appreciate it. Please give me reasons why you think I should go with one over the other. Also if you have a certain barrel or gas system you recommend I am all for recommendation.