Big cheif smoker on criagslist. good buy?

[koy boy]

hey guys. I love my offset Bar-B-chef smoker but I have been looking for a simpler compact smoker that didn't require as much work to get going.
I found this post for a used big cheif smoker on craigslist for 40 bucks close to my home. I wondering if it's a good buy. I'm still a newb here so I appreciate any input you guys have to give.thanks

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/for/1697439829.html

 

[dribron]

Walnutcreek ca? I once lived there, then Pleasanthill untill I went off to collage. Cool to see a bay area guy..

 

[koy boy]

Yup. I'm in Antioch. Hi buddy

 

[rstr hunter]

I have a Big Chief and love it for smoking Salmon or Jerky (I have some salmon in the fridge brining to be smoked on Tues for this). For this type of thing, this smoker excels. However, to make ribs or brisket or chickens or turkeys or pork butts, this does not get the temps to cook these throughout and you won't be able to do this without serious finishing in the oven and that's not what you want a smoker for. Also as there is no adjustment to temps, it may not be the best for sausages or a bacon smoke either (although I did use mine last fall to put a nice smoke flavor into some homemade weiners that I finished in a water bath). So in answer to your question to if this is a good smoker the answer is yes it can be a great tool for the right job, but it may not be the right tool for what you are looking to do. Also $40 I got mine on sale new for $100 so you'll have to weigh that out.

 

[dribron]

I grew lived in pittsburd untill I was about 12-13 then moved to walnutcreek... small world.

 

[koy boy]

Thank you Rster hunter you saved me from making a purchase that I would not worked for my needs. I now see that all electric smoker are not the same. I believe an MES is more inline with what I want. with any luck i will find one on criagslist some day soon or I will have to dig around online for one at good price. thanks again.