confused

[referee]

Hi all,

ive been using a brinkman small electric smoker, I'm done messin with it.. I want to upgrade to a good smoker where i can control temp etc....I'm confused which category would be best for me, propane, pellets,etc. I don't want any electric ones anymore...my budget it up to $500...I need easy to operate, some quality, easy to clean etc... which ones would you recommend for me in each class.

thanks a lot,

Referee

 

[SmokinAl]

I would go to charcoal. A Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM). 22.5 is all you will ever need.

It's well built, easy to control the temp, & produces comp quality Q.

Cost $400.

Add a BBQ Guru pit controller & you have set & forget charcoal/wood smoking.

Cost $225

Al

 

[bama bbq]

I fully agree with Al

 

[daveomak]

[h3]Get a temperature controller...  It can be used on many devices....  [/h3][h3]  [/h3][h3]Product Description:[/h3]
This plug-and-play PID temperature controller is for controlling the temperature of the Bradley Smoker, Brinkmann Smoker and other electric smokers. The original temperature control mechanism of the Bradley Smoker is unstable and inaccurate. For the same dial position, the smoking temperature can vary significantly depending on content in the smoker, the ambient temperature, the wind speed, the ambient humidity, and even the direction of sunshine. This controller uses a PID algorithm to automatically adjust power to the heater, in order to compensate for these disturbances. This temperature control can hold the smoking temperature within one degree precision.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=495

 

[referee]

thanks gents.... how do you feel about propane?

 

[SmokinAl]

Propane is good. IMHO you won't quite get the flavor of a charcoal smoker, but few people will be able to tell the difference.

Clean up is a snap & they are very easy to use.

I have a Smoke Vault that gets a lot of use around here.

I have 6 smokers, 3 charcoal, 1 propane, 1 electric, & 1 stick burner.

Al

 

[daveomak]

 
thanks gents.... how do you feel about propane?

Most propane smokers on the market will not control smoker temps below 250, without modifications to the fuel delivery system...      Or at least it seems that way from what members post on here....

 

[redrocker65200]

I have the Smoke Vault 18, and while I am very new to this whole culture, I will throw my opinion out there.  I like it for the ease of use, just light it, set it and you are on.  I will say that the temp control is a bit difficult.  I have had to play around with the temp knob during smokes to keep it at around 225 to 250.  Seems to not want to hold steady.  But, I am ADD and when somebody tells me to cook at 225, I cook at 225.  Not 226, but 225.  LOL.  So, for me, the Propane Smoke Vault has been a good starter and once I get the little adjustments figured out, it will be that much better.  But of course, I usually have a cold drink in my hand, blue tooth speakers with Pandora working, so I don't really care if I need to sit there all day and watch it.  LOL.  

Good luck, but I have enjoyed my propane Smoke Vault so far.  

D