Getting into smoking to save my wallet.

[npoc]

Hey guys, I'm a complete newb at smoking, but a pro when it comes to electronics.

I have one of these.


I've already bought the cold-smoker attachment.

I bought it because I was looking at spending about $540 to feed people brisket over the holidays *(2 parties 30 people each= 30 lbs of brisket * $18/lb at Rudy's =$540).  So I bought the smoker, and decided to make it myself.

The smoker is far from perfect, but I'll hopefully learn it's quirks as time goes on.

 

[cal1956]

a smoker will end up costing  you a small fortune over time because you will end up cooking far more meat than you EVER did in the past

some of it will be good, some bad but good or bad it all costs money

 

[npoc]

As a Texan, I already eat smoked meats at least once a week. I will definitely save money.

 

[atomicsmoke]

How much is the brisket in your neck of woods? You are probably in black already (paid less for smoker + meat than you would have for smoked brisket).

 

[crankybuzzard]

As a Texan, I already easy smoked meats at least once a week. I will definitely Dave money.

Yep, and a good vacuum sealer, along with hungry family members, smoked meats make for some killer left overs or meals pulled from the freezer.

Welcome to the group!

 

[npoc]

How much is the brisket in your neck of woods? You are probably in black already (paid less for smoker + meat than you would have for smoked brisket).

Untrimmed is $1.97/lb. Trimmed is $4. Trimmed flats are $5.97.

 

[atomicsmoke]

So after trimming and cooking , 40% yield, you are at around $5/pound. Saved 13$/lb, ,30lbs....That's exactly how much you paid for the smoker (price of electricity/pellets is not included in my calcs)

 

[cmayna]

This IS a very expensive hobby for most of us........at least me.

 

[npoc]

So after trimming and cooking , 40% yield, you are at around $5/pound. Saved 13$/lb, ,30lbs....That's exactly how much you paid for the smoker (price of electricity/pellets is not included in my calcs)

Yep, and I only paid $200 for the smoker.

 

[atomicsmoke]

This IS a very expensive hobby for most of us........at least me.

Is not like we stopped eating if we stopped smoking...We would have to buy the smoked meat or eat slow cooker /oven meals (the horror).

 

[atomicsmoke]

Yep, and I only paid $200 for the smoker.

I went with the price listed now...So you are already ahead

 

[SmokinAl]

Nice score & good luck with those briskets!

Al

 

[sundown farms]

Throw in some cheese and salmon to smoke for appetizers and you are way out front -- and a bigger hero.

 

[SmokyMose]

I suppose you would save some money on a cook that size, as long as everything comes out right all at once. Next you'll be wanting digital therms. You'll see meat sales you can't pass up, so then you'll need to add freezer space. It goes on.
Welcome to the hobby :-)
By the way, if someone mentions sausage making, run. Run like the wind :rotflmao:

 

[tropics]

I suppose you would save some money on a cook that size, as long as everything comes out right all at once. Next you'll be wanting digital therms. You'll see meat sales you can't pass up, so then you'll need to add freezer space. It goes on.
Welcome to the hobby :-)
By the way, if someone mentions sausage making, run. Run like the wind

Smokey shame on you,you forgot Curing  you can't live without Bacon LOL Just Kidding

nPoc it is a great practice making things at home are some times more costly but worth the effort.

Enjoy it post questions don't rush,you will amaze your family

Richie