Help with versatility!

[jonhans]

Been stalking and soaking up all the great info here for awhile without posting. I have a MES30 I have been having a great time with, but it's having electrical issues and I am starting to think bigger. I want to know what the most versatile type of smoker you'd recommend? I want easy and no fuss, $500-700, and something that can do it all! Too much to ask? I'm leaning toward pellet grill, but I'm a noob! I'll keep the mes for cold smoking so don't have to worry about that. I need help and suggestions. Thanks.

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF!

I'd recommend a Weber Smokey Mountain.

Holds temps well, well built & ready to go right out of the box. You could get a couple of them with your budget.

Since this is your first post, would you swing by Roll Call & introduce yourself.

Then we can all give you a proper welcome!

Al

 

[lemans]

IMG_4480.JPG

• lemans
• Sep 23, 2016

I have my twins. And never looked back!!
Happy Smokin..

 

[jonhans]

Temp control easy with the WSM?

 

[lemans]

As long as you start with a small fire you will have no problems

 

[dirtsailor2003]

By versatile what do you mean? A question for you is how do you want to cook?

The WSM's are a great smoker if you aren't looking for a mega stick burner. If you remove the body and place the grate on the base you can also use them as a grill. Works excellent for reverse sear. Heck we even use the base of the 18.5 as a fire pit when camping after we're done cooking.

I have the 14.5", 18.5" and four homemade Mini-WSM's. All are rock solid temp wise and produce excellent BBQ. They are as efficient as you can get for solid fuel smokers.

The only thing I don't care for on the WSM's is the charcoal baskets. I wish the sides and the bottom were attached. It would make shaking the ash out of the spent coals easier.