I'm a newbie. I'm looking to buy my first smoker. Here's one I saw on Amazon. What do you think of i

[rickyd123]

I don't care if I get a propane or electric. I don't want a charcoal though. It needs to be big enough to hold a turkey and fit within my $150 dollar budget. It's a Masterbuilt 20050211 Black Propane Smoker, 40-Inch

 

[timberjet]

Expect to have to do some modifications on that smoker the minute you get it. You would need a needle valve to control low temps and the wood box is not real good so most guys get an amazn or other deal for that. You will need a thermometer that is actually accurate and some other stuff. It is a start though. You can get by with a small cast iron pan in there for your wood chips for a while but there is quite a bit of tending to keep the smoke flowing nicely. The search feature is really good so type masterbuilt propane smoker into the search bar and do some reading. I myself love charcoal and wood. No propane for this guy. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[old sarge]

Since you are still looking, I thought these two links might help. As timber jet says, you may need a needle valve to control low temps (see the first link).  The other link is just info on several makes in a wide variety of prices.

http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/smokers/gas_smokers.html

http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipmen...ield_prod_function_tid[]=2&field_fuel_tid[]=2

 

[rickyd123]

Thanks for the reply. I watched some youtube videos about turning my gas grill into a smoker. I figure what the hell, why not give that a try before buying one. Learn the ropes of smoking meat before I shell out serious cash for a smoker.

 

[meatsweats86]

That would be a good starter. As suggested in a different post, you might need to install a needle valve to get temps lower. If at all possible, I would try finding one with 2 doors. One door for the water pan / chip tray and other door for the food. This helps keep steady temps. I have used wood chips and my AMNPS and both works great. AMNPS needs to have adequate air flow as most of the oxygen is consumed by the flame.

I own a  2 door Cajun Injector Propane smoker and it has turned out great meat. Ribs. pork butt, chicken and jerky!  I would suggest spending money on a dual probe digital thermometer. Maverick Et-732 is one example. Knowing your cooking temps and internal food temps is more important than what type of grill/smoker you will be using.

I would check craigslist if you live in a populated area. Always gently used smokers for under $100 by me.