I'm new to SMF and want to buy my first smoker...please help.

[harry88]

Hello SMF members. My name is Harry. I live in FL. I have always wanted to smoke my own fish and meats. I am just not sure what type of smoker to buy for a beginner. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[s2k9k]

Hi Harry! 

to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 45,000 members and over 900,000 posts so you should be able to find almost anything you want to know. Remember the search bar at the top can be your best friend for finding answers fast and the “Articles” section is chock full of good useful information and “how-to’s”!

Would you do us a favor and update your profile to include your location, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-course it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more!

 

[pgsmoker64]

Hi Harry and 

to the SMF.

Your choice of smoker is going to depend on how much money you want to spend.  I started off with a Chargriller Pro with Side Fire Box (CG w/ SFB). I had been smoking for years using a grill and the indirect heating method.

People differ on what is the easiest but for a basic set it and forget it an MES is a good choice but if you like tending the fire a bit I would suggest a WSM.  Now the WSM is almost set and forget and I love the flavors of the food that comes off mine!

I have one of each of the above and would suggest any or all.

Good luck and get smokin'

Bill

 

[mvincent42]

Also you need to think about what you want to smoke. If you want to cold smoke fish, bacon, or cheese you will need to get a cold smoking attachment or be prepared to do some extra work. I have a MES 30 and it is a no brainer. I specifically wanted to be able to smoke cheese so I got the MES so I could set it at 100* then I found out you need it even colder than that so I use ice. Also keep in mind what size batches you want to smoke. I've never known anyone to say that their smoker is too big or they have too much room. Also price is a factor...you can spend $50 on a drum smoker or $200 on a MES or $1000 on bigger setups.

Talk to the guys here on the forum....they certainly have never steered me wrong!

Mike

 

[pthefree]

I would suggest a Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) to begin with. There are endless forum threads and youtube videos to help you understand how to operate it. For the ease of use and quality of build, there are no comparisons in terms of price. Offset smokers that have WSM's temp control will cost you at least 1,500. Once you get the hang of your smoking meats on s WSM, you can put on your big boy pants and get an offset smoker for straight up stick burning. On the other hand, you may never smoke on anything else once you fall in love with a WSM.  

Just my opinion. I started smoking on a Weber Kettle, then purchased my 18.5 inch WSM and have smoked countless pounds of meat. I recently just purchased an offset smoker, about a week and a half ago. They all have produced good Q. Once you get enough practice, you can smoke meat in a damn file cabinet if you wanted to.

 

[kathrynn]

to SMF!  Glad you joined us!  I have a Smoke Vault propane smoker and LOVE it.  This is a great place to do some research and see which one fits you the best.  Ask folks what they like and don't like about theirs!

If you need any assistance in the forum, let us know!  Will be happy to help out!

Kat

 

[roller]

Welcome to SMF...I would sujest a MES 30 or 40 Masterbuilt..

 

[harry88]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I will look over your suggestions and figure out which one to purchase. Once I get, I will let you all know what I intend to smoke first. Wish me luck.

 

[jaguarken]

Don't forget to checkout the ECB (el cheapo Brinkman) which can be had for $40 - $50.  That's what I started with and it always gave me great results, but it does require more attention than the set it and (almost) forget it smokers.  I wasn't sure if I would enjoy smoking meat or not (silly me!) and once I fell in love with, I upgraded to a better smoker.  I looked at the WSM and would be very comfortable with that choice as well.

 

[rtbbq2]

Masterbuilt Electric MES30 is $229 or less on sale....MES40 is $299 at Sams. Both are great smokers, easy to use and will be a good unit to learn on. You can buy an AMNPS pellet smoker if you want to cold smoke..........Welcome...