In the market for a new smoker. Any recommendations?

[motown45]

Hello! I am in the market for a new smoker. I started about 10 yrs ago using a Masterbuilt Vertical Propane smoker and then moved to a Chargriller Akorn. Yesterday was the last smoke on the Akorn. Are pellets the way to go now?

 

[kilo charlie]

Pellet smokers are like easy bake ovens..set them and forget them as long as you have enough pellets.

I'm partial to the Pit Boss brand, but everyone has their preferences. I've had both vertical and horizontal smokers... I prefer the vertical but every smoker I have or ever had has it's own advantages.

In my opinion, Traegers have lost quality after they started making them overseas. You'd be paying for the name, not the best product.

Go visit some stores and see what's out there.. look a the build quality more than the cost. Make yourself a pro/con list for pellets vs charcoal vs electric vs propane vs stick burner... only you can decide what's best for you.

 

[motown45]

Pellet smokers are like easy bake ovens..set them and forget them as long as you have enough pellets.

I'm partial to the Pit Boss brand, but everyone has their preferences. I've had both vertical and horizontal smokers... I prefer the vertical but every smoker I have or ever had has it's own advantages.

In my opinion, Traegers have lost quality after they started making them overseas. You'd be paying for the name, not the best product.

Go visit some stores and see what's out there.. look a the build quality more than the cost. Make yourself a pro/con list for pellets vs charcoal vs electric vs propane vs stick burner... only you can decide what's best for you.

What do you like best about the Pit Boss? I enjoyed the ceramic smoking with the Akorn but it seems that all of the ceramic style smokers have taken a hit due to tariffs and are out of stock.

 

[kilo charlie]

What do you like best about the Pit Boss? I enjoyed the ceramic smoking with the Akorn but it seems that all of the ceramic style smokers have taken a hit due to tariffs and are out of stock.

The build quality is in my own research is better than Traeger.

I also use the Pit Boss brand pellets that I can buy at the local Walmart in 40 pound bags for $15 compared to the Traegerbrand sold in 20 pound bags for $20+.

I had 1 issue with my first Pit Boss and their Customer Service was helpful and sent me to correct part the first time to resolve the issue.

I appreciate that I can buy Pit Boss products at multiple places like Walmart, Menards, hardware stores etc.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

A buddy of mine has been using and abusing a Weber Searwood XL since April. Everything from low and slow brisket and pork butts to higher heat chicken with nothing but good to say. The app to connect seems easy and stable if that is an intrest.
I just put mine together on Friday but haven't had a chance to cook, just did the burn in. I can tell you from just tinkering and the assembly this thing is going to be so simple to clean and maintain compared to the Oklahoma Joe Rider Deluxe. Im sure sooner than later I will probably add the griddle and I have always wanted a rotisserie.
I know lots of people will swear by RecTec as well and they are another good option. I do miss running and offset but time is short these days

 

[Winterrider]

Love my RT 590 other than if you like to change pellet flavors, need to do it with shop vac. No dump like some others. They are basically set it and forget it.

 

[ifitsdeadsmokeit]

Wide range to choose from. Really need more info like budget, options looking for, have wood supply for stick burner? I have a lang stick burner that produces better results than my yoder pellet. The convenience is hard to beat though. I just bought my dad a recteq 600 for FD. Personally prefer over pitboss due to better quality.

 

[chopsaw]

I'd say a pellet isn't set and forget . Just because you have to watch any and all smokers in my opinion .
I only say that because I don't think anyone should go into this stuff with that mindset .

A buddy of mine has been using and abusing a Weber Searwood XL since April. Everything from low and slow brisket and pork butts to higher heat chicken with nothing but good to say.

The Webers do not get the respect they deserve . I have a SmokeFire , and I only say that because the Weber pellet platform is awesome . Like you say , low and slow , standard grilling , and high heat searing . That being said all kinds of great pellet grills out there .

 

[yankee2bbq]

Hello! I am in the market for a new smoker. I started about 10 yrs ago using a Masterbuilt Vertical Propane smoker and then moved to a Chargriller Akorn. Yesterday was the last smoke on the Akorn. Are pellets the way to go now?

View attachment 737102

Are pellets the way to go now? Not necessarily. What do you want? Have you thought about a Weber Kettle? Using charcoal….wood chunks mixed in. It’s all about fire management. Either way, keep your mind open .

 

[Smoke-Chem BBQ]

I'll put in a plug for the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Another classic cooker, which has won a lot of competitions over the years. One of the less expensive options, too.

It burns charcoal for the heat, and you add lumps of hardwood for the smoke. It's not as hands-off as a pellet smoker, but it's easier to get a good amount of smoke on the food. I routinely run mine for three hours or so unattended, people with more experience seem to be able to run one a lot longer while holding temperature. I've got thermometers with alarm functions, but on overnight cooks I just get up every three hours to check on it, since something is bound to need mopping or spritzing or wrapping anyway.

Get the 22 inch if you do a lot of ribs or brisket. I've got an 18", which serves me well, but I need to trim big briskets or full racks of ribs to get them to fit. It's a bit of an inconvenience to not have access to the lower rack without lifting out the upper rack, but with a little bit of planning as to what goes where, it's not too bad.

 

[forktender]

If you like a heavy smoke profile " DO NOT GET A PELLET GRILL".

I REPEAT, DO NOT GET A PELLET GRILL, unless you prefer a lighter smoke profile!!! Regardless of what other people claim as their workarounds to get a heavier smoke taste. You'll never come close to a true smoker while using a pellet grill, not even in the same ballpark.

 

[forktender]

I'll put in a plug for the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Another classic cooker, which has won a lot of competitions over the years. One of the less expensive options, too.

It burns charcoal for the heat, and you add lumps of hardwood for the smoke. It's not as hands-off as a pellet smoker, but it's easier to get a good amount of smoke on the food. I routinely run mine for three hours or so unattended, people with more experience seem to be able to run one a lot longer while holding temperature. I've got thermometers with alarm functions, but on overnight cooks I just get up every three hours to check on it, since something is bound to need mopping or spritzing or wrapping anyway.

Get the 22 inch if you do a lot of ribs or brisket. I've got an 18", which serves me well, but I need to trim big briskets or full racks of ribs to get them to fit. It's a bit of an inconvenience to not have access to the lower rack without lifting out the upper rack, but with a little bit of planning as to what goes where, it's not too bad.

This, or save a ton of money, and build a great 55 gal barrel smoker, for well under $200. You can make them as fancy as you'd like, but the OG drum smokers still kick out smoke of the best Que I've ever stuffed into my face. If interested click here> https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forums/uds-builds.199/

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I don't have any experience with a pellet grill, I'm a stick burner guy who loves tending the fire and the smoke flavor it produces.

I'd say a pellet isn't set and forget . Just because you have to watch any and all smokers in my opinion .
I only say that because I don't think anyone should go into this stuff with that mindset .

As you know, there are many threads here about pellet smokers dying in the middle of the night...

 

[radioguy]

Not sure what size you are after. This is real fire, long and slow cooks, screaming hot sears and everything in-between. Big enough for a turkey. Special edition "Aaron Franklin" smoker grill.

I own the PKGo, but I can attest to the quality. All cast aluminium, Great seal and air control. No tariffs Made in the USA, Arkansas. Highest quality! free ship and 4th of July special.

RG

The All New Original PK300AF Grill & Smoker - Coal

Elevate outdoor cooking with the PK300AF Coal grill and smoker. Features include upgraded radial vents, a sleek graphite finish, and a rustproof cast body.

pkgrills.com

 

[motown45]

Wide range to choose from. Really need more info like budget, options looking for, have wood supply for stick burner? I have a lang stick burner that produces better results than my yoder pellet. The convenience is hard to beat though. I just bought my dad a recteq 600 for FD. Personally prefer over pitboss due to better quality.

I don't want to go above 1200 from a budget standpoint. Looking for something that is easy to clean. Storage will be inside but I live in a cold climate. So something that can do the job in cold weather is big.

 

[motown45]

If you like a heavy smoke profile " DO NOT GET A PELLET GRILL".

I REPEAT, DO NOT GET A PELLET GRILL, unless you prefer a lighter smoke profile!!! Regardless of what other people claim as their workarounds to get a heavier smoke taste. You'll never come close to a true smoker while using a pellet grill, not even in the same ballpark.

That is important to me. For the past 5 years I have been using charcoal and wood chunks. Would hate to lose that flavor.

 

[normanaj]

For the past 5 years I have been using charcoal and wood chunks. Would hate to lose that flavor.

That being the case I'd take a look at either a WSM or a Kettle.

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Weber Smokey Mountains absolutely rock and are the best value.

Harry Soo has won many, many competitions with his.

I love my 18".
I do not use the water pan at all. No need for it.

 

[gmc2003]

That is important to me. For the past 5 years I have been using charcoal and wood chunks. Would hate to lose that flavor.

I'd look into the Weber 26" kettle. It's a little more versatile than the WSM. Here's a side by side of my 22 and 26.

Here's the lid off my 22 sitting on the rack of the 26

 

[chopsaw]

I'll second a 26" kettle . I only use mine as a smoker . Really holds the heat and temps well . I made a large charcoal basket for mine .

Works good .

I normally set it up like this . I get around 10 hours at 260 this way .