Looking for a new wood/charcoal smoker

[njbeerman]

Hi Folks,

You seem to be a very experienced and knowledgeable crowd, so I figured I'd seek your advice.  I'm looking to buy a new smoker.  I figured I'd lay it out as best I can and see what you all think:

-I like to use wood or a combo of wood and charcoal

-I've had basic bullet smokers (unsure of brand) and the basic Brinkmann sidecar smoker, I didn't like that the Brinkmann was hard to regulate temperature and I was constantly turning, moving meats around because one end was so much hotter than the other.  As for the bullet, it was a little small and found that it was hard to build a big enough fire to keep temp up in the cold for a long period of time

-I am willing to make an investment, but do not have an unlimited budget.  I would like best bang for the buck, and keep it under $2k delivered, ideally closer to half that.

-I smoke a bit of everything from brisket and shoulder to bacon and charcuterie.

-If it can be easily rigged to do a little cold smoking, like, say 60 minutes for a chunk of cheddar, all the better.

Thanks all.  Happy Holidays!

 

[bruno994]

I noticed this was your first post, if you would, please update your location (where you live) and introduce yourself over at Roll Call.  We are glad to have you here, this is one great forum to be a part of.  As far as pits, Academy (not sure of your location, or if you have an Academy near you) sells Old Country Pits.  They have several different levels of builds.  They start at $399 for a nice offset, but is built using a thinner metal, not as thin as the Chargrillers and others like that, but not 1/4".  Then you can move up to the thicker, more heavy duty models starting around $1000.  They are built in Mexico, but seem to be built well.  If did not have the ability and time to build mine myself, I was seriously looking at those.  Let us know where your from and we might be able to get you on track with a builder close to you and give you some better ideas.  LANG, can get you a 48" model starting at $1895, but I'm sure shipping will push you past your budget.  If your close to Texas, we have a number of great pit builders near Houston.
 

 

[linguica]

The WSM-22.5 seems to be the most popular unit here. There are also many modifications you can make and many add-on you can by to trick out your smoker.


                                                                                  

 

[njbeerman]

Thanks, bruno, I added the details and post, guess I should have put this post elsewhere.

As for the pits, I kinda had my eye on the 36" Lang, which would probably make my budget.  And I'll check your Old Country suggestion out too, thanks!

Linguica, I think the WSM will be my default if I don't find something I like better, certainly has the track record, I was just hoping to find something a bit bigger as I occasionally smoke for 20-30 people.  Thanks!

 

[opsmokin]

Het BeerMan - former LBI guy here now living in Kansas. I own an Open Range from the The Good One company www.thegood-one.com IMO a fantastic smoker that holds temps really well. In the process of an overnight smoke - last nights lows were in the mid 20s- and I haven't touched it in hours. They are a local KS company so not sure if you can find back east. Cheers

 

[nybbq]

Welcome to SMF !!   Last year I was where you are at now with looking for a smoker. I did a lot of looking around at smokers and what each manufacture had to offer. Long story short I ended up with a Meadow Creek TS250, its bigger than you are looking for but they make smaller units in the 2K range. they are USA made in PA so not far from you. I really like mine for the quality and being able to hold a temp with it all day long. I will list a link below which I used to help me on the Meadow Creek cookers and what they had to offer.   http://www.smokymtbarbecue.com/

 

[s2k9k]

 to SMF!!! We're happy you joined us!