Looking for info on smoker

[seaham358]

I got a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket, so I'm thinking of getting a Gas or electric smoker.. I Love my Char broil silver smoker but I want a set it and forget it type smoker for those looonnnnggggg smokes.
I'm leaning towards gas because I got a LP guy in my area that fills tanks cheap.
Any suggestions would be great..

Thanks Bob

 

[chisoxjim]

love my GOSM gasser($142 @ Bass ). 4 smokes into it, and I like it better each time. I was using a WSM, and a chargriller offset before this.

BTW I am still on my 1st propane tank(I have a back-up), I think I have about 20 hours on the first tank.

good luck with your decision

 

[Dutch]

GOSM's are great if you can find a good one (anywhere but Wally's World), the Camp Chef Smoke Vault is good too. Brinkmann has a propane vertical but I know exactly squat about it other than the fact that it seems smaller than the Smoke Vault.

 

[tntxajun]

I have really gotten lazy with my vertical propane. Mine is a Kenmore that
has about 2 years heavy use out of. Its 4 rack with water and wood pans.
Except for real windy days when I have to improvise a break or 40 and below when she wears a blanket.

Still use my offset when the crowds are coming and holiday occasions warrant.

Good luck to you on your choice,

Jack~

 

[seaham358]

thanks for the replys..
I've been looking at prices on line...
Kenmore gets great reviews online... My local Sears has 3 in stock for $160. I may jump on this while there on sale? Can't find a GOSM local

Dutch I'll look at the Camp Chef Smoke Vault

thanks all... bob

 

[seaham358]

Picked up the Kenmore. I went together real easy and it's not a cheap made unit.
I seasoned it then tossed on some wings for it's first smoke..
The temp gauge in the door is off + 50 degrees.
It seems easy to keep a constant temp after playing with it.
I have never used a water pan before so I'll be playing with spices and Beer in there to see what flavor I can add to what ever I'm smoking.
For the price it seems like a nice unit..

 

[oneshot]

I saw this to late...I would have told you to save yer money up for a Traeger. They're fantastic!!!

 

[tntxajun]

I bought mine about 2 yrs ago to try. I chose propane over elect for personal preference. I have several gas grills so plenty of tanks and I did not want
to worry with an elect cord for portability.

I have been pleased with the integrity and build for my starter, will be looking hard at the smoke vault when this one starts to go.

I added some lava rocks to the base and added a drip pan in mine.
The therm on mine is off about the same as yours, but thats a given on
on most mfg installed ones.

In most conditions mine runs just about on the 'd' of the 'med' running about 230-235.

I also added a small magnetic shelf to hold the digi-probe therm on the side of the cabinet.

Higher than normal winds is about the only compensation you might have to improvise for. Made a modular break out of some 1/2'' plywood to use when its gusty.
Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have. I have been more than pleased for more than 2 years and using it 4-5 times a month year round.

One other thing I do that I might suggest is to slather cooking oil or bacon grease generously on the burner about once a month. It helps reduce oxidation. I have mine covered but there is always high humidity and this can assist in prolonging the burners life if it is neccessary to store outside.

Again good luck and super smokes,

Jack~

 

[hoser]

Love my GOSM big block to death

 

[mballi3011]

Well since you bought the smoker from sears will you post a picture so we can see it. I'm looking for another smoker and would like to see yours. thanks and congrats on the new member of the family.

 

[biskitman]

I got the perfect Flame from Lowes and have used it several times. The door temp guage is 30-35 degrees off so get a digital oven probe with the cord from Target for 15.00, well worth the money! Go propane as it heats faster and can reach any temp you want and can heat in the winter reliably. Others may differ with my opinion but gas is the way to go as never a worry about element burn out and its portable for tailgating etc. Good luck!

 

[seaham358]

I didn't wait long for reply's :(
I had that burning feeling in my pocket :)
After looking at other Gas smokers in my area I did not have much of a choice unless I ordered one. And spending over $200 would have pushed the wife over the edge. :\




After cooking wings last night I covered the water pan in foil and placed some on the bottom. Well see how well it works. I got to look on the forum for mods next.


This smoker is very easy to keep at a temp..
Yesterday and today I am able to get it to hold steady for hours, with a + or - 2 degrees. Can't wait to do a Pork butt in this.
The only thing I don't like is how fast the chips burn up in the pan. I soaked them today and there lasting a little longer.. I got some reading on the forum on using this type of smoker.

 

[tntxajun]

I have used a 12 '' iron fry pan and a small metal baking loaf pan for mine.
The small standard fire pan shipped with this unit is only good for chips, and burn up too fast. I use chunks in mine and get close to 2 hrs great smoke.
I do not soak my chunks because I hate the smell of wet smoldering wood.
Glad you are pleased, I have been with mine. For under 2 bills it is a good value.

PM me sometime and I will be glad to mention some of the quirks I have encountered and the solutions I have tried.

Jack~

 

[old poi dog]

Good looking Smoker there. I too use a cast iron fry pan in my small GOSM and rarely use chips. I would go with chunks of wood rather than chips.

 

[seaham358]

Iron fry pan it is... I got a few of them collecting dust...

thanks Bob

 

[bigtrain74]

You could always spend a couple hundred dollars on a big ole smoker... But my GOSM is great!!! For only $150 you can spend your money on your meat!