Looking for recommendations for entry level smoker

[Crispy Bacon]

Hello,
I have always loved cooking food on the grill, and recently decided that I wanted to get into the smoking game. Looking for suggestions on a smoker in the 3-400$ range. All suggestions are welcome. I’ve looked at a couple of off set smokers, and drum smokers, but decided to ask on here for suggestions from people who have been doing this way longer than I have before I make a decision to buy one.
Thanks

 

[HalfSmoked]

Lowes and Home Depot carry a fairly good stock of smokers.

Warren

 

[mike243]

You need to decide how much work you want to put into a cook, all of the smokers can make good grub but some of it takes a lot of baby sitting to get there.

 

[chopsaw]

Take a look at a WSM . Weber smokey mountain .

 

[mike243]

A Weber is a great place to start but they are a little pricey , noticed another smoker made a lot like it for $200 vs $350 or what ever it was for the Weber,look at Lowes and home depot and maybe academy if there's 1 near you. good luck as its a habit to keep buying different ones lol

 

[Crispy Bacon]

You need to decide how much work you want to put into a cook, all of the smokers can make good grub but some of it takes a lot of baby sitting to get there.

I don’t mind having one to tend too periodically. Kinda don’t want one that you set and leave

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

There are going to be a lot of great recommendations on this one from the folks here, and I would suggest you do a lot of research before you pull the trigger. Having said that, my vote would be a 22" WSM. Good grill real estate with an upper and lower grate, great build quality (except for the side door), and with a little modding, makes a great grill for burgers, steaks, etc. mike243 is right about the cost though. If you already have a charcoal grill, then you only need one fuel source for it, and a WSM. Good luck!

 

[hawtsauc3]

My vote is WSM 18.5” after finally getting one. I started on an ECB for $35 after brinkmann folded and while I got to tend to it more it also was miserable. Don’t get the 22.5” unless you really bbq a ton. A lot of ppl here say get the 22.5 then you’ll also read a ton on ppl who don’t use it much because it was too large for small cooks. There’s nothing you can’t make on a 18.5. I made 2 racks of ribs I trimmed last week on one

 

[chef jimmyj]

When I joined and was looking for a new smoker, I got one answer regarding Size....
Figure out what size you need...Then buy the next Bigger One. The 22 WSM will let you use all the 22 Kettle accessories...JJ

 

[fullborebbq]

When I joined and was looking for a new smoker, I got one answer regarding Size....
Figure out what size you need...Then buy the next Bigger One. The 22 WSM will let you use all the 22 Kettle accessories...JJ

Lol.... Only one size bigger???? Baby sitting the smoker gets old fast (JMO) thin materials will cause fits in colder windy conditions. Just food for thought.

Smoke on and enjoy your new hobby!

 

[Nole4L]

First thing to try and determine is if you want to use wood, charcoal or electric. It doesn't sound like you're interested in electric. I personally have a stick burner and even though I have to look after it and feed it wood every 45 minutes or so, that's part of the whole process that I like. I went through 2 "big box" offset smokers over a period of about 20 years before I finally wore my wife down and she agreed to let me get a Lang. You can get a nice "big box" smoker in the range you're talking about. A guy who works in my group bought an Oklahoma Joe reverse flow for around $300 on sale and he's very happy with it. You may also be able to find a little bit better quality if you start looking at used. I've seen some nice used smokers in the $800-$900 range. For me the benefit of the more expensive smokers are that they're made out of thicker steel which holds heat....which equates to a much more steady temp and less time dealing with temperature spikes and drops. Having said that my 2 inexpensive smokers lasted around 10 years each and made some really good BBQ which in the end is what matters.

I can't tell you anything about charcoal burners but I know people make some great bbq on them.

Good luck with your search and welcome!

 

[Inscrutable]

... good luck as its a habit to keep buying different ones lol

+1
Now have a kamado, gas, and electric ... yet still intrigued/tempted to try a pellet ... very addictive

 

[fullborebbq]

+1
Now have a kamado, gas, and electric ... yet still intrigued/tempted to try a pellet ... very addictive

Build your own if possible....https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/my-pellet-smoker-build.286067/

 

[SmokinAl]

22 WSM, or if you can afford it a Lang 36" patio model.
Al

 

[gmc2003]

22" WSM get my vote. You won't be disappointed.

Chris

 

[HalfSmoked]

Think about what you want to cook some of the smaller models you will have to cut you meat in half like a rack of ribs.

Warren

 

[Murray]

Don’t forget the used market once you decide what you are looking for.

 

[krj]

The 22" WSM in my opinion is a great place to start for newbies, and is pretty forgiving. But it will also allow you options for modding it to suit your needs as you become more experienced. A brand new one is a touch above your budget, but if you look on Facebook Marketplace and your local Craigslist you can generally find a good quality used one that'll fit.

 

[JC in GB]

If I had to start over and had a $300 - $400 budget, I would start looking for a used WSM 22 and then start saving for a PID unit or build my own.

The WSM units are solid performers and are used by many BBQ chefs even in Master competitions.

One thing that I have found is that grills/smokers get expensive really fast as you start adding features.

I may still get a WSM in the future as a back-up smoker.

They are simple and they work.

 

[HalfSmoked]

JC in GB Thanks for the like it is greatly appreciated.

Warren