Looking for suggestions for a new smoker $500 - $700

[rob sicc]

Hi All,

As the summer approaches I'm getting ready to start smoking again.  I spent all of last summer using an inexpensive offset smoker That wasn't bad except out of 6 racks the bottom 3 always burned the food on them.  I use my smoke every weekend to make Beef jerky that I sell in a farmers market.  I expect volume to increase for year.  For that reason I want to get a large capacity and high quality smoker.  I would like to keep my price range at $500 - $700.  if someone has a great smoker the recommend slight high, I am open minded.

I prefer to work with coal and wood fire rather than electric but I'm willing to listen.

Can anyone and everyone recommend their favorite, GO TO smoker?  

Thanks in advance.

 

[joe black]

Rob,

I have had my Bell Fab for over a year now and it has been great for me. Craig Bell is in Tulsa, OK and is wonderful to work with. He makes a one off smoker to your exact specifications and wants. The material and workmanship are quality. Give him a try.

Contact Craig at: [email protected]

 

[3montes]

Rob,

I have had my Bell Fab for over a year now and it has been great for me. Craig Bell is in Tulsa, OK and is wonderful to work with. He makes a one off smoker to your exact specifications and wants. The material and workmanship are quality. Give him a try.

Contact Craig at: [email protected]

I looked at Bell Fab smokers at one time. Quality stuff but I don't think he can get one in his price range can he?

Craigslist might be a good source for a used one in that price range.

 

[rob sicc]

Thanks for the suggestion.  

Does Bell Fab have a web site or is it strictly by word of mouth?

 

[rob sicc]

Just to let you guys know since you told me about Craig.  I just got off the phone with hi,.  He can do a 24 x 36 with 2 shelves for $500 (plus shipping of course).  He can go 24 x 48 for $800.  His pictures look amazing and there is no concern about the quality.  There is no doubt in my mind from the pictures that this thing will last me until I outgrow it and will need to leave it in my will.  lol.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I am considering it.  Any other suggestions are still welcome.  I like to look at several models before making a decision.  

 

[phatbac]

If you can get a bell fab for that much go for it.

i was going to recommend a WSM 22.5 inch for $400. its a great smoker that you can do comp grade BBQ right out of the box or mod to your tastes. research the Weber Smokey Mountain you won't be disappointed.

Happy Smoking,

phatbac (Aaron) 

 

[joe black]

Rob, Glad you spoke with Craig. You won't be disapointed. Get him to put 1/2" threaded outlets where you want your therms and one on the end for a 1/2" conduit cable connector. This will give you a good location for therm probes. You can get the cable connector in the electric dept. at Lowe's.

PM me if you have any particular questions. I'll be glad to help. Joe

 

[rob sicc]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the reply.  When I am ready to pull the trigger I will reach out to you if you don't mind.

Funny thing, I have a Maverick ET-733 thread  and I have never used it because I'm afraid the wire will melt or crimp.  I have no idea how to put it into the cooking chamber with out risking damaging the wire.  Is that what you are referring to?

Thanks again for the reply.

 

[joe black]

Yes. that's it. It works great and several of the top builders use them in their smoker builds.

I'll be happy to answer anything that I can. If I don't have an answer, I'm sure there are others that will be of help.

 

[rob sicc]

Joe Black,

thanks again.  I will definitely reach out if I have questions.

Ciao,

Rob

 

[rob sicc]

Yes. that's it. It works great and several of the top builders use them in their smoker builds.

I'll be happy to answer anything that I can. If I don't have an answer, I'm sure there are others that will be of help.

Hi Joe,  I reached out to you last year about this.  I think I may finally be ready.  You mentioned that Craig is in Tulsa and you are in SC.  Can you tell me what the shipping cost to get this from OK to SC if you remember?

 

[joe black]

Rob, it seems like it was around $225-$250. I have a loading dock so I got a good price. If you have a dock, fork lift or have a friend with unloading ability, that will get you a lower price. If not, and you can get a friend with a pick-up truck, see if you can pick it up at the terminal. Then all you will need is about 4-6 good friends to unload and get it into your back yard. (Don't forget the beer)

The last time we talked was mid-March. My Bell is still rocking and getting better all along. Good luck with yours. Let me know when Craig sends you some pics. Joe

 

[rob sicc]

Rob, it seems like it was around $225-$250. I have a loading dock so I got a good price. If you have a dock, fork lift or have a friend with unloading ability, that will get you a lower price. If not, and you can get a friend with a pick-up truck, see if you can pick it up at the terminal. Then all you will need is about 4-6 good friends to unload and get it into your back yard. (Don't forget the beer)

The last time we talked was mid-March. My Bell is still rocking and getting better all along. Good luck with yours. Let me know when Craig sends you some pics. Joe

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the info.  That helped a lot.  That's a lot to add to the overall price.  Are you saying  that the shipment goes to the a location and I have to arrange pick up from there or will the location where it comes into offer that you think?

I just reached out to a local fabricator in new jersey.  I'll wait to hear from him on pricing.  he delivers near by.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks again.

Ciao,

Rob