Need advice..what kind of side box smoker should I get?

[throwscoach]

After much soul searching for a new smoker, I am getting one in the next month and a half. I thought about a propane smoker but I dont know much about them.

What I do know is the best smoked meat comes from direct and indirect heat.

So I need advice on the best side box smoker for around 400 to 500.

Also, if you could include any modifications to the suggested smokers that would be awesome.

 

[Dutch]

throwscoach, Well we know know how much you want to spend ($400-$500) and we know know that you want a unit with a side fire box. We need to know what your plans are as far a cooking; family only, maybe some catering involved? Knowing how many you plan to cook for will help us help you.

 

[throwscoach]

I would like to have the ability to cook for anywhere between 10 to 20 people. Or really enough space to do anywhere between 2 to 3 pork butts and 3 to 4 racks of baby backs or 2 to 3 racks of spare ribs.

 

[throwscoach]

Another question. I have read about the big baby drum smokers. I thinking about possibly having one fabricated, even if I have to put the guts of them in by myself.

My question, are they worth it?

 

[jirodriguez]

I started with a side firebox smoker (Chargriller), spent time and money modding it, was semi-pleased with the results, and after 8 months sold it for $80........ then baught a 22.5" Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) for $365... most of the time they are $399. Best move I have ever made!

Unless you can afford a really good quality side box smoker made from 1/4" plate steel you may want to reconsider. The WSM is considered to be one of the best charcoal smokers you can buy for under $500. It has two big racks and holds a LOT of meat! - I have fit eight 10 lb. pork butts on it with no problem. I have done parties for 30-40 people with a little planning, and not had any issues. It is very efficient and runs well in all kinds of weather (I wrap mine in a welding blanket for winter smoking).

I'm sure you'll get lots of advice and input, just take your time and poke around the forums and you will find lots of info to make an informed decision.

 

[bruno994]

I think JRod is right on track for you there, WSM all the way.  Now if your just set on having a SFB smoker, a Chargriller is a solid, cheap option (most models under $200).  If there is an Academy Sports and Outdoors near you, they carry a brand called Old Country, they make a pure offset smoker for around $400.  Not as thin a metal as Chargriller and they have already been modded a bit with a deflector plate between the firebox and chamber.  No Lang that's for sure, but a step up from the Chargrillers. 

 

[jirodriguez]

.... and I can't stress enough how much I wish I had somebody to tell me not to waste my money on the Chargriller I had purchased, and just gone straight to the WSM. I call mine "smoking-for-dumies-easy"... lol. It just plain works right out of the box without any mods or additions needed - and it makes great Que!

 

[buttburner]

I  bought an Oklahoma Joe from Lowes about a month ago and love it.

I have done a few mods to it, the most important being a baffle and tuning plates to direct heat across the cooking chamber.

Its pretty heavy duty, weighs about 300 lbs

It all depends if you want a stickerburner or not.

I have a few smokers, this is my favorite

 

[throwscoach]

Thanks for the advice so far. I had a friend suggest something to me the other day. Now, I am looking at having a double barrell smoker fabricated and doing all the insides myself.

So new question...does anyone have any step by step solid plans of how to build a Big Baby Smoker and the parts list you will need.