Needing help with a smoker

[confused one]

Hi all,

I have a question about your thoughts on how a pellet smoker compares to an offset smoker. I have never used a pellet smoker but cannot determine if I want to purchase one or if I want to get an offset wood burner by Klose. I have used a stick burner so I am familiar with the the use of that and really enjoy the taste that comes from properly smoking a piece of meat. Can you please provide me your thoughts on an offset versus a pellet.

Thanks.

 

[kathrynn]

 to SMF! We are so glad you joined us! Would you pretty please update your profile to include where you are from?  You might find some neighbors that are members here!

I don't know that much about the pellet smokers, but here is a link for you to ask that question and do some research!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/3141/pellet-smokers

Also, Todd Johnson has a set-up to use pellets in any smoker.  He is a sponsor here and has the best customer service ever!  Here is a link to his site too.

http://www.amazenproducts.com/

Have you signed up for Jeff's E-course yet?  If not...here is a link!

http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

If you need any help roaming around here...just shout!  Will be happy to help!

Kat

 

[s2k9k]

 to SMF!!!

 

[bama bbq]

In my opinion you are asking to compare apples to oranges.   The two are on two ends of the spectrum.

 

[fwismoker]

Nothing special about pellet smokers, in fact most don't produce enough smoke and need smoke generator add on's to get the smoke flavor you need.   If there is an offset smoker you like then go for it..sounds like it's more to your liking anyway. 

 

[show me smoke]

I have both, have the most experience with a stick burner and love them... a well built stick burner for me is fun to run i like messing with the fire and using different woods for heat and flavor.  I also have a new ys640 pellet grill...I bought it because it Does not make lots of smoke.  I really have to watch my stick burner when i cook chicken and ribs so they do not get too dark from the wood smoke, that usually means preburning wood or using alot more charcoal to make it even cleaner burning.  I do like the end result of my offset for my larger cuts of meat..brisket and pork butts....I think it does a better job on these large cuts, better smoke ring and outside crust seems better.  A pellet grill is less work as most have a thermostat that you set and forget...as long as it has pellets should hold the set temp.  I can see pros and cons to both...but if i only had funds for one would go with a quality built offset,,,like a klose, yoder, or hoizion...1/4 inch steel is golden.  Just my thoughts from my experience.  However you go you will need to learn your cooker and how she cooks..

 

[jirodriguez]

One thing to keep in mind with a pellet - once you dump a bag of pellets in the hopper you have to finish that flavor of wood before you can change. Where as any other smoker you can change the type of flavor wood with each smoke or even in mid smoke.

 

[wolfpackpilot]

One thing to keep in mind with a pellet - once you dump a bag of pellets in the hopper you have to finish that flavor of wood before you can change. Where as any other smoker you can change the type of flavor wood with each smoke or even in mid smoke.

That's an excellent point I've never thought of.

I have heard folks say that you have to be really careful with the cheap pellets you find on line because they sometimes contain ANYTHING but the wood you are supposedly buying.  Ive seen some good research on the actual cost analysis of using pellets, briquettes, charcoal, and wood chunks.  Pellets are not cheap in the long run.

The Yoder Pellet Smoker I saw in Tennessee was quality built, but it was $2000.  Thats a lot for a backyard smoker in my book.  

Happy Hunting...

BIlly V in NC