New from FL - question on upcoming purchase

[Zip04]

First, a bit about myself. I was born and raised in Texas and commissioned into the Navy from Texas A&M. I've been in the service for 13.5 years and picked up smoking brisket as a hobby when I was stationed in Monterey, CA because I could not find it at a restaurant. I started on a small webber charcoal smoker and then moved to a Masterbuilt electric smoker (which I did not like). Now I am in the market again.

My budget is $1,000. This really limits the quality of an off-set unless I buy used. If I buy new, I have narrowed it to the following:

1. Pit Barrel Cooker - $499 package
2. Green Mountain Grills Jim Bowie - $800

The main things I will be smoking are brisket, turkey, chicken, and sausage.

I have read (on other sites) that it is difficult to get a good bark on your brisket when using a GMG. However, I have seen where some have.

Any personal experience with either or both? Any advice? Thanks and Gig`Em!

 

[SmokinAl]

I don't have any experience with either of the two that you are interested in.
But there are a lot of guys on here that have them.
I think I would check Craig's list first, and also here.
There have been several Lang's sold on here recently, a 36" patio model that was just a couple of years old just went for $1000. You didn't say where you are located, but you can get a new Lang for $1250, if you pick it up in Ga.
Good luck in your search!
Al

 

[Zip04]

Thank you. I am in Northeast Florida, so a trip to GA is easy.

 

[kruizer]

Welcome to SMF from Minnesota.

 

[gmc2003]

Welcome to the site and quest for a new smoker.

Chris

 

[dcecil]

Being that close to Georgia I would highly recommend giving Lang a call. You wont regret it. Thank you for your service. This a very much a pro military site.

 

[Geebs]

Welcome, sounds like Al got you pointed in the right directing. Thank you very much for you service!

 

[HalfSmoked]

Welcome to SMF as you have already seen the help is here if you ask for it. Good luck with your new when you get it.
Be looking for some photos of your cooks.

Warren