Relatively new to smoking, however when I decided to get into it - I got into it lol. My entry into this heavily world of smoked meat began with a very modest investment by buying a Masterbuilt EC and modding it according to the valuable info I obtained on this forum, and I am proud to say that I've had some incredible smokes with it. So much so that the family "expects" their fill of smoked meat at least 5-6 times a month.
My last smokes on my current setup were a couple of 4# chuckies and a spatchcocked 20# gobbler for Thanksgiving. Both turned out excellent, and the extended family loved them. I then realized three things, (1) I am ready to move up the smoking ladder, (2) it is extremely taxing cooking multiple bigger items on that thing, and (3) I really NEED to move up the smoking ladder. I told the wife as much, and she responded with; "I know and I was already planning to buy you a better smoker for Christmas". She then shows me what she had in mind - a WSM 18". Brought a tear to my eye. Then I realized that if I was buying it myself, it would not be my choice. I told her as much, she understood, and told me that I have 3 days to come up with an alternative at the same price or less.
Now, with all of the backstory out of the way here's the deal: I find great joy in a bit of "babysitting" my smokes. I also enjoy making modifications to a perceived inferior product to make it my own. I really want a cabinet smoker for the compact design. I kinda want an offset for the challenge.
If anyone has any recommendations within those parameters, I would be immensely appreciative of your input. I am actively doing my research, but any info from this site makes it that much easier to decide.
My last smokes on my current setup were a couple of 4# chuckies and a spatchcocked 20# gobbler for Thanksgiving. Both turned out excellent, and the extended family loved them. I then realized three things, (1) I am ready to move up the smoking ladder, (2) it is extremely taxing cooking multiple bigger items on that thing, and (3) I really NEED to move up the smoking ladder. I told the wife as much, and she responded with; "I know and I was already planning to buy you a better smoker for Christmas". She then shows me what she had in mind - a WSM 18". Brought a tear to my eye. Then I realized that if I was buying it myself, it would not be my choice. I told her as much, she understood, and told me that I have 3 days to come up with an alternative at the same price or less.
Now, with all of the backstory out of the way here's the deal: I find great joy in a bit of "babysitting" my smokes. I also enjoy making modifications to a perceived inferior product to make it my own. I really want a cabinet smoker for the compact design. I kinda want an offset for the challenge.
If anyone has any recommendations within those parameters, I would be immensely appreciative of your input. I am actively doing my research, but any info from this site makes it that much easier to decide.