New Smoker

[jcglenn1009]

it is time for me to get a new smoker. I made the mistake and experimented with an electric smoker and am ready to come to propane vertical. I am looking for the best brand for under $200-$250. It looks like the most common choices are Masterbuilt, Smoke Hollow, and Char Broil. Any opinion is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[ristau5741]

check out the reviews tab above ^. there might be something there for you.

 

[The Butt Man]

I have the Dyna Glo vertical propane and have been very pleased with it. It is also in your price range.

 

[Gwanger]

I have the Dyna Glo vertical propane and have been very pleased with it. It is also in your price range. View attachment 371253

If you are looking to hot smoke LP works well but hard to maintain temps 140* to 150* and lower for cold smoking, at least with my LP smoker, Masterbuilt

 

[oldsmokerdude]

I made the mistake and experimented with an electric smoker

Just curious what "the" mistake was with an electric smoker? Lot's of electric users here who get great results from their electric smokers.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I use both an electric and a propane. If you are wanting to switch to propane the Camp Chef Smoke Vault is a great smoker and has my vote. I have the 24" version. Holds a lot of meat. I think they are around $200 on amazon. Never had a problem out of it. Although it is kind of thin construction it holds temps very well and will smoke like a freight train if you want it to.

 

[jcglenn1009]

Just curious what "the" mistake was with an electric smoker? Lot's of electric users here who get great results from their electric smokers.

I have a Masterbuilt electric not sure the model, but it has the analog control on it. It worked fine but I never got any smoke out of it the way it was designed. After some research on here I found that if I put the smoke box on the element I would have better results. I have done that with some success, but am just ready to go back to what I know with propane.

 

[jcglenn1009]

check out the reviews tab above ^. there might be something there for you.

Thanks I didn’t even know that was there!

 

[buzzy]

I have not used a variety of gas smokers. Still using my 9 yr old smoke hollow. If I was getting new the things I’d be looking for is 2 good sealed doors so not much heat is lost when adding wood on long smokes. Getting a needle valve for lower temps in cool weather but need to be careful this doesn’t blow out an fill smoker with gas. Pretty much everything else can be modified to ur likings. (CI skillet for wood chunks, sand in water pan for heat sink, outside mod. to make smoke for cold smoking)

 

[SonnyE]

I have a Masterbuilt electric not sure the model, but it has the analog control on it. It worked fine but I never got any smoke out of it the way it was designed. After some research on here I found that if I put the smoke box on the element I would have better results. I have done that with some success, but am just ready to go back to what I know with propane.

I see the problem here....
You failed to apply an AMNPS to perfect your 'lectik sm00ker.
But you may find you still need an AMNPS if you decide to do any cool/cold smoking.

I got my MES 30 knowing going in I would be doing modifying to it. IMO the MES smokers are great for 225° - 275° ranges as stock units. But they sorely lack in smoke generation with the OEM chip pan system.
But my needs are from cold to warmish. So I knew I would be buying what I wanted to mojifry into my Frankensm00ker.

But by all means, if you are more comfortable with a Propane unit, then get back to your comfort zone.
The Smoke Vault and Dynaglow both have really nice features.
You may want a needle valve for fine control. ;)

I'm a Solar Generating Station. Works good for electric, but not so much for a propane unit. LOL!
But my main BBQ is a gas burner. Jetted for Natural Gas.

 

[HalfSmoked]

I have a 6 year old 40" Master Built like the 40 because I can put hold racks of ribs in without cutting them. I as many have done away with the chip pan that comes with the smoker and use a 10" fry pan. Master Built now makes a 40" with a controller that is similar as the one in a house oven to control temperature. I too use to have a 30" electric and never really cared for it. My $.02.

Warren

 

[buzzy]

Well jc after some thought and searching this is my choice even to the point of me getting one. Need to check out all gas models though. Gasket on doors, 2 doors, vents on bottom & top , rib rack, sausage rack , good looking wood pan.

 

[The Butt Man]

Well jc after some thought and searching this is my choice even to the point of me getting one. Need to check out all gas models though. Gasket on doors, 2 doors, vents on bottom & top , rib rack, sausage rack , good looking wood pan.

I think you will be satisfied. I’ve been using that one since December and I have no complaints yet. Hope you enjoy it. Good luck.

 

[SmokinAl]

I have had a Smoke Vault 24 for several years & it is still going strong.
I have 3 other smokers too, but the SV gets used more than the others do.
Just because it's very easy to use & cleanup is a breeze.
Al