New to smoking

[mpbaker82]

Hello, I'm fairly new to the smoking hobby. I was in the market for a beginner smoker. Can someone suggest a good smoker? I would like to not only smoke, but also grill burgers and steak.

I've been eye balling the treager pro series 22. Does anyone have any experience with these pellet smokers? I've tried charcoal and had some difficulty keeping temp stable. I've also tried the Pitt Boss which I had trouble with also.

My budget for this is around 500-800.00
Build it suggest a smoker/grill for me please.

Michael

 

[joe black]

At that price range, a good starter smoker would be an Old Country Wrangler or a Weber Smoky Mountain. Check these out. Determine what type of fuel that you want to use, how many folks that you will be cooking for and what type of cooking style suits you.

Good luck in your research, Joe.

 

[stolps]

Yes the WSM is a great smoker. I recently bought a pellet smoker, a big horn model, it's not a traeger but I love it. Its great all around for grilling or smoking. If you are going to go the pellet route I suggest getting a pellet tube or something of that sort to add additional smoke. Otherwise you won't get the smoke intensity that you will get from a WSM.

 

[mpbaker82]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I like the side box idea but I'm not sure if they will grill burgers and steaks.
I liked the stand up to smoker too. I've had horrible luck with charcoal.

I liked the side box idea so much that I googled some other side box smokers. I found a oaklahoma Joe long horn or some silly name like that lol. Opinions ? I'm hearing the thicker the steal the better it till hold and heat evenly. If so, what awg is decent?

I wish I could afford a yoder but the wife would hang me by my own charcoals lol.

 

[lancep]

I would have to recommend the WSM as well. Temp control is rock solid and it is extremely versatile. I smoke ribs, pork shoulder, brisket and whole chickens. I also grill steaks, burgers, hot dogs, drumsticks etc. Build quality is excellent and they are extremely affordable. Also, a Lot of people have them so there is no shortage of folks to answer questions or provide tips and tricks along the way.

 

[gary s]

If you can cut and weld you can build a pretty nice smoker within your budget

Gary

 

[mpbaker82]

Thanks for he replys :)
Those WSM smokers sure are popular lol.