New user, looking for a new smoker!

[goathead]

Hi newbie from CT!  Long time lurker looking to replace my UDS that I unfortunately lost when my truck decided to go up in flames and smoke itself. 

The drum made it through the fire, but all the aluminum parts were melted off of it and I’m not sure if the drum would still be ok to re-use after everything that burned up with it (gasoline, plastic, rubber, etc). 

I want to get back into smoking and I was looking into options other than building another UDS (drums are difficult to get around here) and trying to figure out which way to go.  I like the upright models and trying to figure out fuel source.  My friend has an electric Masterbuilt which seems decent, but didn’t have the same flavor that I was able to get out of my UDS so I’m leaning towards a charcoal or charcoal/propane combo.  Looked at one at HD, a Masterbuilt Pro charcoal/propane model, but was reading it was a little cheap.  Budget is around $300 so any opinion is appreciated!!  I’ll be poking around the forums for reviews too!  Thanks!

 

[ab canuck]

Hello and welcome to SMF from the Great white North 

. Browse the forums and ask lots of questions, get involved. There is a an amazing amount of info, recipes and knowledge here that are second to none. Enjoy good luck and share your experiences. 

  Look around threads and review the reviews as well as CS reviews. 

 

[firemanjon]

Welcome to the forums!! Lots of great guys and good information here...wonderful place. Take a look around and review the different models and decide on what you will be cooking size wise and what fuel you want to use. If you are used to an UDS I'd give a look into WSM cookers. 18.5" model is 299, 22.5" is 399. I have both and I love them...very nice little cookers.

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome aboard!

I second the WSM!

It's a very good smoker!

Al

 

[HalfSmoked]

As stated it will depend on the type of fuel your looking to use I have a Master Built 40" propne and love it. Again on here a lot of what you will hear is personal opinions it will be your choice.

Warren

 

[gary s]

  Good morning and welcome to the forum from a beautiful sunny day here in East Texas, and the best site on the web.                          Lots of great people with tons of information on just about everything.

        Gary

 

[goathead]

Thanks for the welcome!  Did a TON of research over the past few days and I think I narrowed it down to 3 models, 2 propane, one charcoal.  WSM, Smoke Hollow Pro series 44, and the Camp Chef Smoke Vault.  Seems like the Smoke Vault may be the most versatile with temperature and a little better build quality than the Smoke Hollow, then the WSB because...wsm.  Huge Weber fan with Genesis and 22" kettle already.