Newbie here in FL - Want to smoke some meats - Where to start?

[stringer]

Hi im looking to start smoking! Glad to be here. Im a bit overwhelmed with all the various smokers, etc and wasnt sure where to start. I wanted to get either a wood smoker or a propane smoker. The local walmart etc has very limited selection, and i wanted to get the best bang for the buck while staying relatively cheap (sub $300). The little dome smokers look too small. Not sure what to go with. Looking for any suggestions and info. Thanks!

 

[s2k9k]

 [color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, there's lot's of great people here who love to share and help each other out![/color]

Would you do us a favor and update your profile to include your location, it helps people to know where you are when they offer advice, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-course, it will teach you all the basics and a whole lot more: http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

 

[oldschoolbbq]

welcome Stringer, to the Forum.

How about down to the water and catch some Reds or something,it's cheap and good for you. When you get your feet wet(pun intended), start doing chicken, and graduate from there.

I mention fish since you can get it cheap and thus save some money. You have a lot o Fish smokers here (or should I say -there) that would be more than happy to help you.    See about joining the Fla. Group . A bunch of BBQing fools they are,and friendly too.            have fun and...

 

[stringer]

Ok thanks alot guys., much appreciated! Is there a specific area that details the best relatively inexpensive smokers? I borrowed a friends char broil offset smoker and tried it out. it seems to cook uneven but im sure there was alot of user-error on my part too. Id really like to zero in on a smoker right now ($300 or less, not including mods), and mostly interested in RIBS! :)

 

[stringer]

so anyone know what smokers are good?

 

[moikel]

so anyone know what smokers are good?

On your budget hard to go past Masterbuilt Electric unless you want to go charcoal. Lot of MES users here turning out some great food.

 

[jrod62]

Welcome to SMF

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello and welcome to SMF! Don't know too much about the other types of smokers, as I have an MES 40 (Masterbuilt Electric). You might also look at the Masterbuilt Propanes, which is what I'm going to add next, but it'll be a totally new experience for me.

As Stan said, get your feet wet smoking chicken, pork butt (which is pretty forgiving) and fish. 

 

[scarbelly]

 Hello and 

 to SMF - glad to have you here