Propane or charcoal

[jbili]

 And a good day to all. I was planning on plunging into the world of smokers and purchasing a propane smoker in the near future but my wife bought me a charcoal smoker from bjs It's a Masterbuilt Classic Barrel Grill which has 2 smokestacks . The only problem is that it was mislabeled and does not contain the needed side smoker attachment which according to masterbuilt will run me about $40 - $60

We are looking for an easy smoker that doesn't require too much attention but will give us good flavor. Should I keep the grill and get the attachment or take it back and get a propane one and if I do take it back any recommendations on a good propane smoker that's not too pricey. Thanks in advance

 

[s2k9k]

 And a good day to all. I was planning on plunging into the world of smokers and purchasing a propane smoker in the near future but my wife bought me a charcoal smoker from bjs It's a Masterbuilt Classic Barrel Grill which has 2 smokestacks . The only problem is that it was mislabeled and does not contain the needed side smoker attachment which according to masterbuilt will run me about $40 - $60

We are looking for an easy smoker that doesn't require too much attention but will give us good flavor. Should I keep the grill and get the attachment or take it back and get a propane one and if I do take it back any recommendations on a good propane smoker that's not too pricey. Thanks in advance

Have you looked into the electrics like the MES?

 

[jbili]

No I haven't looked at all at electric, would that give us what we're looking for

 

[s2k9k]

A good electric like the MES combined with an AMNPS is pretty much set it and forget it and will give great results. They are very popular smokers and I have seen and read a lot of good stuff about them. I use a GOSM propane and though it works very well for me I wouldn't call it a "set it and forget it" smoker and since you said you want something that doesn't require much attention I think an MES would be perfect for you.

 

[jbili]

I'll have to look into the electric smokers then. Thanks I'll take a look at the MES and check out pricing. I'll let you know what we finally go with.

 

[jbili]

I'm not sure I want to go electric.  I was looking at the Smoke Vault 24"  I'll take a look at the GOSM alot of people seem to like them

Am I wrong or does charcoal require the most attention

 

[s2k9k]

As far as charcoal, from what I have read the WSM might require a little set up time but then it is pretty much set and forget, lot's of good stuff about it.

 

[jbili]

Don't mind the set up time and don't mind looking in on it every now and then. We just might go with the charcoal

 

[ngasmokehead]

As a recent new owner of a WSM, I would HAVE to recommend it for a charcoal smoker. Very efficient and very easy to manage/maintain temps after getting a few smokes on it. All around great smoker that produces (in my opinion) superior cue than say, my GOSM gasser...Now, the GOSM is a great cooker in it's own right, but you can have some issues with bark formation (not enough) of what I like, though I've tried some things lately that have helped with that. my biggest issue was not being able to really leave it for any length of time due to it being propane...

So, after months (and years of looking/reading many forums) of research, i decided on WSM for my needs (like to go to sleep and do an overnighter, go to the pool, extended yardwork, etc)...

Good luck!

 

[jirodriguez]

+1 for the WSM

I have the 22.5" WSM and as I like to call it "Smoking for dummies" easy to use!

Takes about 30-45 min. to set it up and get the chamber up to temp. In the summer I can run for 20+ hrs. on one 20 lb. load of charcoal with no input from me until around the 12-14 hr. mark, then I just very gently stir the coals just a bit to knock the ash of the briquets. During the winter months I just wrap it in a 6 ft. x 8 ft. welding blanket and I can run for about 15 hrs. on that same 20 lb. load.

Like NGaSmokehead said, it's nice to toss a brisket on at midnight and then go to bed for 6 or 7 hrs. without worrying about tending to the smoker. Also if you really want uber control you can buy a stoker of some sort - basically a small fan that is regulated by a thermostat to turn it on and off. Stokers usually run about $300, but are nice in that they regulate the temp for you really well, a few WSM owners on this site have them, but even without one the WSM just plain works!

 

[jbili]

Just got home from work. The WSM sounds great. How many racks of ribs can you cook on it

Thanks

 

[oldtoadbbq]

I just got my WSM 22" and with racks (6 slots per rack, don't remember the brand) I can get 12, 6 per section. I did all the math before I bought it. Happy Smokeing!

 

[jbili]

Thanks that would be more then enough

 

[jbili]

  So when it's all said and done the WSM is the best smoker for the money. If I buy cheaper I'm going to be dissappointed

We have a Weber Genesis grill that we use year round and love it. I'll shovel a path through the snow to get to it

 

[michael ark]

I love my gosm. If you go charcoal look at makeing a uds. You can get the parts at lowes or big poppa smokers. Their is a video of a build on here to help you with a build.:biggrin:

 

[qbirdon]

Hello fellow smoke makers. I'm new here today and have no clue what a "UDS" is. Just looking for info on WSM 22 and saw this post.

 

[jirodriguez]

Hello fellow smoke makers. I'm new here today and have no clue what a "UDS" is. Just looking for info on WSM 22 and saw this post.

Welcome to the forum!

The UDS is short for "Ugly Drum Smoker", basically a smoker made from a 55 gallon metal drum. If you have tools and an OK sense of craftsmanship you can generally make one for under $100, and don't  let the name fool you, they don't have to be ugly.

Now for the WSM (my baby). It is a Weber Smokey Mountain, comes in two sizes 18.5" & 22.5", both work great and produce great Que! I call the WSM "Smoking for dummies" easy to use, and Weber backs them with great customer service.

 

[qbirdon]

Thanks for the UDS explain.  I'm really impressed with all I see about the WSM especially the long lasting smoke without adjusting.  My wood smoker takes a while to get set and I get maybe 5-6 hours tops and need to throw in more sticks. Also, not all wood gives out blue smoke.  I'm not sure why.  I'm guessing the charcoal is more consistent for smoke color?