You have asked the question of questions.
It all depends on what kind of smoker you want ? Gas , electric , charcoal, wood?
How much space do you have for the smoker?
How much time do you want to spend tending the smoker.
If you live in an apartment that normally rules out anything w/ open flame.
Some homeowner associations limit size of pit you can have.
If you want set it and forget it the electric is the way to go.
Next w/ the least tending is gas , then next i guess would be a charcoal UDS.
Full out SFB coal or stick burners need more tending.
Stop by roll call and introduce yourself and let us know what part of the country your from .
:welcome1: Glad to have you with us!
What eman said x2.
Ok I think I have decided on the WSM but now do I want the 18 1/2 or the 22 1/2?
Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
The consensus around here is that bigger is better as long as you can afford it. I think the general prices for WSM are $250 and and $325 for their units, so there isn't a big price difference between the two. Obviously the bigger one will allow you to smoke more/bigger items. If money is particularly tight and you want to save that $75 you can get the 18.5" and throw the money towards some meat, seasonings, sauces, fire starter chimney, charcoal and chunks. You're probably also going to want to research the Minion Method for starting your fire and getting longer burn times with less fuss.
If you haven't signed up for the free 5 day ecourse from Jeff, do so, it is especially designed for a newcomer like yourself to help lessen the learning curve of smoking.
Cool Justin, keep us informed all the way on your process of learning and smoking! :biggrin: We love pictures around here so don't forget to post them when you acquire no equipment and cook up your meals.