Rookie Smoker

[dadakota]

Absolutely love smoked food and making jerky. Looking to buy my first smoker and am debating between a rig with a separate firebox or getting an electric smoker. An suggestions?

 

[vegansbeware]

Welcom to the site!

I have used only a Bullet-style (ECB) and the Offset smoker (Side Fire Box). Never used an electric one. I currently own a Char Griller Smokin Pro that I bought from Lowes and LOVE it!

That is my personal opinion, not really sure which one is better though.

It shouldn't be too long before a "Pro" see this and directs you toward the better decision of the two.

 

[flash]

Every smoker seems to have some draw back to it. The electrics, atleast on some, have not temp gauges. Some no control of smoker temps. Of course, if your handy with tools, you can mod them in.

 

[bertjo44]

Welcome to SMF! I had an electric and didn't really like it that much. Can be diffacult to get the temp up in cold weather. I now have a propane upright GOSM. My advice would be to spend the extra $30-$50 and get a propane of offset barrel type. Electrics are convenient to transport if you will have electicity. Propane is convenient for camping and cookouts. Too may choices but definitely any smoker is better than no smoker.

 

[smoke_chef]

Dadakota,


Welcome to the site. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m pretty new here myself, so I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t really have advice. I just wanted to say hello and warn you… this site can become addictive. There is to much great information here and the people are way to nice and helpful! I think to myself… “I can read posts for just a few minutes and then Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll get back to work†The problem is… is the more posts I read, the more posts I read. Then before I know it, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m following a link about a BBQ competition, reading up on different smokers, or coping down a recipe.

Youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been warned.

 

[gramason]

Welcome to the SMF.

 

[bb53chevpro]

Welcome to SMF. your going to like it here.

 

[teeotee]

Welcome to the smf. I also have a Char Griller Pro from lowes and love it, even more now i've modified it, but also have the ecb which is still handy.

Never tried an electric so can't honestly comment on that.

And head the warning of smoke_chef this place is addictive.

 

[strider]

How much are you wanting to spend and how much volume do you need to cook at one time?

Strider

 

[mossymo]

DADAKOTA
Welcome to SMF !!!
I have a propane, electric's and Char-griller w/SFB; each have their pro's and con's, but they do all get used.

In electric I have a 30" and a 40" MES, these get used alot because besides adding chips and spritsing the meal they are pretty much set it and forget it type smokers. The MES is great to use when you have other projects going on and have little time to monitor the smoker temperature.

I like using the Char-griller in warmer weather when I more enjoy being outside and have time to monitor the temperature. Also it is hard toargue with the added genuine taste from charcoal or if you use it stick burner.

Basman said it well, get one of each (with time)!!!

 

[travcoman45]

I've had cheap electric units, did fine, not as precise as a higher priced unit, but it will smoke food. Next I built a big stainless steel unit that was propane fired. Like it alot, unfortunately, somebody else liked it more then I did.

I am now currently building and electric unit using an enamel lined fride for the box and two sets of temp controls, one for cool smoke and one for hot smoke.

I can't tell you which unit you should buy, you will have to kind of try them out and see which you prefer, it is really a matter of choice. Glad to have you here, it is a very informative place with lots of great people!

 

[mossymo]

travcoman45
Can you post some pics of this smoker project

 

[kookie]

Welcome to the smf.............Glad to have you here................

 

[jseiber]

Hi and welcome to the site.

I'm also pretty new, and don't have much experience in smoking. But I have a propane GOSM, and I love it. It has worked out really good for me because it is easy to maintain the desired temperature. And so far, I have not ruined any food. However, I have already been looking at building a UDS "Ugly Drum Smoker" partly because I like to tinker, and partly because of the simplicity and low cost. I guess the best thing is just to take your time and look around this site, because there are tons of information here. You will find the one that's right for you.

 

[dadakota]

Thanks for the welcome. I have made a lot of jerky on the dehydrator, but want to learn how to make it on a smoker. Seems like everywhere I go I have to sample the jerky. The Smokehouse in Chesterfield, MO has good jery as does B&D Meats in Oregon, MO. Both I believe smoke their jerky as they have a great smoky taste and not much pepper. Would this type of jerky be brined?

 

[badss]

Welcome Dadakota....I've got a GOSM and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of a New Cookshack Amerique eelctric. As long as your smokin ....its all good friend! The gas is fast....consistant usually with temps but some traditoinalists will say that the only BBQ is with wood. Depends on availability of wood supplies but I know for me I liked the gas and will continue to use it for camping. The bigger Cookshack will allow me to smoke year round in my garage so I guess it really all boils down to what some of your needs and wants are....good luck.

 

[lc in va]

I am fairly new to smoking but my smoers is propane and I believe Temp is probably the easiest to control unless you have an electric thermostatic control. I think propane is probably best for new smokers.