Thoughts on the Charbroil silver smoker

[bigsmoker5]

Hey guys.  I am thinking about buying a charbroil silver smoker this weekend.  This will be my first smoker that I have purchased.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a smoker in the beginning.  Do any of you have any thoughts about the Charbroil Silver Smoker?  Good or bad?  Or any other smokers(charcoal) that you recommend for around 200 dollars?

Thanks

 

[hambone1950]

well , i dont know anything about that smoker , but i had a brinkmann gourmet charcoal smoker and it was just ok....i recently got a weber smoky mountain 18.5 smoker ($299) and it rocks. you hear nothing but good things about this smoker. check craigs list maybe you can get a slightly used one for 200....good luck , brother.

 

[bama bbq]

I started on a silver smoker and produced some good Q but be prepared to babysit it. There are a cpl problems with this cooker: 1) the fire box to cook chamber hole is WAY too big allowing too much hot air/fire to enter the cook chamber. This creates a big heat difference from the right to left side of the cooking grate.  The first mod is to reduce the size of that hole with a deflector/tuning plate and water pan.  2) the second HUGE issue is the leaks between the fire box and cooker, and from the cooker lid.  To control temps the air leaks have to be sealed. 3) you'll need a charcoal basket to get long cooks from it.  They're easy to make but it's something you'll want to do.

I would recommend going with Hambone's advice and look for a used WSM you can clean up and use. IMO you'll be happier.