Trying to decide on new smoker

[Killa J]

Hey guys,

I’ve been BBQing for 5 or 6 years. Currently I have a kamado, and before that I used an upright smoker. I’m looking for a simpler setup. My job takes up a lot of time, and now that I have kids I don’t find myself making the time to make BBQ. I’ve pretty much decided on an electric or pellet smoker. I have friends/family with them, and while the results aren’t incredible, it’s still really good. I enjoy the process of smoking, but haven’t used my smoker in close to a year. I figure that decent BBQ that I can make frequently is better than making none.

So to my dilemma - electric or pellet? I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the Smokin-It 3D or the REC TEC Stampede once it’s shipping.

 

[buckaholic84]

I would lean more toward pellet grill if it were me. From what I've read the rec Tec are great pellet grills. I did a lot of research on them when I was contemplating getting a pellet grill. I ended up getting a WSM and a guru. I just got the guru and only used it a couple times so far but man it's pretty close to set and forget with charcoal. I only opted for the wsm over pellet mainly I wanted to be able to take guru off when I had time and felt like messing with vents and babysitting the smoker.

 

[SmokinGame]

Wish I could offer a lot of advice, but having only smoked for a few months, I have minimal experience. But I do like my Camp Pro pellet. It is nearly set and forget, and probably would be more so but I can't just walk away. It is all new to me so I am keeping tabs all the time. I wish the consistency of the Camp Pro was a little more stable. Little fluctuation but then again I have been smoking on days when temps on the deck are 30-45F and seldom calm. I really think the outdoor temps affect it.

 

[SonnyE]

Given the two, I'd go with the Smokin-it.
But if you think you want a smoking Bar-B-Que, then the RecTech.

A better way to decide would be: What do you like to cook/eat?
That can tell you which would be the better choice.

Incredible comes with time, care, and patience.
Either of those will be ready, when you are ready to use them. I think either will last you a lifetime.

 

[Killa J]

I don’t need it to do anything except smoke. Even though I haven’t used it for BBQ, I still use the kamado for grilling on a somewhat regular basis. So burgers, steaks, and chops are good to go. Just missing brisket and ribs.

 

[SonnyE]

SmokinIt. Final answer!

No question. If I could justify one to myself, I'd love to have a SmokenIt.

I have a pipe burner for Que.

 

[gmc2003]

Either one will work fine. You'll probably want to add a pellet tube or a tray for additional smoke flavor. It basically comes down to do I want to plug it in or buy pellets and plug it in.

Chris

 

[SmokinAl]

I agree with buckaholic, the WSM/Guru is a hard combo to beat.
It's set & forget with the charcoal/wood flavor, that you won't get with either electric or pellet.
Al

 

[Killa J]

I agree with buckaholic, the WSM/Guru is a hard combo to beat.
It's set & forget with the charcoal/wood flavor, that you won't get with either electric or pellet.
Al

I don’t disagree that charcoal/wood can be easy and smoke better than an electric or pellet smoker. But I already pretty much have that setup - a Chargiller Akorn and a HeaterMeter. I guess I just want something even easier to use than that, with no charcoal to deal with.