What is the best smoker to get?

[angiem]

I'm eventually going to want a bigger sized smoker and I was wondering what is the best to get. I'm giving myself a budget of around $2,000 since I want durable and well made and accuracy in temp and stuff. Thanks!

 

[roller]

I really do not think anyone can answer that question but You !

 

[chef jimmyj]

We need a little more detail...JJ

Wood, Charcoal, Propane or Electric? 

Set it and Forget it or Tend a Fire every hour for 6 to 20 hours?

30Lbs of Meat or 300Lbs?

In the Yard or On the Road?

Business or Pleasure?

Total Newbie or some Smoking Experience?

 

[angiem]

Total newbie, which is why I didn't have the info you put in. 

 Set it and forget it, 30lbs, in the yard, pleasure and as to type, I don't know? 

Probably either electric or actual wood.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Betty 002 - Copy.JPG

• oldschoolbbq
• Aug 8, 2012

One word ... Tejas 

 

[chef jimmyj]

With your budget you may like one of these... http://www.cookshack.com/store/Smokers_2   These are Top of the Line for residential Electrics.

Of course there are some nice knock-offs that are similar and Cheaper... http://www.smokin-it.com/category_s/5.htm

And the ever Popular... Masterbuilt 40"...http://www.cabelas.com/product/Masterbuilt-Electric-Window-Smokers/1322261.uts

There are a lot of Toys that go with the whole Art of Smoking... Slicers, Grinders, Sausage Stuffers, AMNPS Smoke Generator for Cold Smoked Cheese, Bacon and Cured Sausage. Mixers, Casing, Meat, Spices, Books...It goes on. You may not want to spend the whole Nut on just the Smoker...

I will let the Stick Burners like, Oldschoolbbq Stan, make wood Smoker recommendations...JJ

 

[dls1]

Total newbie, which is why I didn't have the info you put in. 

 Set it and forget it, 30lbs, in the yard, pleasure and as to type, I don't know? 

Probably either electric or actual wood.

Sounds to me like you're a perfect candidate for electric. I recommend that you check check out residential of Cookshack smokers

http://www.cookshack.com/store/Smokers_2

They're extremely well built, durable, and long lasting. I have 2 of their 009 models, one for 10 years, and the other for 7 years. Both are used frequently and have never missed a beat. They've been used in all types of weather and temperatures ranging from sub zero to in excess of 100F, and there has never been in variation in performance.

There cost of operation is very low and they are truly "set and forget". Open door, insert meat, add 2 oz.- 4 oz. of wood chunks, close door, set smoker temperature, and go do something else until it's done.

They're not the cheapest electric smoker on the market, but also something that's not going to need to be replaced in a few years.

 

[kryinggame]

I have an MES. Since your budget is $2,000. I'll sell  you mine smoker for $1,999.

There's no way that anyone can answer your question.  I have an MES but I'd like to get a Weber Smokey Mountain but TO ME, it doesn't make sense having 2 smokers.  Research both models, they're both popular.

 

[michael ark]

I would say keep it simple for now make a uds for now. You are able to make it into any kind of smoker gas , sparky, wood or charcoal. Their are videos and pictures of all of them here and you can find kits online at places like big poppa smoker. The first rule of smokeing meat is patience and planing. If you don't have it . It will teach you that.:biggrin:

 

[angiem]

Thanks all you guys for your input! The main thing for me was getting the names of smokers that are on the market and now I have some. I will def do some research on what I think will fit me. I AM leaning towards the electric, though!

 

[ribwizzard]

Your going to get alot of answers on here, but if your not going to go for a wood pit style smoker, id recommend propane over electric. They are a lot of nice units that are insulated and look like little refridgerators that work well. My dad has one he got at Sams and does some nice food on it.

 

[dls1]

Your going to get alot of answers on here, but if your not going to go for a wood pit style smoker, id recommend propane over electric. They are a lot of nice units that are insulated and look like little refridgerators that work well. My dad has one he got at Sams and does some nice food on it.

I'm curious as to why you would recommend propane over electric. Is it because of your experience with both, or your father's experience with his propane smoker from Sam's?

 

[michael ark]

I too would recomend lp or natral gas over a sparky anyday. More durable . Y ou can use the search engine to see what type has less problem.:biggrin:

 

[boardpuller]

Hi, I have to add my $ buck and a half. I have an ECB, GOSM, Trailmaster LE (SFB) and MES 30 besides assorted Grills. Love all of them except the ECB (no forum when I bought it). Grandpa, Old Faithful the GOSM is my go to smoker. Set and forget, when it has to be right ( the Wifes Prime Rib), Overnight smokes sleeping all night. The MES is great But hot spots, Temp swings cooks good but...  

 What ever you pick YOU will have to get used to its quirks and temperment.