what kind of smoker for the newbe ?

[cal1956]

most people start with a charcoal or gas grill then decide they want to try their hand at smoking ,so which type of smoker is best the start the newbe on a charcoal smoker , an offset wood burner , electric . propane or even a pellet smoker , it can be a costly decision for something they might or might not stay with , i'm glad i didn't have so many choices when i started

 

[bbqjefff]

I would say electric is the best for newbies. I started on an electric and I still use it even though I have an offset now. I use both.

 

[civilsmoker]

To me this is an easy question...... I have many types of smokers and I can say without a doubt if I could only have one it would be a pellet.....someone with ZERO grilling or smoking experience can use it and have excellent results.... the pellet smoker has revolutionized the home smoking experience!

 

[bmudd14474]

Well I wont say its an easy answer but here goes.

If they have a charcoal grill already then Id recommend them using something like the snake method with unlit coals and get the temp low for smoking. And if they like the results then they can go to a off set or if they don't want to tend a smoker then Id go pellet.

If they do not have anything there are several good low priced entry level pellet smokers and I would go that direction.

Thanks

 

[SmokinGame]

My first, and the one I use most, was a pellet. Pretty forgiving and easy to operate. I still say I will someday get an offset. And now that I am retired I have more time to sit and monitor a cook on an offset.

 

[cal1956]

but also consider that not everyone will continue their inital interest in smoking many will but some won't, so the cost
must be factored into the decision

 

[yankee2bbq]

most people start with a charcoal or gas grill then decide they want to try their hand at smoking ,so which type of smoker is best the start the newbe on a charcoal smoker , an offset wood burner , electric . propane or even a pellet smoker , it can be a costly decision for something they might or might not stay with , i'm glad i didn't have so many choices when i started

Smoking and grilling are two different things. And I believe, you know this.
So, my 2 cents is a Weber Kettle. They are very diverse. It can grill and smoke. Its all about charcoal set-up to smoke. ( like bmudd14474 has stated above). Weber kettle has plenty of accessories too! Here are some cooks on my Weber:

 

[Carbon1960]

I have used a lot of different cookers - UDS, Offset, Weber kettles, gassers, pellet grills. I think the Oklahoma Joe Bronco is the best of the bunch if you only have one. Temp control is great, you can hang meat or use the grill, ash and fire management is breeze.

I cooked for a crowd Sunday using the EX6 Pellet rig which worked fine, but I still think I get better results with the charcoal burners. The Weber kettle is pretty much dedicated to use with the Vortex for now and the gasser just sits there until we need some smashburgers.