what to buy?

[shlaba]

Ok i'm ready to make the next step!!, i've only smoked on a standard propane bbq and now i think its time to purchase a smoker but i'm not sure what to buy both brand and heat source. I looked on the internet but most places won't ship to canada (grrrr) and i don't want to spend a small fortune on my first one. So i need advice on whats good to buy and what type for heat, also i live in the country on a hill with almost constant wind especially in the winter so i think this must be considered...(please note that i live just north of toronto, ontario for shipping or place that sells).

Thanks, Shlaba

 

[ron50]

Welcome to the forum, Shlaba. I'm not in Canada so I'm not familair with what companies ship there but there are several members of the forum who are and I am sure they will be along before too long to give you an answer.

As far as the wind, it sounds like you will benefit from building some type of wind break. Mine is simply some plywood and hinges that surround my smoker and shield it. They can also be made out of styrofoam or rigid foam board although then you will have to weight it. It will help in the winter too to insulate it.

 

[kew_el_steve]

I love my GOSM. At the bottom of the forum main page is a review or here:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/mod...ewarticle&id=1

This is a slide show of some-one's here -- don't remember who, but it shows the GOSM in action:

http://67.59.143.91/images/temp/

If you want to get creative, this is mine:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ead.php?t=9279

Don't forget that, no matter which one you end up getting, get a GOOD thermometer!!!

 

[walking dude]

push comes to shove..........just plain 1/4 inch plywood would werk......just make sure its a bit taller than the smoker.....

d8de

 

[squeezy]

Hey friend ... met a salesman David Burt (judging) at a BBQ comp this summer and he gave me his business card.
Place is called Ontario Gas BBQ located in Concord. Many different brands available in one place.
Check out their website or PM me for more info. Good luck!

WWW.bbqs.com

 

[Deer Meat]

No matter what type of smoker you decide to get, in my opinion the most important thing is to get a quality thermometer, better yet get several of them. You will find all types of rigs on these pages from garbage can & flowerpot smokers, to custom trailers that will hold 4+ whole hogs and custom stainless steel smokers.

My point is, anything will make great BBQ if you learn how your smoker likes to be treated, and if you can accuratly monitor your pit temperatures and internal meat temperatures.

 

[desert smokin]

I have a GOSM propane. Just my personal choice. Do some research and select something that meets your requirements for size, price, fuel, etc. Get at least one good dual temp thermometer and take the time to learn what your unit can do.

 

[gypsyseagod]

you got some good stuff here. in my humble opinion i would say check out the smf pushpin map & seewho lives closest to you & what they have & how it works for them. i think that would be a good starting point.lots of canadians here- i think squeezy is close to you. good luck & welcome to smf.

 

[fatback joe]

I recommend a wsm to anyone who wants a good little smoker that won't break the bank. The wind break suggestion is something you will want to consider no matter what smoker you go with.

Here is a link to more info on the WSM if you are interested

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/index.html

Good luck!!