What type / model of smoker do you all recommend?

[RhoneRanger]

So, after spending quite a bit of time perusing these forums and learning a lot and realizing how much of a newb I am at this, I am about ready to purchase my first 'real' smoker. My upright propane / water smoker bit the dust over Christmas, and am looking for what is the best for that authentic, butcher shop flavor and smell.

I have seen much good advise here, but wondering what you all like? I read that electric smokers are good and long life, Weber egg smokers work well, side by side? Pellet smokers?

* I want to do both cold and hot smoking.
* I will be making tons of sausages.
* I also want to smoke brisket, ribs etc.

Is there any decent all-around smoker? Budget oh, 300 - 400.

 

[dcecil]

WSM

 

[bdskelly]

WSM

Ditto. With what you want to use it for, The Weber Smokey Mountain is a lot of equipment for the price. B

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

Another vote for the WSM!

 

[pineywoods]

Webber is good but ain't gonna do much when you want to smoke all the sausage you just made just can't hang much.

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Ditto with piney

 

[bmudd14474]

Id go with a Pitboss Pellet Cabinet Smoker. Still can do sausage and all.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I have a SV24 gasser and a Cabelas MES40. Both good for different types of smoking in my opinion. Like the MES for longer overnight type smokes(pork butts and brisket) and the SV24 for things like poultry where I want to get higher temps. Have used both for cold smoking with the amnps. Don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you choose even if it’s an old cleaned out barrel with charcoal and some wood chunks! Good luck let us know what you choose. Dilly Dilly

 

[pc farmer]

Brinkman vertical. Holds alot of sausage. I have 2 30 lb hams here

 

[steve schoen]

hi i am new here and as thinking about starting a small business selling beef jerky to friends and family and with the profits be able ot eat beef jerky for free.

is it possible to turn a small profit making beef jerky and would you recommend a smoker or dehdrater in doing so

any suggestions from the experts here would be great.

 

[pops6927]

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[gmc2003]

My vote goes towards the WSM. No electrical, or moving parts to break.

Chris.

 

[Winterrider]

TSM as in Nepas's avatar would be a good choice.

 

[pineywoods]

If your making "tons of sausage" that requires a smoker you can hang it in if your doing much of it at a time. A vertical or maybe building a smokehouse might be the best for sausage

 

[zwiller]

I am very critical but I am impressed with my MES. Set and forget digital control and insulated so I can smoke in dead of winter. AMNPS required. Prioritize your needs and maybe that will help. So far it sounds like a sausage fest :)

 

[RhoneRanger]

WOW what great advise all around! I am going to do a little more research, but I am pretty sure I am going for the Weber Smokey Mountain or the Pitboss pellet smoker. Curious though, how is the flavor of pellets vs chunks / chips?

 

[phrogpilot73]

Curious though, how is the flavor of pellets vs chunks / chips?

I went from a propane smoker using chunks/chips to a pellet grill. From my experience, I will say that the pellet grill is a more subtle smoke flavor, but it is also more consistent.

Still delicious though, when my current pellet pooper dies - I'm likely going to get a Rec Tec.

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Best electric i have used for sausage. And with my PID its even better.

 

[Jason Heinrich]

I had an MES 40 for 4 years until the wiring literally burned out on me in the middle of a smoke (only used once a month or less in those 4 years). The MES worked worked decently and I did produce some good tasting meat from it. The AMPS that is used with the MES so many users rave about is an over-hyped, inconsistent performing piece of, well...let’s just say I’m not a fan. Lol. Though, I will say the electric accessory smoke box Masterbuilt offers for the MES worked wonderfully for me after contending with the frustrating AMPS.

I bought a WSM 18.5” as a replacement and absolutely love it. I’ve done about three smokes with it since getting it in December and it’s performed wonderfully. The WSM is a 5-star smoker. Wish I would have taken my neighbor’s advice four years ago and bought it then.