What type smoker to buy

The Lang 36 is a costly rig, but is supposed to be the top of it's class. I'd like one persay, but simply don't have the $$$$ to justify the purchase

 

I really haven't heard to many negatives about either. Both will do what you want, but I'll toss out another choice that is well represented on the forum. How about looking into the WSM. It comes in 3 sizes and is probably one of the better bang for your buck smokers out there.

Chris

 

Hank,
I have a Lang 36 patio and I love it. Yes it's expensive but worth it, once it's up to temp it holds very steady. At 608 lbs she's solid but easy to move around. I've smoked fish, pork, beef, chicken even cold smoked cheese in her.
I've had her for 3 years now and I'm still experimenting with different recipes.
My only regret is I didn't by the 48 for the extra cooking space.
Teddy

 

I have did a lot of research and shopping over the last few months in preparation to get a smoker other than the MES40 that has served me well into the addiction I really was down to a Lang 48 or several brands of charcoal heated cabinet smokers. For me it ended up coming down to whether or not I wanted to have to tend the fire. I opted for a nice charcoal cabinet smoker so that I can fill her up , load up about 15 lbs. of lump charcoal with some wood chunks and let her roll for about 12 hours or so maintenance free. I bought a used 270 Smokers large and hope to use it the first time next weekend.

That said in all likelihood I will buy a Lang as well someday LOL

 

Can't speak to either.
But as to reviews... please consider them with a grain of salt.
I suggest a grain of rock salt...

Sometimes a shill for the competition will post fake negative reviews.
So you need to try and sort them.
Sometimes Velcro people post about problems that simply could be solved with some common sense.
(They can't tie their own shoes, and common sense isn't common anymore.)

 

And Pickles! Must NOT forget Al's pickles!

 

If you are a set it and forget it type, a stick burner wouldn't be a great choice. Your profile doesn't show what part of the country you live in. An insulated cabinet type smoker is probably the most efficient for any of us.

I bought my son in law a Pit Barrel smoker a couple years ago when his cheap offset smoker rusted through. I don't see a lot about them in this forum, but he turns out some of the most consistent, best tasting BBQ I've eaten. Temp runs higher than we normally use, but I can't argue with the food quality.

If I lived in the lower third of the US, I would love to use a stick burner as my main smoker. But I got nothing but time these days.

 

Pit Barrel Smokers