Food and Drink Smoker purchase advise needed.

**BigRedChief** · 02-17-2009, 08:15 AM

I want to purchase a smoker. Not the big ones that can be pulled on a trailer but a small one. Big enough to put in a ham shank and a rack of ribs in at the same time but not much bigger.

An electric one would be okay but how do they work? They just sit outside like the metal smokers?

My only experience is with the huge ones that I've seen at Arrowhead. I have no need for that much space to smoke some meat.

All recomendations and advise welcome.

Toadkiller · 02-17-2009, 08:20 AM

Weber smoky mountain cooker. I have one and it is idiot proof. Just did another 2 briskets and some burnt ends this weekend. They just came out with a new model which is 22 inches, which is bigger then the original model I have. I highly recommend.
http://virtualweberbullet.com/tour.html

**OnTheWarpath15** · 02-17-2009, 08:23 AM

I was planning on posting this exact thread later today.

I'm looking for a smoker as well. We have a big-ass 7 burner Jenn-Air gas grill that we received as a wedding gift, but I want something small that I can smoke a turkey breast, ribs, pork butt, brisket, etc on.

I'm extremely limited on space.

I was told these things are the way to go - maybe for you as well, BRC. The Little Green Egg, in 5 sizes.

Thoughts?

osumatt · 02-17-2009, 08:29 AM

I really think it's going to be all about your budget. Even the "non-trailer" types can run into some cash. Like a lot of folks on here, I'm a traditionalist...it's all about the hard-wood charcoal (no briquettes) and/or the hard wood for smoking. I can't bring myself to do the electric thing.

I have no idea how to paste a pic here, never really tried and know everyone will give me shit about seeing a "pretty red x" where the pic is supposed to be, so here's a link:
http://www.horizonbbqsmokersstore.co...ers/Categories

The first one is a classic. The fire box off to the right and a larger area to put the meats. I don't know if $739 or so is in your price range, but this is a nice one.

Just don't go for the flimsy stuff. These are made out of 1/4" steel. I would have nothing less. This keeps the heat in. I have something similar to the "Patriot" and I've smoked a brisket and two racks of ribs at the same time (I had to be a little "inventive" on the meat positioning, but they turned out great).

Hope that helps.

BTW, I've tried the pecan shells to smoke with...it turns out great!

Matt

**BigRedChief** · 02-17-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toadkiller

Weber smoky mountain cooker. I have one and it is idiot proof. Just did another 2 briskets and some burnt ends this weekend. They just came out with a new model which is 22 inches, which is bigger then the original model I have. I highly recommend.
http://virtualweberbullet.com/tour.html

You just put the smoking chips in, light it and forget it?

I would imagine that the quality of smoking chips would matter on the taste, correct? So where do you get the chips?

**BigRedChief** · 02-17-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osumatt

I really think it's going to be all about your budget. Even the "non-trailer" types can run into some cash. Like a lot of folks on here, I'm a traditionalist...it's all about the hard-wood charcoal (no briquettes) and/or the hard wood for smoking. I can't bring myself to do the electric thing.

I have no idea how to paste a pic here, never really tried and know everyone will give me shit about seeing a "pretty red x" where the pic is supposed to be, so here's a link:
http://www.horizonbbqsmokersstore.co...ers/Categories

The first one is a classic. The fire box off to the right and a larger area to put the meats. I don't know if $739 or so is in your price range, but this is a nice one.

Just don't go for the flimsy stuff. These are made out of 1/4" steel. I would have nothing less. This keeps the heat in. I have something similar to the "Patriot" and I've smoked a brisket and two racks of ribs at the same time (I had to be a little "inventive" on the meat positioning, but they turned out great).

Hope that helps.

BTW, I've tried the pecan shells to smoke with...it turns out great!

Matt

Thanks for the info. Rep heading your way.

Those look really nice but I want something smaller.

Toadkiller · 02-17-2009, 08:36 AM

You use chunks of wood in with the charcoal for the smoke. I live in Portland so it is fairly easy to find cherry and oak for smoking but I have also ordered from: http://www.smokinlicious.com/ For some mesquite and apple and white oak. The virtual webber site has a ton of recipes and the forums are full of people who will help you out if you get stuck.

For my 2 briskets this weekend I did a midnight cook. Put them on around 10pm and let them cook through the night. The webber is excellent at maintaining a steady temp so it really is idiot proof.

**Buehler445** · 02-17-2009, 08:36 AM

I have an electric one. It is the size of a minifridge and is basically an oven with a woodbox and a chimney. It is really REALLY easy to use, and you don't have to babysit it. I have mine in the garage. I don't know if you can set it outside.

But it is NOT a smoker in the sense of true KC BBQ. I can make some really good BBQ, but if your joy comes from manipulating the flame, and genuinely smoking the food, a charcoal unit is the way to go. I would anticipate that a gas unit would be the same type of thing, easy and good BBQ, but not the real thing.

There is some good information in this thread that that I started when I got mine. It also talks a little in there about what types of smokers guys use.

I definitely enjoy my electric, but if you are looking for the experience, and to a small degree taste of a charcoal unit, electric isn't for you.

Stewie · 02-17-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toadkiller

Weber smoky mountain cooker. I have one and it is idiot proof. Just did another 2 briskets and some burnt ends this weekend. They just came out with a new model which is 22 inches, which is bigger then the original model I have. I highly recommend.
http://virtualweberbullet.com/tour.html

This.

I have a bullet and another, bigger smoker. The bullet gets used much more often. It's easier to use and maintain plus it holds temperature rock steady even in less than favorable conditions. Uses less fuel, too. I use Ozark Oak charcoal and then add wood chips for the smoke.

**BigRedChief** · 02-17-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I have an electric one. It is the size of a minifridge and is basically an oven with a woodbox and a chimney. It is really REALLY easy to use, and you don't have to babysit it. I have mine in the garage. I don't know if you can set it outside.

But it is NOT a smoker in the sense of true KC BBQ. I can make some really good BBQ, but if your joy comes from manipulating the flame, and genuinely smoking the food, a charcoal unit is the way to go. I would anticipate that a gas unit would be the same type of thing, easy and good BBQ, but not the real thing.

There is some good information in this thread that that I started when I got mine. It also talks a little in there about what types of smokers guys use.

I definitely enjoy my electric, but if you are looking for the experience, and to a small degree taste of a charcoal unit, electric isn't for you.

Thanks for the info and link to the other thread.

The smoker doesn't make your garage smell of smoke?

I'm going for ease of use right now. I've really been "into" BBQ with charcoal tailgating and was pretty good at it from what I'm told so I may not be happy until I get the hugh smokers and be able to manipulate the flame, temp and texture etc. But for right now its more about just throwing a slab in there at night and coming back at noon for some tasty meat.

Toadkiller · 02-17-2009, 08:44 AM

These pics are from my first smoke after I got the webber. Hopefully it shows you how the thing operates and the size of the thing. Keep in mind if you want a bit bigger they make the 22 inch one now as well. I think the 18 inch is perfect for what I need, I can do a couple butts on it or 6-8 slabs of ribs depending on how creative you get etc. Really is idiot proof and fun.

**Dave Lane** · 02-17-2009, 08:45 AM

Cookshack. end of thread...

Infidel Goat · 02-17-2009, 09:00 AM

At the risk of being ridiculed, here's what I have:

An Electric Smoker

I've had it for over three years and have been more than satisfied with it. It looks a lot like Toadkiller's charcoal unit on the inside. Just imagine lava rock and an electric cord.

Set up includes: filling bowl with water, putting some soaked wood chips over the lava rocks, and placing meat on trays. Oh yeah... and you have to plug it in to an electric socket.

Extra tips: I place tin foil over the water bowl to make clean up easier--lots of grease drips in there. I leave my unit on my back porch, but I do have a cover for it (and I live in North Carolina) so that it doesn't rust away.

It's big enough that there are two sections to place meat--so you can put three sets of ribs on the upper rack and a big pork butt or something else on the lower rack.

The key to good bbq, imo, is slow cooking and the smoky flavor. If you enjoy the sport of bbq,this unit might not be for you. If you enjoy eating bbq without as much hassle, this unit is a good pick.

Just my $.02

tooge · 02-17-2009, 09:27 AM

I would like to second the weber smokey mountain cooker. We do the competition thing and I see more of those at the competitions than any others. I dont have one but one of the guys on the team does and it is MONEY. Keeps its heat for about 7 or 8 hours. For what you say you need, it would be perfect. I think I have seen them recently on line for about $200. The new 22 inch model is a bit pricey $400 and up I think, but It would hold alot of food. There is a forum I check from time to time for the weber BBQers. Check it out. You wont go wrong this way.

Monty · 02-17-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infidel Goat

At the risk of being ridiculed, here's what I have:

An Electric Smoker

I've had it for over three years and have been more than satisfied with it. It looks a lot like Toadkiller's charcoal unit on the inside. Just imagine lava rock and an electric cord.

Set up includes: filling bowl with water, putting some soaked wood chips over the lava rocks, and placing meat on trays. Oh yeah... and you have to plug it in to an electric socket.

Extra tips: I place tin foil over the water bowl to make clean up easier--lots of grease drips in there. I leave my unit on my back porch, but I do have a cover for it (and I live in North Carolina) so that it doesn't rust away.

It's big enough that there are two sections to place meat--so you can put three sets of ribs on the upper rack and a big pork butt or something else on the lower rack.

The key to good bbq, imo, is slow cooking and the smoky flavor. If you enjoy the sport of bbq,this unit might not be for you. If you enjoy eating bbq without as much hassle, this unit is a good pick.

Just my $.02

You won't get ridiculed by me. That's the exact model that I have and I've had no complaints, but I really want to get a larger unit at some point because I'm ready to take it to the next level. I'd say that this is a great solution for the person who is learning but doesn't want to invest much. This unit was less than $80 IIRC.

02-17-2009, 08:15 AM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3169627 VARSITY	Smoker purchase advise needed. I want to purchase a smoker. Not the big ones that can be pulled on a trailer but a small one. Big enough to put in a ham shank and a rack of ribs in at the same time but not much bigger. An electric one would be okay but how do they work? They just sit outside like the metal smokers? My only experience is with the huge ones that I've seen at Arrowhead. I have no need for that much space to smoke some meat. All recomendations and advise welcome.
Posts: 78,982

02-17-2009, 08:20 AM	#2
Toadkiller Garlic make my feet stank! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washougal, WA Casino cash: $5874921	Weber smoky mountain cooker. I have one and it is idiot proof. Just did another 2 briskets and some burnt ends this weekend. They just came out with a new model which is 22 inches, which is bigger then the original model I have. I highly recommend. http://virtualweberbullet.com/tour.html
Posts: 2,048

02-17-2009, 08:23 AM	#3
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115	I was planning on posting this exact thread later today. I'm looking for a smoker as well. We have a big-ass 7 burner Jenn-Air gas grill that we received as a wedding gift, but I want something small that I can smoke a turkey breast, ribs, pork butt, brisket, etc on. I'm extremely limited on space. I was told these things are the way to go - maybe for you as well, BRC. The Little Green Egg, in 5 sizes. Thoughts? Last edited by OnTheWarpath15; 02-17-2009 at 08:32 AM..
Posts: 60,167

02-17-2009, 08:29 AM	#4
osumatt Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Tulsa, OK, USA Casino cash: $3209679	I really think it's going to be all about your budget. Even the "non-trailer" types can run into some cash. Like a lot of folks on here, I'm a traditionalist...it's all about the hard-wood charcoal (no briquettes) and/or the hard wood for smoking. I can't bring myself to do the electric thing. I have no idea how to paste a pic here, never really tried and know everyone will give me shit about seeing a "pretty red x" where the pic is supposed to be, so here's a link: http://www.horizonbbqsmokersstore.co...ers/Categories The first one is a classic. The fire box off to the right and a larger area to put the meats. I don't know if $739 or so is in your price range, but this is a nice one. Just don't go for the flimsy stuff. These are made out of 1/4" steel. I would have nothing less. This keeps the heat in. I have something similar to the "Patriot" and I've smoked a brisket and two racks of ribs at the same time (I had to be a little "inventive" on the meat positioning, but they turned out great). Hope that helps. BTW, I've tried the pecan shells to smoke with...it turns out great! Matt __________________ OSUMATT GO POKES!!! "It's America's classical music ... this becomes our tradition ...the bottom line of any country in the world is what did we contribute to the world? ... we contributed Louis Armstrong" Tony Bennett
Posts: 87

02-17-2009, 08:36 AM	#7
Toadkiller Garlic make my feet stank! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washougal, WA Casino cash: $5874921	You use chunks of wood in with the charcoal for the smoke. I live in Portland so it is fairly easy to find cherry and oak for smoking but I have also ordered from: http://www.smokinlicious.com/ For some mesquite and apple and white oak. The virtual webber site has a ton of recipes and the forums are full of people who will help you out if you get stuck. For my 2 briskets this weekend I did a midnight cook. Put them on around 10pm and let them cook through the night. The webber is excellent at maintaining a steady temp so it really is idiot proof.
Posts: 2,048

02-17-2009, 08:36 AM	#8
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $2344734	I have an electric one. It is the size of a minifridge and is basically an oven with a woodbox and a chimney. It is really REALLY easy to use, and you don't have to babysit it. I have mine in the garage. I don't know if you can set it outside. But it is NOT a smoker in the sense of true KC BBQ. I can make some really good BBQ, but if your joy comes from manipulating the flame, and genuinely smoking the food, a charcoal unit is the way to go. I would anticipate that a gas unit would be the same type of thing, easy and good BBQ, but not the real thing. There is some good information in this thread that that I started when I got mine. It also talks a little in there about what types of smokers guys use. I definitely enjoy my electric, but if you are looking for the experience, and to a small degree taste of a charcoal unit, electric isn't for you.
Posts: 56,766

02-17-2009, 08:44 AM	#11
Toadkiller Garlic make my feet stank! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Washougal, WA Casino cash: $5874921	These pics are from my first smoke after I got the webber. Hopefully it shows you how the thing operates and the size of the thing. Keep in mind if you want a bit bigger they make the 22 inch one now as well. I think the 18 inch is perfect for what I need, I can do a couple butts on it or 6-8 slabs of ribs depending on how creative you get etc. Really is idiot proof and fun.
Posts: 2,048

02-17-2009, 08:45 AM	#12
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	Cookshack. end of thread... __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

02-17-2009, 09:00 AM	#13
Infidel Goat Beer Sherpa Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: shackled in a cellar Casino cash: $4022493	At the risk of being ridiculed, here's what I have: An Electric Smoker I've had it for over three years and have been more than satisfied with it. It looks a lot like Toadkiller's charcoal unit on the inside. Just imagine lava rock and an electric cord. Set up includes: filling bowl with water, putting some soaked wood chips over the lava rocks, and placing meat on trays. Oh yeah... and you have to plug it in to an electric socket. Extra tips: I place tin foil over the water bowl to make clean up easier--lots of grease drips in there. I leave my unit on my back porch, but I do have a cover for it (and I live in North Carolina) so that it doesn't rust away. It's big enough that there are two sections to place meat--so you can put three sets of ribs on the upper rack and a big pork butt or something else on the lower rack. The key to good bbq, imo, is slow cooking and the smoky flavor. If you enjoy the sport of bbq,this unit might not be for you. If you enjoy eating bbq without as much hassle, this unit is a good pick. Just my $.02
Posts: 1,723

02-17-2009, 09:27 AM	#14
tooge MVP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Liberty, MO Casino cash: $3974112	I would like to second the weber smokey mountain cooker. We do the competition thing and I see more of those at the competitions than any others. I dont have one but one of the guys on the team does and it is MONEY. Keeps its heat for about 7 or 8 hours. For what you say you need, it would be perfect. I think I have seen them recently on line for about $200. The new 22 inch model is a bit pricey $400 and up I think, but It would hold alot of food. There is a forum I check from time to time for the weber BBQers. Check it out. You wont go wrong this way.
Posts: 14,976