Let's Talk BBQ
Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Gas Smokers => Topic started by: tlg4942 on January 27, 2016, 02:20:46 PM
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Ok , whats your suggestions or thoughts taking the following into consideration? I am listing the highest price that can be met so please...
1. This person is totally new to smoking.
2. The MAX cost for the smoker is $250..
3. Electric or charcoal fuel. I've had a couple of the cheap gas units so those are out.
I do not mind making mods to improve a unit. Adding door latches,seals, controlled vents are easy and cheap. I have the tools and ability for that. So if you know of something that just needs some small mods I can look at those.
Thanks
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Electric Charbroil digital smoker 249.99
Charcoal: Barrel offset from hardware store....get some nomex and permatex...just under 250.00
Weber 22.5 kettle..can do grilling and smoking........150.00 plenty of coin left over for accessories
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I would say either a Weber OTG or a Green Mountain DC.
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Not really a smoker but the PBC is in your price range and uses charcoal. More of a power cooker but well worth the money IMHO
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So "the person" (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) is just getting started.
Okay, I'll go with what I know: Weber 22.5 OTG (or Premium, or whatever they're calling it now.)
- New ones aren't really that expensive, buck & a half on Amazon and you're doing a butt for the SuperBowl. Or the big box stores may have some reduced for quick sale.
- There are hundreds of good quality used ones on CL for half that.
- Tons of accessories - for smoking the first I'd add would be a Smoke n Sear, and the combination would still keep you within your stated budget.
I'd stay away from cheap offsets. I think there's just too much that needs to be done to them to get them to cook right, plus a steep learning curve.
No opinion about electric, I've never used one.
BD
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Well, I started on a cheap off-set and once you get past the curve you have great que and fire management skills that will last a lifetime........you also have a pretty darn big charcoal grill when not smoking.................just sayin.........
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Weber kettle. I live my ltbbq kettle. Use it all the time. Sparky got me interested and sure glad I got one. Can do it all. Cooked some butts last weekend for guys at work and grilled some chicken tonight.
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Terry not sure if this helps, I started with a Brinkman electric smoker.
Their cheap in $$ easy to use and one can lean a little about smoking before moving up to more $$$ cookers like the MBS or even a Bradley.
OR, go with the 22 in Weber, hard to beat.
I know electric smokers are not the same as charcoal or wood but it's a good starting point and low $$ to get started before he/she becomes a full blow BBQ addict :D :D :D :D :D :D
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Terry not sure if this helps, I started with a Brinkman electric smoker.
Their cheap in $$ easy to use and one can lean a little about smoking before moving up to more $$$ cookers like the MBS or even a Bradley.
OR, go with the 22 in Weber, hard to beat.
I know electric smokers are not the same as charcoal or wood but it's a good starting point and low $$ to get started before he/she becomes a full blow BBQ addict :D :D :D :D :D :D
Thanks Tommy, That's sort of where this started...Zak(son in law) was looking at the multi smoker unit at Lowes for $79.This is inside information from his wife. . .
I cringed when I saw one. So many parts and pieces to lend error to any element of cooking... plus questionable quality for sure.
Those old trusty Brinkmans are getting harder to find in stock here for some reason. Maybe just the mid season because the stock is low all around. Plus they seem to have changed the design of the ones I do see.
I was considering the
Southern Country Smokers Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker with 2 levels of cooking surface. (Amazon)
But I cant find one to look at. Only online. I think I'll look on You Tube today and see what I can find.
If anyone has experience with one please let me know.
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I started with weber jumbo joe and just tweaked here and there didn't really know what I was doing. Went to school used for tailgating as a grill and smoked some chickens here and there until I bought a house and got a combo grill with smoker. I would advise against combo, because the gasser side went bad and was useless and took up too much space. A guy at my gym uses a Charbroil, and he puts out a killer spread.
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Based on all the cookers I have owned and cooked on, I have often said if I could only have one cooker and budget was a factor, I would have to go with a Weber Kettle every time!
Like Smoke mentioned, you can grill or smoke on them (I've always done a LOT more indirect cooking on our Weber Kettle than actual grilling).
The main learning curve is in using the right amount of charcoal for various types of cooking, then fine tuning the temp using the top vent (close it down to lower temp, open it more to increase temp).
Talk about durability, the porcelain-enamled kettle itself is covered by a ten-year warranty from Weber. Our Weber Kettle is over 27 years old now. It has a few dings, BUT IT STILL WORKS! And... the newer replacement parts still fit even our old model and are easy to find.
As far as versatility goes: there are more accessories available for Weber kettles than any other grill.
Yeah, a 22" Weber kettle get's my vote!
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Well, I started on a cheap off-set and once you get past the curve you have great que and fire management skills that will last a lifetime........you also have a pretty darn big charcoal grill when not smoking.................just sayin.........
Learned to smoke on a homemade barrel grill made from a 55 gal. Barrel.
Fire on 1 end meat on the other.
This is a cheap store bought barrel grill.
Thin metal, leaks like a sieve , but for this kind cooker works great!
All you need is a charcoal basket made from expanded metal & you are good to go
http://www.lowes.com/pd_44754-49769-2121___?Ntt=2121+super+pro&UserSearch=2121+super+pro&productId=3033621
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Terry, I never really use my CB electric smoker and would glad to gift it. Needs a couple of mods that I'm sure you could do. It's a couple of years old but in still great working order.
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For the amount budgeted I would go with the Weber Premium. I bought mine when the FireButler wouldn't fit my Weber Performer. I got it at Lowes and it was discounted. Can't go wrong with the Weber.
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First off I want to say how nice it is to be able to ask a question on this forum and get good honest answers. It helps to hear others experiences with products and many times someone will mention something that I did not think about. Even if I don't agree there still is great value in others experiences.
The main thing I was thinking about last night while looking at smokers is that many of us have had old grills that lasted for years and years... The problem is that the materials are just not the same anymore. Shortcuts at every turn. So a grill that lasted 15 years 25 years ago was far superior to the same one today in many instances.
(I think the Weber kettle may be the exception)
Companies selling out to LLC's which are all about the bottom $ and little or no concern given to quality or customer service. The guys who are using good materials and trying to build in the USA are against fierce competition and a younger generation of customers who don't even know what quality is. Much less customer service.
I have adjusted my price point due to these issues. I have arrived at 3 products that cost exactly the same price. $299. They seem to have reasonable quality for the price point.
1. Weber Smokey Mountain
2. Char-Griller Akorn
3. Oklahoma Joe Offset
Each has such a distinctive cooking style and after talking with Jack this morning I decided that the best thing to do is take Zak to Lowes and go over the pro's and cons of each one and let him decide. Just makes better since and I would want to pick my own if it were me.
I'll post pics of what he picks....
He gave me a really nice free beer fridge a while back so I'm justifying the extra $$ with that.
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Terry, I never really use my CB electric smoker and would glad to gift it. Needs a couple of mods that I'm sure you could do. It's a couple of years old but in still great working order.
Ray, Thanks for the offer!!!!
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I'm jumping in late - but have to agree for charcoal it is almost impossible to beat the Weber Kettle. I have the performer, but had a basic 22 1/2" for over a decade - gave it to my brother when I bought the Performer.
I also have the Char-Broil electric (digital and original.) The original had some bad decisions in materials. The door was warped and eve the replacement was as well. However, the new one - the digital is extremely well made - VERY solid, and reaches and holds temps like a champ. For those days when I want to just put something on to smoke and run off to do errands or just be lazy - I really like this smoker.
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Terry, I never really use my CB electric smoker and would glad to gift it. Needs a couple of mods that I'm sure you could do. It's a couple of years old but in still great working order.
Ray, Thanks for the offer!!!!
Let me know and we can set something up next week
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Sorry, I'm also late to the discussion, Pardon me but the Char Broiler SRG with Tommy Mods does nice work at smoking, roasting and grilling. Maybe not looked at always as a smoker but compared to Weber kettle or PBC it does a comparable job and is more flexible and affordable.
Just Saying, :)
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Sorry, I'm also late to the discussion, Pardon me but the Char Broiler SRG with Tommy Mods does nice work at smoking, roasting and grilling. Maybe not looked at always as a smoker but compared to Weber kettle or PBC it does a comparable job and is more flexible and affordable.
Just Saying, :)
They do have the electric model, although I referred to gas, still works better than most gas smokers as long as you apply the tommy mods. :)
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Well , I pondered over the issue obseively the last few days...
I read the comments, talked to Jack and PM'ed Mike aka HighonSmoke...
I woke up this morning at 4:30 thinking about this and decided it had to be finished today.
The webber kettle was recommended by most of you and I know it will fit the bill.
I told Kerry I was going to take one more look in Foley Al since HD , Lowes and Academy Sports are all right together there. Just to be positive... Besides I needed to take a closer look at a Pig Plex scope at Academy ::)
Nothing at Academy in the way of grills that fit the budget...
Rolled over to HD because I expected Lowes to be the final location and purchase place.
Nope, HD had a killer deal on the kettle! Almost heaven sent ...
199.99 marked down from $349. I Saw it and showed Kerry. Her reaction was "looks like we're done"looking.
They even had one still in the box ! I expected the floor model.
I put it together when we got home and must say I am very impressed with the quality and ease of assembly. How refreshing!
Kerry found a nice grill/ smokeing guide book at Tractor Supply on the way home that started off with the Weber Kettle! Wow!
Now, do I go back and buy me the other(last) one? Decisions , decisions. Kerry said I should have got it while I was there.
Back in the fall some of us met at Jacks. Tim and Mike used a charcoal box called the Low and Sear. They got one batch of coals to run close to 18 hours... Correct me if I'm wrong on those times.
So I have order Zack one of those to go with the kettle as well.
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/tlg4942/image_zps64c7fa99.jpg)
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/tlg4942/image_zpsa5572c9c.jpg)
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Well , I pondered over the issue obseively the last few days...
I read the comments, talked to Jack and PM'ed Mike aka HighonSmoke...
I woke up this morning at 4:30 thinking about this and decided it had to be finished today.
The webber kettle was recommended by most of you and I know it will fit the bill.
I told Kerry I was going to take one more look in Foley Al since HD , Lowes and Academy Sports are all right together there. Just to be positive... Besides I needed to take a closer look at a Pig Plex scope at Academy ::)
Nothing at Academy in the way of grills that fit the budget...
Rolled over to HD because I expected Lowes to be the final location and purchase place.
Nope, HD had a killer deal on the kettle! Almost heaven sent ...
199.99 marked down from $349. I Saw it and showed Kerry. Her reaction was "looks like we're done"looking.
They even had one still in the box ! I expected the floor model.
I put it together when we got home and must say I am very impressed with the quality and ease of assembly. How refreshing!
Kerry found a nice grill/ smokeing guide book at Tractor Supply on the way home that started off with the Weber Kettle! Wow!
Now, do I go back and buy me the other(last) one? Decisions , decisions. Kerry said I should have got it while I was there.
Back in the fall some of us met at Jacks. Tim and Mike used a charcoal box called the Low and Sear. They got one batch of coals to run close to 18 hours... Correct me if I'm wrong on those times.
So I have order Zack one of those to go with the kettle as well.
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/tlg4942/image_zps64c7fa99.jpg)
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/tlg4942/image_zpsa5572c9c.jpg)
heres the Slow and Sear link. http://www.abcbarbecue.com/#!slow-n-sear/cab8
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That is a sweet set up 8)
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Drive away fast. You stole that
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Nice set up! Way to go :)
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Terry, that is one sweet deal. Let me know when you fire it up and I'll drop by for a bite or two.
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Terry, that is one sweet deal. Let me know when you fire it up and I'll drop by for a bite or two.
its off to Zaks tomorrow ..well this afternoon at this point...
It's yet to be seen if I go get the last one at HD in the morning. But as always I have plenty of things to cook on so you know you can stop by any time... We'll do something even if it's "wrong"... ;D
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Did I mention how happy I am with the Fire Butler?
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Jack is right Terry, the Fire Butler is the ticket. No knock on the Slow and Sear - the 'Butler just does some things that are unique in it's approach to cooking. I love the big flat top - that it comes with for searing, and it will get down to low and slow temps too
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Great deal!
You scored!
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Oh....BTW - Did everyone notice that the dreaded plastic table on the Performer - has now been replaced by a steel one? Not like the good old stainless table they used to have - but a heckuva lot better than the plastic one that Weber had for several yers - and and everyone complained about.... ;D
My point is - that as big as Weber is - I think they actually listen to customer feedback, and tho it is not instant - they seem to respond. That is a lot better than some companies in our industry...
( Are you listening Char Broil?....nope - didn't think so...... ::) ;D )
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Oh....BTW - Did everyone notice that the dreaded plastic table on the Performer - has now been replaced by a steel one? Not like the good old stainless table they used to have - but a heckuva lot better than the plastic one that Weber had for several yers - and and everyone complained about.... ;D
My point is - that as big as Weber is - I think they actually listen to customer feedback, and tho it is not instant - they seem to respond. That is a lot better than some companies in our industry...
( Are you listening Char Broil?....nope - didn't think so...... ::) ;D )
i was surprised by the metal top... Very nice, heavy and looks to have a good coating on it. May be subject to chipping, time will tell.
They really did a bang up job engineering the assembly of this unit. I'm not impressed easily by any means. Most anything these days has a ridiculous amount of parts with every one being very specific with its location. 9 sizes of screws, etc..
The Weber has two types of screws. Both of the cross supports are the same. Can't get it backwards. The top supports are bent so they slide on and hold everything together while you place the top. Preset caster inserts so you can't get that wrong or have to deal with more parts.
Pressed in nuts on the top of the table.
It has to be more cost effective building something this way.
They supplied a wrench for the handle on the lid.
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Oh....BTW - Did everyone notice that the dreaded plastic table on the Performer - has now been replaced by a steel one? Not like the good old stainless table they used to have - but a heckuva lot better than the plastic one that Weber had for several yers - and and everyone complained about.... ;D
My point is - that as big as Weber is - I think they actually listen to customer feedback, and tho it is not instant - they seem to respond. That is a lot better than some companies in our industry...
( Are you listening Char Broil?....nope - didn't think so...... ::) ;D )
I enjoy the couple of melted spots on my plastic table. It adds character 8)
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Terry this is how I smoke on my kettle.
Total cost $25
Will cook for 8-10 hours & allow the total cooking area to be used for large cooks.
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=6169.0
http://www.letstalkbbq.com/index.php?topic=6267.0
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Talk about right place, right time !!!
Good food and fun are just around the corner.
BD