Best smoker?
- Thread starter Larry Gude
- Start date
GWguy
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My neighbor has a smoker with a pellet feeder. Seems to works really well, but I can smell the pellets from across the yard. Reminds me of paper burning. I get the same smell out of my pellet stove, although the pellets for the smoker aren't the same make or blend. Just doesn't smell right, but the finished product seems to be ok.
I prefer lump charcoal (like you get for potting orchids) but like was said, maintaining temp is tough. Usually control temp by opening or closing air vents.
I prefer lump charcoal (like you get for potting orchids) but like was said, maintaining temp is tough. Usually control temp by opening or closing air vents.
Dukesdad
Well-Known Member
The big green eggs are either loved or hated. They seem like an over priced well marketed option.
Weber makes nice smokers, I don't have one though. Mine is an economy electric model from lowes and it does a great job.
I'll upgrade it at some point but it's nice to plug it in and not worry about reloading the coals. One pile of wood chunks is plenty. Too many people over smoke and it tastes like creasote.
Weber makes nice smokers, I don't have one though. Mine is an economy electric model from lowes and it does a great job.
I'll upgrade it at some point but it's nice to plug it in and not worry about reloading the coals. One pile of wood chunks is plenty. Too many people over smoke and it tastes like creasote.
ylexot
Super Genius
...and someone sitting there adjusting the regulator. You can rig up a PID temperature controller for ~$50. Plug in, set temperature, sit back and wait.
I have this propane model from Cabelas and love it. Before that one I had a similarly sized/shaped charcoal one that I also liked but it was not stainless and died from being left outside for years.
I smoke practically every roast for roast beef sammich meat until the roasts are gone. Then February rolls around and Earl delivers me another Angus and the smoker starts rolling regularly again.
Smoked whole turkey....mmmmmm.
Cabela's: Cabela's Premium Stainless Steel 7-in-1 Cooker/Smoker
I smoke practically every roast for roast beef sammich meat until the roasts are gone. Then February rolls around and Earl delivers me another Angus and the smoker starts rolling regularly again.
Smoked whole turkey....mmmmmm.
Cabela's: Cabela's Premium Stainless Steel 7-in-1 Cooker/Smoker
itsbob
I bowl overhand
You use Earl too??
We have to get back in touch with him someday. We haven't had beef delivered from him in awhile.
EvolutionIsBS
Suspended User
Charcoal (Briquette or Lump) or firewood is the ONLY way to go.
I just recently purchased a 18 1/2" Weber Smokey Mountain and is the greatest thing ever!
Offset smokers are horizontal so the heat travels sideways toward the top leaving the bottom (where the food is) a cooler temp.
Avoid the cheap Brinkmans for they have no vents to adjust the air intake. They're also thin metal and don't last long (rust).
Smokers make the best pulled pork! Save the fat and bones to make bean soup!
__________________
I just recently purchased a 18 1/2" Weber Smokey Mountain and is the greatest thing ever!
Offset smokers are horizontal so the heat travels sideways toward the top leaving the bottom (where the food is) a cooler temp.
Avoid the cheap Brinkmans for they have no vents to adjust the air intake. They're also thin metal and don't last long (rust).
Smokers make the best pulled pork! Save the fat and bones to make bean soup!
__________________
ohstate
Member
Get a Big Steel Keg. Charcoal. Easy to light, easy to control the temp (low and slow or high temp sear for your steak. Can also add a pizza stone to grill a pie. Got one for my husband last year for Christmas and he loves it. Makes the best ribs. Smoked his first butt last weekend and turned out great. So far he's never needed to add more charcoal, and he smoked the butt for 10 hours or so. It is convection (like a Big Green Egg), but a little less expensive (not ceramic, but the same insulation they use for commercial ovens).
Broil King® - Broil King® Keg
You can have it shipped free to Ace Hardware:
The Big Steel Keg® Convection Grill (05503) - Smokers - Ace Hardware
Broil King® - Broil King® Keg
You can have it shipped free to Ace Hardware:
The Big Steel Keg® Convection Grill (05503) - Smokers - Ace Hardware
Chris0nllyn
Well-Known Member
$800!?
ohstate
Member
Big Green Eggs are more $$$$. At least 1K for a large when I looked at them last year, at least with comparable equipment.
MMM_donuts
New Member
If you are considering a big green egg, it's worth your time to also check out the Primo grill. It's very similar, has a different shape (which we really like a lot better), and I believe it's just a little cheaper.
Chris0nllyn
Well-Known Member
That's crazy.
My grill was a little over $300, and it's everything plus a smoker. I've smoked ribs, and a whole turkey so far with no problems.
My grill was a little over $300, and it's everything plus a smoker. I've smoked ribs, and a whole turkey so far with no problems.
GWguy
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For that, I'd build a real smoker, brick and cement with a wood or charcoal fire.
ylexot
Super Genius
That's what I'd like to do. Actually, I'd like to build an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, smoker, tandoor, a couple gas burners, and a gas grill for good measure.
MMM_donuts
New Member
I'm being serious when I say this - You should try some of the things my husband cooks up with that grill. It's absofreakinglutely amazing. And it's not limited to meat - I'm not a meat eater. You can bake a cake in that Primo with better accuracy and control than most home kitchen ovens.
MMM_donuts
New Member
If we could, we would, but we are unable to do so where we live. Plus, our location is temporary soooooo....someday, hopefully. But for now we get to take the Primo with us.