I would like one at least twice as large so if anyone has any recommendations I'd like to hear it. Ahem... @oldschool1982 Yes I am calling you out. You owe me advice!
If you know running a smoker is something you like/want to do then one cant go wrong with the Big Green Egg. I have one and use it every week.
My first smoker i built out of a 55 gallon new steel drum. It`s called a UDS "ugly drum smoker" i still use it for ribs and what not. The plans are on the net. I built mine for under $100. It`s a good way to see if you like smoking food without a lot of expense.
Hahaha, as i was typing about a UDS the post above me mentioned it...what he said.
I really need the surface area though. Ideally a side box mount one because I know how to get good results with one. I'm not so sure I know how to use one where the heat is coming from the bottom.
For home use, i use the same Char griller of set smoker you have pictured. I am currently modifying the smoke stack and adding a high temp gasket so it cooks more evenly.
If I was to upgrade i would be looking at http://www.rectecgrills.com/ . First and foremost, it looks F&^#ing awesome! Look at those bull horns, i mean come'on.
I've been dreaming about this particular brand for 12 years now. Maybe some day but not even remotely possible in the next 6 years. My old Sam's Club Stainless steel one is holding on and a good thing too.
Hope everyone is well unfortunately no time to chat. gotta try and get some sleep before tomorrow.
Ooh OK. I didn't mention price range because this morning I had no idea how much these things could cost! I was thinking $300 but I guess I'll have to rethink things a bit.
@oldschool1982 good to see you check in once in a while.
For me, the factors to consider on a smoker purchase
1) Fuel source - stick burner or hardwood lump
2) Insulation - kamados are great, cabinet smokers too for more capacity. Amazing fuel usage and temperature control. If you're getting a barrel cooker, make sure the steel is at least 1/4" thick and the doors close tight. I don't like the cheaper barrel smokers. You're better off going vertical in the sub $1000 price range IMO.
3) Mobility - Is this for the back yard? Catering/competition events? Some things are easier to move, some even are mounted on their own wheels
4) Price
5) How easy it is to reload fuel
6) Capacity
7) Availability- A lot of the great smoker fabricators expect local pickup. BBQ guys half way across the country to pick up their new rigs.
Ooh OK. I didn't mention price range because this morning I had no idea how much these things could cost! I was thinking $300 but I guess I'll have to rethink things a bit.
@oldschool1982
good to see you check in once in a while.
If $300 is your limit the weber smokey mtn is your best bet. It is the best store bought smoker under $1000. Vertical smokers are easier to use than horizontal offsets. You can do a 30 hour smoke without refueling. You are just playing with vent settings to get temps right.
I actually know what I need in a smoker now. Seems like some kind of insulation is good and a nice good seal too. Plus a good design so it heats evenly and very adjustable venting too.
I just have to figure out what I can sell to make this happen.
Having owned a Klose I can say this, they are a lifetime investment. Properly cared for you will be passing it down to your kids! Smooth welds, no sharp edges to cut fingers on like cheaper pits. Doors seal tight after being broken in(little leakage at the start before you get a good seasoning built up inside), well engineered with fairly even temps side to side(mine ran within 20 degrees except for the 6 inches right by the firebox, that was +60-70). Multiple coats of high temp paint that are baked between coats to set them, main smoker body on mine had no rust after 5 Minnesota winters stored outdoors, firebox rusted some but it was 1/2 inch plate steel(upgrade and well worth it) but I just brushed it down in spring and coated it with oil. Did the same a couple times a year like you would cast iron.
It converts iron on the surface from unstable and reactive rust, Fe2O3, to the less reactive patina Fe3O4. That also prevents more rust from forming. Temperature is irrelevant, it's not paint.
The wish for a new smoker is the best, defensible reason to upgrade your welding and metalworking gear
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