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Suggestions for a smoker anyone?

5K views 37 replies 16 participants last post by  gonefishin 
#1 ·
#3 · (Edited)
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.
 
#6 · (Edited)
@kuan

Have you ever used a vertical smoker? Not sure, there may be you tubes about using one. Just to get an idea. I'm married to mine.

They also make an off set vertical so it should be like what you're doing now. Some of them are reasonably priced and around 1000 sq in.
 
#9 ·
@kuan I assume you're dry smoking. What type of fuel are you using.

They do make offset vericals.

The thing I enjoy with the vertical (I have both) is it is a little easier to tend. It's a bit more consistant in temp.

I also prefer to hot water smoke. It keeps the product moister. I use a combo of wood charcol and wood.

When I fire the off set I use wood only. I find it more laborious to keep the fire hot though. Real pit roasters

will swear by the off set. They also mop.
 
#12 ·
Dude? Duuuuuude!

This is the one! http://thegood-one.com/

No pun intended.

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.

Regards.
 
#15 ·
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.
 
#19 ·
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.
 
#20 ·
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.  ;)
 
#21 ·
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.
 
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