- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Help Me Pick A Beginner's Smoker
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:08 pm
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:08 pm
I've decided that for Christmas, I wish to buy myself a smoker. I have never owned a smoker before, nor have I ever used one. However it is something I would like to learn more about, and I think I would enjoy it.
Kids are expensive, so I'm looking for something that would be suitable for a beginner. If it only lasts 3-4 years, very well, I'll get a nicer one once I have some experience. I have a garage so storage is not an issue. I'm not looking for some 1,000 dollar model, and I don't plan on doing competitions or anything.
I'm thinking of either propane or electric, because again just starting out, not sure how hard it would be with charcoal, and pellets are probably out of my price range as I start out.
I'm also willing to look around on Craigslist and pawn shops for used models if they are a better quality.
So... given the above, I'd like some suggestions for models I should look for. I guess ballpark I'd like to keep the cost below $250.
Kids are expensive, so I'm looking for something that would be suitable for a beginner. If it only lasts 3-4 years, very well, I'll get a nicer one once I have some experience. I have a garage so storage is not an issue. I'm not looking for some 1,000 dollar model, and I don't plan on doing competitions or anything.
I'm thinking of either propane or electric, because again just starting out, not sure how hard it would be with charcoal, and pellets are probably out of my price range as I start out.
I'm also willing to look around on Craigslist and pawn shops for used models if they are a better quality.
So... given the above, I'd like some suggestions for models I should look for. I guess ballpark I'd like to keep the cost below $250.
9
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:11 pm to LSUFanHouston
Weber Smokey Mountain. Great smoker and very easy for a beginner.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:12 pm to LSUFanHouston
i am not lying when I tell you this but i use my 80 dollar electric smoker pretty often.
Its steady at 225 even though it says 250
i hate the design of it bc you really can only use the top rack.
it works for me though
LINK i got this at Home Depot
Its steady at 225 even though it says 250
i hate the design of it bc you really can only use the top rack.
it works for me though
LINK i got this at Home Depot
This post was edited on 9/23/16 at 2:14 pm
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:19 pm to LSUvegasbombed
Dang, that link is showing 29.99 on closeout, looks like a discontinued model. Not available for online shipping at kmart and none available in stores near me.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:25 pm to LSUFanHouston
Weber Smokey Mountain all day.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:27 pm to LSUFanHouston
Weber smokey mountain 22". There are thousands of guides online and a nice forum dedicated solely to the WSM. I aquired my grandfathers about a year ago and had no previous smoking experience. I absolutely loved smoked meats and use mine weekly. 
IMO, learn with charcoal first, I find it's much more enjoyable and rewarding.
quote:
I'm thinking of either propane or electric, because again just starting out, not sure how hard it would be with charcoal, and pellets are probably out of my price range as I start out
IMO, learn with charcoal first, I find it's much more enjoyable and rewarding.
This post was edited on 9/23/16 at 2:30 pm
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:27 pm to Sherman Klump
quote:
Weber Smokey Mountain all day.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:33 pm to LSUFanHouston
Do you have a grill already? If not, just go with a 22" Weber Kettle. It works just fine for novice smoking, plus you can grill with it, too.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:34 pm to BottomlandBrew
quote:
Do you have a grill already? If not, just go with a 22" Weber Kettle. It works just fine for novice smoking, plus you can grill with it, too.
I have a 5 burner gas grill.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:35 pm to Sherman Klump
quote:
Weber Smokey Mountain all day.
That looks to be a charcoal one, is that right?
I'm willing to try it if there are a lot of guides out there.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:36 pm to LSUFanHouston
Yes, it's charcoal.
Like I said, dozens of youtube videos and websites dedicated to the WSM. Hell, some people use them as competition smokers. Very easy to use
Virtual Weber Bullet
Like I said, dozens of youtube videos and websites dedicated to the WSM. Hell, some people use them as competition smokers. Very easy to use
Virtual Weber Bullet
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:09 pm to LSUFanHouston
WSM is the answer and also budget a few bucks to get a remote thermometer.
The WSM is easy to use and I honestly believe everyone should learn to smoke meat first with charcoal and wood. Once you get the WSM down, then think about if you need/want to upgrade to nicer model or even pellet or electric.
The WSM is easy to use and I honestly believe everyone should learn to smoke meat first with charcoal and wood. Once you get the WSM down, then think about if you need/want to upgrade to nicer model or even pellet or electric.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:27 pm to NOLALGD
I've got a WSM, and it is pretty darn easy to use and can hold temps really well once you get it dialed in. But if you have kids and want something as easy as possible and do want to go electric, I'd get a masterbuilt and then use an A-Maze-N Smoke Generator. I have one of these (bought before I got the WSM) and it puts out a lot of smoke for what it is. I would think it would be easier to deal with than wood chips.
For the WSM, I use a miter saw and saw up fireplace-sized chunks of oak to more manageable chunks to use as smoking wood on top of charcoal. Works for me and is a lot cheaper than the chips (a pickup load of wood for $50 will last me a few years, and I can use it in the fire pit as well).
For the WSM, I use a miter saw and saw up fireplace-sized chunks of oak to more manageable chunks to use as smoking wood on top of charcoal. Works for me and is a lot cheaper than the chips (a pickup load of wood for $50 will last me a few years, and I can use it in the fire pit as well).
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:30 pm to NEMizzou
Webber Smokey Mt
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:40 pm to golfntiger32
my 80 dollar smoker is just like the WSM.
you have to take the top rack off to get to the second. That sucks.
I added a thermometer in the lid for 5 bucks
you have to take the top rack off to get to the second. That sucks.
I added a thermometer in the lid for 5 bucks
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:54 pm to golfntiger32
Looks like a lot of recs for the Weber Smokey Mountain.
I had a Weber charcoal grill before Katrina and I was impressed with the quality.
The price is a big high. So... do these things ever go on sale? Have you seen them on sale like for Black Friday or something?
I had a Weber charcoal grill before Katrina and I was impressed with the quality.
The price is a big high. So... do these things ever go on sale? Have you seen them on sale like for Black Friday or something?
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:57 pm to LSUFanHouston
Too bad you're in NOLA. Might have one for sale in north harris county
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:59 pm to LSUFanHouston
the only knock though is there is no smoke ring with electric smokers but thats it.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 3:59 pm to Rouge
I 30th the WSM. Get the 22 too, you won't regret it. With the 22 you can lay ribs and briskets flat.
Posted on 9/23/16 at 4:04 pm to Rouge
quote:
Too bad you're in NOLA. Might have one for sale in north harris county
Ahhh. Yeah I live in Katy until beginning of 2012. Been in NOLA ever since.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News