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Best smoker to buy?

Posted on 11/14/23 at 2:21 pm
Posted by TDsngumbo
Alpha Silverfox
Member since Oct 2011
41548 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 2:21 pm
I really want to get into smoking meats, especially brisket. I’ve tried and tried to use my charcoal grill but have had very limited results and I really want to get a good quality, long-lasting smoker. Preferably one that I can keep track of and control using an app. I’ve heard very mixed things about Traeger smokers - some say they’re great and some say the smoke flavor is minor.

What does this board recommend in the $500-$600 range?
Posted by mylsuhat
Mandeville, LA
Member since Mar 2008
48931 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 2:44 pm to
Masterbuilt Gravity Series® 1050 Digital WiFi Charcoal Grill and Smoker


I'd go with this one if I went with what you're looking for. I know 2 guys with them and they're great once you learn it
This post was edited on 11/14/23 at 2:46 pm
Posted by jmon
Mandeville, LA
Member since Oct 2010
8406 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 3:11 pm to
If you want ease and an app, this poster's suggestion is the way to go for the best results.
Posted by MightyYat
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2009
24364 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 3:20 pm to
I have the Gravity 800 and frick going back to the old school smokers. I'm just not that into the minimal taste difference to worry about fricking with the temp control all the time. I have it to where I know exactly where and how many wood chunks I want to add to get the desired amount a smoke I'm looking for. I'm two years in and I will never go back.

Plus you can use it as a grill for those quick weekday cooks.
Posted by Mister Bigfish
Member since Oct 2018
909 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 3:24 pm to
I’ve heard some good things about the gravity fed smokers but don’t have any personal experience with them. I notice the one linked exceeds your budget.

Recteq is a popular brand pellet smoker on this board. I also happen to have their bullseye which is a great value smoker to start out on. However the entry level bullseye does not have WiFi capability.

I recommend checking out their website and am sure they will have a sale upcoming for the holidays. They already have a couple in your price range.

LINK
Posted by AUHighPlainsDrifter
South Carolina
Member since Sep 2017
3078 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 3:49 pm to
quote:

Recteq is a popular brand pellet smoker on this board.


And they have a much better warranty than the 1 year joke that Masterbuilt offers.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16540 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 4:03 pm to
quote:

I’ve tried and tried to use my charcoal grill but have had very limited results and I really want to get a good quality, long-lasting smoker.


The options are pretty varied. The first thing you will want to decide is what fuel do you want to go with? Charcoal + wood chunks, pellet, logs?

What charcoal grill do you have currently? You might be able to add a "controller" which will maintain air flow/temp. Might be a good starting point.
Posted by PHNBK
Member since Nov 2020
144 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 4:11 pm to
5 year warranty and the customer service is the best.
Posted by TCO
Member since Jul 2022
2441 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 4:39 pm to
quote:

Preferably one that I can keep track of and control using an app


What’s more important to you? A good product or the use of an app?

Posted by TDsngumbo
Alpha Silverfox
Member since Oct 2011
41548 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 4:54 pm to
I love using hickory wood chunks in my grill now. Can I use those with a charcoal gravity fed one? Which is better - charcoal smokers or pellet smokers?
Posted by Mister Bigfish
Member since Oct 2018
909 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 6:04 pm to
I don’t think either one will give you the depth of flavor like a true offset smoker. However both are super convenient and great to learn on.

I have an offset now but I still use my Recteq as I can’t always babysit the fire. The pellet grill turns out great stuff. Just understand you won’t get a really strong smoke flavor with a pellet grill. For some they actually like that the smoke isn’t too strong.
Posted by GeauxTigers0107
South Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
9706 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 6:22 pm to
quote:

Can I use those with a charcoal gravity fed one


Yep. I'll throw enough charcoal in to where it's roughly two briquettes high then drop in 3 good chunks. I repeat that process until the "hopper" is full (MB 1050 GFS).

quote:

Which is better - charcoal smokers or pellet smokers?


I have both and rarely ever fire up my pellet grill anymore.
Posted by TDsngumbo
Alpha Silverfox
Member since Oct 2011
41548 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 8:17 pm to
My worry about this gravity fed type is that I won’t be able to control the heat very long overnight. How long does that last if I fill it up? I like the idea of the pellet grills automatically feeding more as needed but I want a stronger smoke flavor than what pellet grills apparently provide.
Posted by TCO
Member since Jul 2022
2441 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 8:21 pm to
Some posters have stated here that the masterbuilt will rust out. Some have included pictures.

If you want to learn to smoke, get a good wood-fired pit. If you want an easy bake oven, get a pellet.
This post was edited on 11/14/23 at 8:22 pm
Posted by AUHighPlainsDrifter
South Carolina
Member since Sep 2017
3078 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 8:24 pm to
quote:

My worry about this gravity fed type is that I won’t be able to control the heat very long overnight. How long does that last if I fill it up? I like the idea of the pellet grills automatically feeding more as needed but I want a stronger smoke flavor than what pellet grills apparently provide.


I added a Smokai to mine because I wanted a bit more smoke for higher temp cooks (pellet grills tend to produce less smoke with higher cook temps) and also because I wanted the ability to cold smoke things like salmon, cheese and spices. It is fantastic.
Posted by questionable
FL
Member since Apr 2008
1017 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 8:24 pm to
So you want the ease of a pellet with the taste of an offset? Might as well add an OT 10 who gives daily BJs after marriage to your wish list.
Posted by TCO
Member since Jul 2022
2441 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 8:30 pm to
quote:

So you want the ease of a pellet with the taste of an offset? Might as well add an OT 10 who gives daily BJs after marriage to your wish list.


Posted by TDsngumbo
Alpha Silverfox
Member since Oct 2011
41548 posts
Posted on 11/14/23 at 9:25 pm to
point well received!
Posted by CrawfishElvis
Member since Apr 2021
463 posts
Posted on 11/15/23 at 12:18 am to
Recteq 590 will change your life forever
Posted by GeauxTigers0107
South Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
9706 posts
Posted on 11/15/23 at 5:24 am to
quote:

My worry about this gravity fed type is that I won’t be able to control the heat very long overnight.


You set the temp you want and the controller controls the heat. It stays within 3-4 degrees of your target number.

quote:

How long does that last if I fill it up?


About 6hrs at 275 degrees. Obviously longer at lower temps.

quote:

I like the idea of the pellet grills automatically feeding more as needed


That's exactly what the Masterbuilt does. Pellet grills use an auger. The Masterbuilt uses gravity.
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