Fireballer 2,423 Posted November 27, 2020 I think Santa is gonna bring me a smoker. What should I be looking for in a entry level model? Recommend a specific model? I don't need anything big. Most that I've looked at will hold 4 chickens or 2 racks of ribs. That's plenty. I'll prob go with electric. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Utilit99 4,099 Posted November 27, 2020 14 minutes ago, Fireballer said: I think Santa is gonna bring me a smoker. What should I be looking for in a entry level model? I would suggest one of these: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/close-portrait-beautiful-woman-tattoo-smoking-367251053 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted November 27, 2020 Entry level electric? I like a Bradley smoker. About the size of this small refrigerators. Fed with wood “pucks” of different types of wood. I use mine for all sorts of different things, but I am not a hardcore smoker. I have a 5 year old 4 rack smoker that has treated me well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MTSkiBum 1,605 Posted November 27, 2020 I prefer the offset barrels. I will be smoking today in fact. The electric ones are a pain to clean and also a pain to produce smoke in the texas summers. If you live in the south I would not recommend an electric. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,083 Posted November 27, 2020 https://youtu.be/_te6dLVeqa8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fireballer 2,423 Posted November 27, 2020 43 minutes ago, Cloaca du jour said: https://youtu.be/_te6dLVeqa8 Well, it fits the thread title... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 5,731 Posted November 27, 2020 Start with Newport Plus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,080 Posted November 27, 2020 Big fan of the Camp Chef brand of pellet grills. Hold temp and easy cleanout of ashes is why. Lower end model... Camp Chef SmokePro SG 24 WIFI Pellet Grill - Black | Outdoor Cooking What I want for my next one... Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 36 with Sear Box (outdoorcooking.com) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,941 Posted November 27, 2020 34 minutes ago, edjr said: Start with Newport Plus Kools Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye21 1,924 Posted November 27, 2020 I've been looking at pellet grills/smokers lately. A lot of the people I know have a Green Mountain Grill, Daniel Boone model. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,941 Posted November 27, 2020 I have a Smoke Hollow propane smoker. 3 shelves and it works just fine. If I were more serious about it, I'd get an offset wood smoker like this. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Oklahoma-Joe-s-Highland-879-sq-in-Black-Charcoal-Horizontal-Smoker/50329703?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-google-_-lia-_-119-_-grills-_-50329703-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1-Ot8Y2j7QIVz_LjBx1XKQAAEAQYAyABEgLQAPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyclone24 1,836 Posted November 27, 2020 Rec Tec....fantastic customer service and nice variety of models. Holds Temps perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye21 1,924 Posted November 27, 2020 28 minutes ago, cyclone24 said: Rec Tec....fantastic customer service and nice variety of models. Holds Temps perfect. That's what I want. The RT-590 is at the top of my list. Haven't decided if I want to spend that much money yet though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mookz 1,289 Posted November 27, 2020 Most of my experience is with uhh...massive pole, so I don't know how helpful that would be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,362 Posted November 27, 2020 12 minutes ago, Mookz said: Most of my experience is with uhh...massive pole, so I don't know how helpful that would be. Following in your moms footsteps, I see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drizzay 651 Posted November 27, 2020 Weber Smokey Mountain. Get the 18.5" or 22.5" Just put on a few mods, and you got a rock solid smoker for years to come. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mookz 1,289 Posted November 27, 2020 1 hour ago, SUXBNME said: Following in your moms footsteps, I see. She was more into choad, but yeah. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Fantasy 60 Posted November 28, 2020 Been using a small Costco Traeger for the past 5 years and upgrading next spring to a Traeger Ironwood or rectec. Everything comes out great. Pellet grills really need to be kept clean every other cook to prevent extreme flare ups Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cruzer 1,993 Posted November 28, 2020 My pop has had a full sized/Pro Series Treager for several years now... (imo) they put out a pretty good product, but fall short compared to traditional stick burners... Still, no denying the user friendliness and convenience of having one. Something to be said for throwing on a brisket, going to play 18 - then coming back to it with no worries, or sleeping thru the night after tossing meat on when you go to bed. Few things about Treagers: * Beware of Mud daubers - these bees love to nest under and in the control box. They can/will short out your unit. * Keep your auger line clean, your fire rod working. You can start a huge fire if you get pellet build up in the fire chamber. * Given time, you will have to replace the fan - they just burn out. Simple to do though. * I like the B&B Competition pellet brand, can get at Academy very reasonably. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye21 1,924 Posted November 28, 2020 2 hours ago, Mr Fantasy said: Been using a small Costco Traeger for the past 5 years and upgrading next spring to a Traeger Ironwood or rectec. Everything comes out great. Pellet grills really need to be kept clean every other cook to prevent extreme flare ups From what I’ve been reading, Rectec is superior to Traeger now. Heard good things about Grilla Grills too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frozenbeernuts 1,653 Posted November 28, 2020 11 hours ago, Drizzay said: Weber Smokey Mountain. Get the 18.5" or 22.5" Just put on a few mods, and you got a rock solid smoker for years to come. This. Just be a man and get a weber Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLS 313 Posted November 28, 2020 I bought my wife a rectec. It's ridiculous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyclone24 1,836 Posted November 28, 2020 13 hours ago, BLS said: I bought my wife a rectec. It's ridiculous. They are. Have the 590....might get the Bullseye in the spring for the hot and fast stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye21 1,924 Posted November 28, 2020 9 minutes ago, cyclone24 said: They are. Have the 590....might get the Bullseye in the spring for the hot and fast stuff. Is it worth the $900 price tag? It looks awesome and read great reviews. Also, Cyclones are having a hell of a year. Great game yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyclone24 1,836 Posted November 29, 2020 4 hours ago, Hawkeye21 said: Is it worth the $900 price tag? It looks awesome and read great reviews. Also, Cyclones are having a hell of a year. Great game yesterday. Yes. I mean you get a good gasser and they are $900. Everything just tastes a little better, Yeah pretty crazy. Special year...hopefully they can put up a fight on OU in Dallas. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,958 Posted November 29, 2020 My entry into smoking was when I stole a pack of camel no filters. Disgusting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GutterBoy 2,439 Posted November 30, 2020 I used a Weber Smokey Mountain for years, excellent product, but it requires frequent tending to keep the temp solid. It got to the point where I was really just doing pork butts because it was so easy and flawless. I broke down this year and bought a pellet smoker, Zgrill off Amazon, it's great. So much easier, smoked a bunch of different meats this year, highly recommend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,080 Posted November 30, 2020 My smoker at the lake is a 36" the one at home is a 24". I much prefer the 36" one. It doesn't run has hot and you can fit a lot more chicken wings on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,083 Posted December 1, 2020 On 11/27/2020 at 7:59 AM, Fireballer said: I think Santa is gonna bring me a smoker. What should I be looking for in a entry level model? Recommend a specific model? I don't need anything big. Most that I've looked at will hold 4 chickens or 2 racks of ribs. That's plenty. I'll prob go with electric. Those masterbuilt electrics with bluetooth get good reviews Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,083 Posted December 1, 2020 Ive wanted a weber 22 inch smokey mtn but they never go on sale...grrr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 651 Posted December 1, 2020 I have a Traeger, but have not used it in over 2 years. I find it to be the microwave version of smoking. Go to Lowes and get a Charbroil Acorn Kamado grill -$299. Watch a few youtube videos to see what to do and thank me later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GutterBoy 2,439 Posted December 1, 2020 3 minutes ago, BiffTannen said: I have a Traeger, but have not used it in over 2 years. I find it to be the microwave version of smoking. Go to Lowes and get a Charbroil Acorn Kamado grill -$299. Watch a few youtube videos to see what to do and thank me later. The difference is that a pellet smoker can make just as good BBQ as a Kamado, it's just so much easier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 5,731 Posted December 1, 2020 Just now, GutterBoy said: I am a master at smoking pole, I will teach you skillz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 380 Posted December 1, 2020 On 11/27/2020 at 1:09 PM, Drizzay said: Weber Smokey Mountain. Get the 18.5" or 22.5" Just put on a few mods, and you got a rock solid smoker for years to come. Just now seeing this and this will always be the correct answer to what smoker to get as a newbie or first time buyer. Pay the extra 100 and get the 22.5, read and watch some youtube vids and enjoy this smoker for the next 10-15 years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 380 Posted December 1, 2020 12 hours ago, Cloaca du jour said: Ive wanted a weber 22 inch smokey mtn but they never go on sale...grrr It's worth the $400 several times over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloaca du jour 2,083 Posted December 1, 2020 Slap yo mamma bbq has great videos using the weber 22 inch. Asian guy..Harry Soo is a competiton bbq guy..has awesome tips even for setting up your coals and wood chunks for long smokes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 651 Posted December 1, 2020 4 hours ago, GutterBoy said: The difference is that a pellet smoker can make just as good BBQ as a Kamado, it's just so much easier. My issue with the Traeger is a maximum temp of 450. You can't get a good steak sear at 450 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GutterBoy 2,439 Posted December 1, 2020 2 minutes ago, BiffTannen said: My issue with the Traeger is a maximum temp of 450. You can't get a good steak sear at 450 I was speaking to strictly low and slow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cruzer 1,993 Posted December 1, 2020 This spring I caught a hell of a deal on a guy who had to move bcoz of Covid. Picked up a Weber Master Touch Kettle grill (22") with all the accessories (chimney starter, gourmet grate, cooling rack, charcoal baskets, cleaning brush, cover.... was practically brand new, got it for $150. You can't throw on a ton of meat at once, but these are great for small cooks. I've smoked briskets, ribs and spatchcock chickens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mookz 1,289 Posted December 1, 2020 Smoking is at an all-time low, so be sure to get one with adjustable legs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites