What Smoker after Char Griller?

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ChetPunisher

Knows what a fatty is.
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So I have been using my Char Griller for about five years. I was wondering what would be the next step up? I usually cook Chicken and Pork. I really haven't tried brisket or any beef. The Char Griller has been excellent, but I was wondering what I should be looking at next? I have heard that the WSM might be a step up, but is it that much better? I'm looking to spend around $400-500 for my next setup. Any ideas?

Thanks
 
It's not a matter of us telling you what to buy next, but more of the matter of what do you need to meet your journey in smoking meats.

If you truly like smoking meats and wish to pursue the more advanced aspects like curing meats, making sausage, and smoking hams and / or turkeys then I would suggest you consider investing in a good smoker that can last you a lifetime.

There are so many things to consider, the type of fuel you wish to use, the capacity of the cooker, reverse flow, adaptability to controls, and many other options.

Think about your need, and then consider your wants... Somewhere in between lies your own answers.
 
I was in the same boat. If you want to stick with a offset I just got the Oklahoma Joe Longhorn. $429 at lowes. And right now they have free assembly and delivery. So days of smoking and I love it.
 
I started with my NBBD, which is similar to your Char Griller. After being here for a while, I made an UDS. Greatest and easiest smoker to use. A WSM is basically a fancy UDS.

If I could do it all over again, I'd still build my UDS. If you don't have the skills/time/desire to build one, then get out there and buy that WSM.

Matt
 
On my journey, I would like my next smoker to need less attention, less rusty. Able to maintain a constant heat without mods. I would like to be able to do ribs and such. I usually do 2 or 3 butts or chickens at a time. Thanks for pointing that out. I do understand that the CharGriller is up to that task, I'm just looking for the next step on my journey.
 
IMO the difference between a WSM and a UDS is minuscule with the exception of Price. A 22 WSM is going to be pushing the 400 dollar mark, a 2 rack UDS will run you about 150 and give you the same cooking area. Allot of beer & weenies can be had for 250.
If I was going to make that move I would save up some extra coin and get a BW party It gets cold in your neck of the woods an insulated cabinet is a nice thing when you need a team of huskies to get to the pit.JM2C YMMV
 
ChetPunisher said:
On my journey, I would like my next smoker to need less attention, less rusty. Able to maintain a constant heat without mods. I would like to be able to do ribs and such. I usually do 2 or 3 butts or chickens at a time. Thanks for pointing that out. I do understand that the CharGriller is up to that task, I'm just looking for the next step on my journey.
Click to expand...

You literally just described a UDS. Ill post a pic of a cook in a second when i get the butts on.

ChetPunisher said:
What is a "BW party"?
Click to expand...

Backwoods smoker, Party model.
 
The backwoods is a very good line, and the "Party" is a great smoker like "Bludawg" recommended.....

Backwoods Party

I recently bought a similar smoker made by Humphrey's. I am very happy and the unit is well made. It is sort of a "Backwoods Clone" with a cheaper price and cheaper shipping costs.

Humphrey Smoking Pits

Be forewarned that cooking on a new pit is like learning to smoke all over again. It can be fun, or if you try to rush the learning curve of the new smoker it can be crushing. Take a deep breath and enjoy the journey...

.
 
IamMadMan said:
The backwoods is a very good line, and the "Party" is a great smoker like "Bludawg" recommended.....

Backwoods Party

I recently bought a similar smoker made by Humphrey's. I am very happy and the unit is well made. It is sort of a "Backwoods Clone" with a cheaper price and cheaper shipping costs.

Humphrey Smoking Pits

Be forewarned that cooking on a new pit is like learning to smoke all over again. It can be fun, or if you try to rush the learning curve of the new smoker it can be crushing. Take a deep breath and enjoy the journey...

.
Click to expand...

none of those are in the $400-$500 range.

I would suggest a WSM, or if you are the do it yourselfer type a UDS.
 
I cook on a UDS and love it, i can put my meat on and it cruises at 270-285 all day long. I have looked at the 22" WSM and i think if i could afford it i would get one, why because i like different cookers!:biggrin1: Either way you would be well served by both cookers.
 
I have nothing more to add from what already has been stated. A UDS or WSM will suit you perfect from what you described. If you have even a little bit of mechanical know how and some patience I would go the UDS route. I have a total of $40 in my UDS as I scavenged most of the parts free/cheap from places like craigslist, etc. That cost was mostly for the expanded metal needed for the charcoal basket and the stainless nuts/bolts,washers.
 
I think I'll start building a UDS and that way I can build it on my time. Is there a stand out tutorial that people turn to?
 
It really does depend on how much work you want to do, and how much cooking you do during the winter.
I am a lazy smoker and like the set and forget it of the ceramic cookers. A WSM is a great choice and fits your price point.
Before you plunk down your cold hard cash, do a lot of research and take into account all your requirements, even if it means you need to save your pennies a little longer.
 
This is 26-7 pounds of butt, on one rack in my UDS. It still has space for a bunch of chicken, or a rack of ribs, or ABT's. Let alone i can add another rack into and get MORE space.

 
My next grill/smoker after my CharGriller offset was a CharGriller Akorn.

It's the best $299 I've ever spent on any type of grill. Kamado style cooking is exaclty what I needed.


It's probably all I'll ever own from this point forward.

My next grill will be a Kamado Joe Big Joe. That will be it for a looooong time.
 
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