Gas or Ceramic Smoker

Stoke&Smoke · Sep 7, 2010

snakyjake said:
I currently have the WSM, therefore don't need a UDS.

Stoker/Guru is an option to solve one of my objectives.

Have been hoping for better either fuel conservation than the WSM or cheaper than charcoal, hence gas as an option. Approximately $10 a bag, and doing this once a week adds up to $500+ annually. If if I don't do this as often as once a week, it still adds up to a lot.

Have never been sure if charcoal has a different flavor than gas. I hear some people say there's no flavor difference, others say there is. Also, I'm talking about non-lighter fluid charcoal. I've been assuming charcoal, gas, electric is simply the heat source (no flavor); for flavor add wood. Not sure why there would be a flavor difference if both are using wood chips/chunks. But I haven't done a taste test between charcoal vs. gas, and hoping someone else who has can chime in. If there is a definite flavor difference, my choice can be narrowed down significantly.

Thanks,
Jake

While I normally use my BGE as my primary winter cooker, I have used my upright GOSM gas smoker, and my bullets in cold weather. Of the 3, the gasser is probably the hardest to regulate temp on. As long as you shield your WSM, you shouldn't have that much issue with temp control or fuel consumption, IMO. But, as to the price of the charcoal, consider lump from GFS, Restaurant Depot, etc. I find it's much cheaper per pound, and there is no filler to ash up your cooker, or give your meat odd flavors.

deepsouth · Sep 7, 2010

i love all three of my BGE's and i don't even know how to cook.

i say go with the BGE for all the reasons you stated. the burn hot and fast or slow and low and for long periods of time and are seemingly impervious to ambient temps.

JiveTurkey · Sep 7, 2010

snakyjake said:
Surprised to sandless recommended. Interesting to try.

You won't need sand if you use a guru/stoker. Sand is used as a heat sink to help regulate temps but with a guru you won't need it. Just line your water pan with foil and let 'er rip!

hav · Sep 7, 2010

I used my UDS all winter long...I also bought a Water Heater Blanket for it butI have never needed to use it.

gtsum · Sep 7, 2010

look at a ceramic, or if you want more capacity look at a gravity feed cooker like stumps, superior, etc. If you liked your WSM (great little cooker), you will like a ceramic (Primo, BGE, or even a bubba).

Mister Bob · Sep 7, 2010

I'm sort of a collector, and I have several different kinds of smokers: offset, gravity feed, kettle, gasser and ceramic. Without a doubt, the large BGE is my 'go to' winter time cooker. Very fuel efficient with long burn times and consistent temperatures. It's easy to set up and easy to clean. I do use the Guru on windy days. For a quick burger or hot dog, I'll go with the gasser, but for great BBQ flavor, the Egg delivers.

1_T_Scot · Sep 7, 2010

I've used a Steel vertical smoker, A cheapo knock off ceramic, a Gasser and a LBGE.

The Big green egg is by far the best! Low and slow, hot and fast an oven etc... I don't have a stoker I also sometimes take a few hour nap with no temp problems.

5-0 BBQ · Sep 7, 2010

I love my Primo Oval XL with a Maverick ET-73 remote smoker thermometer.

Gas or Ceramic Smoker

Stoke&Smoke

Babbling Farker

deepsouth

somebody shut me the fark up.

JiveTurkey

is one Smokin' Farker

hav

is one Smokin' Farker

gtsum

Babbling Farker

Mister Bob

Babbling Farker

1_T_Scot

is One Chatty Farker

5-0 BBQ

is one Smokin' Farker

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