Need New smoker

[Stoke&Smoke]

Originally Posted by riding9

Usually cooking for about 10 people and it doesn't need to be portable. I heard that the 22wsm is hard to maintain a temp under 275 is that true and thanks for all the responses.

WSM's of either size run a little hot until they're "broken in" which, if you fill it with butts could be one cook

While they are good for "beginners" I'm sure Slap Yo' Daddy or Rhythm & Que would both tell you they work ok for "pros'" as well!

I have few if any temp issues with any of mine, and when I do, it's usually because something got bent out of round during transport, which is easily fixed. Mine all settle in around 230-260 once they're going right

I know many use stokers or guru's on theirs, but I've found no need for one.

I have nothing against UDS's, and you sure can't beat the price, but for performance, portability, and price, I don't think you can come close to a WSM, even if it isn't anywhere near as "sexy" as a Jambo, Spicewine, BWS, PCC, etc. And none of those are even remotely in your stated price range!

[5string]

WSM. Never had a problem with temp control on mine.

[Toast]

Originally Posted by riding9

Usually cooking for about 10 people and it doesn't need to be portable. I heard that the 22wsm is hard to maintain a temp under 275 is that true and thanks for all the responses.

Compared to what under $400?

[Trumpstylz]

WSM, mini wsm, or akorn.

[PlanB-BBQ]

I would suggest a "Ben Lang" reverse flow, offset, stick burner. We use ours every week. Check him out at www.pigroast.com

[Shadowdog500]

Get a wsm and an IQ110 temp controller!
Chris

[Johnny Ca$h]

I agree build a UDS just a quick check and found these for Ya http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/grd/3255898645.html & http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/for/3299796828.html & http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/for/3293504787.html

[charrederhead]

Originally Posted by riding9

I just discovered this forum a week ago and now looking for a new smoker. Im in the Pittsburgh area and can't find a drum to build my own so what is the best for under $400.00?

Be patient, search CL and see what's available. Otherwise, for $400 I'd get a 22.5 WSM (if you need the size, if not, 18.5).

[Fo Sizzle My Nizzle]

Another vote for the 22 WSM. After I got mine broke in with a few cooks it's stable under 300 no problem.

[Cabin Fever]

For $400 and under I'd go with a WSM if I were you. Just make sure to buy the size that fits your needs. I bought a new 22.5 WSM a couple years ago and had it for 6 months before selling it on Craigslist. The thing was just way too darn big for what I used it for. Either way you can't go wrong with a WSM. It's the Waylon Jennings of smokers.

[Big George's BBQ]

My son loves his WSM

[J'ville Grill]

I'd have to agree with going with a WSM. Or a 22" Weber kettle with a Cajun Bandit Conversion Kit. The both rock!


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[Hook_Line_and_Sinker]

While a WSM is a good way to go, consider a UDS and a weber one touch gold!
A Weber Smokey Mountain will set you back @ $400 before tax.
A UDS from between $100 -$200 depending how fancy you go.
A Weber One Touch Gold will run $149 before tax
Having both the UDS and OTG will give you smoking, grilling, and many other options at your disposal to amaze your family and friends.
It provides you with ready to go cooking with the OTS while you build your UDS.

I will apologize in advance as you will collect many more smokers as you gain proficiency in the art. Just the nature of the beast!

Welcome and good luck!

[happycamper]

WSM is dead reliable for temp control. Personally, I don't understand why people bother to put electronic temp controllers on these.

Here's what I did the last time I cooked a butt:

- threw some coals on minion-style at 10:30 pm, took best guess at intake adjustment. Went back to bed, set alarm for midnight
- woke up, tweaked wsm because it was running 25 degrees warmer than I wanted
- prepped butt and put on grill, stayed up for 1/2 hour to make sure temp was at 250 -275,
- back to bed, didn't check again until 6am. No suprise that the temp is exactly where I left it.
- had to take my daughter to preschool, so I left the WSM unattended from 8am to 12:30
- Once again, the temp was exactly at 250F
- I didn't make a single adjustment for 12 hours

[javahog2002]

Originally Posted by PlanB-BBQ

I would suggest a "Ben Lang" reverse flow, offset, stick burner. We use ours every week. Check him out at www.pigroast.com

If there's a pit on the Lang site for $400.00, please let me know so I can order one today.

The WSM is right at 400.00. It is usually available in specialty stores like Ace Hardware or Local HW stores. Not in the big box HW stores. The WSM Mini can be built for around $70.00 if everything is new. Using Craigslist and/or clearance priced Weber Smokey Joe's I built one for about 50.00. It will cook a 10 lb Pork butt or a few half rack of ribs or a small brisket if you are creative. You could cook for ten using 2 WSM minis.