Smoker Opinions and Options

I have a smokin-it #2, I used it frequently then went back to charcoal and picked up a WSM, the smokin-it #2 is mainly to make jerky, keep things warm or the occasional over night cook. I use the WSM and now a BPS UDS more than the smokin-it. Hell I often have a hard time deciding between the WSM and BPS UDS because both are such a joy to cook on.
 
Sounds to me like you should get a pellet smoker. Built in temp control. No babysitting. Easy and the food still tastes great.
 
Thanks for all of the good info guys. I pulled the trigger on a 22.5" WSM. Another q though, What is everyone using to pick up their meat when in the smoker? Gloves, Bear Paws, etc...
 
eddiek2000 said:
Understood. Statement was to build a cheaper alternative based on a Raspberrypi I already have.
Click to expand...
I see. I was going to suggest an Arduino. I already have one. (Three actually :wink: ) But making a controller is not high on my list. I'm pretty happy with manual control and for the last couple cooks, I've not even bothered with pulling out the ET-732. (We tend to obsess about the process but in fact, KISS works!)

As for the smoker, hard to go wrong with the WSM. I was going to suggest a UDS as it might be a good choice for a maker, but you have already ruled that out. Unless you like a *lot* of 'Q, I would consider the 18. It's a lot cheaper than the 22 and will hold a lot of meat and not use a lot of charcoal.

If price is an issue, you can watch for a WSM on Craigslist or similar. They don't show up often but do occasionally appear. In the mean time, there are usually lots of Weber kettles available and you can start smoking with one of those. (Look up the 'fuse' or 'snake' method. It doesn't work as well as a WSM but it does work well enough.)

Welcome to the BBQ-Brethren! :welcome:
 
eddiek2000 said:
Thanks for all of the good info guys. I pulled the trigger on a 22.5" WSM. Another q though, What is everyone using to pick up their meat when in the smoker? Gloves, Bear Paws, etc...
Click to expand...

I have Bear Paws and seldom use them. I have some Raichlen gloves that I use a lot.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Steven-Raichlen-Best-Barbecue-Insulated/dp/B0007ZGURK"]Amazon.com : Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Insulated Food Gloves (Pair) - SR8037 : Outdoor Cooking Gloves : Patio, Lawn & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kXPcbSusL.@@AMEPARAM@@41kXPcbSusL[/ame]
 
You are going to love the WSM. I have modded mine a little (gaskets, SS door, built a fire basket) and she usually purrs like a kitten. Not necessary, just wanted the comfort and stability. Keep alert of the temps with a Maverick 733 and got a Pitmaster IQ120 for those over night cooks, just to make sure.

I got a pair of those thick red rubber cooking gloves a couple years ago off of late night TV. Just ordered and received a set of Bear Paws as I am doing several butts for a cook coming up.
 
im in the same boat!

im in the same boat, but I've never tried it before. I'm a young buck looking to start smoking some meats! i fell in love with grilling about a year ago and now i wanna start smoking!!

i have been checking out the smoke hollow 44 inch gas smoker. its in my budget and i haven't heard many bad reviews.

what is yalls opinions on these?
 
Don't know anything about that gasser, but for $20 more you get a 22.5 WSM.
 
Ya get a wsm... I got all 3 sizes and they all rock! i prolly use the 14 the most cause it is really good on coal
 
eddiek2000 said:
Thanks for all of the good info guys. I pulled the trigger on a 22.5" WSM. Another q though, What is everyone using to pick up their meat when in the smoker? Gloves, Bear Paws, etc...
Click to expand...

I use a pair of cheep PVC gloves that I also use for pulling pork. I do prefer a pretty rough and chunky pull. I don't like the shred that you get with forks or claws.
 
eddiek2000 said:
Thanks for all of the good info guys. I pulled the trigger on a 22.5" WSM. Another q though, What is everyone using to pick up their meat when in the smoker? Gloves, Bear Paws, etc...
Click to expand...

I have a few heavy duty spatulas.
 
I really like my insulated food gloves. Makes taking food out of my WSM easy.
 
^^yea...this place is very helpful and everyone seems to have great information
 
THoey1963 said:
You are going to love the WSM. I have modded mine a little (gaskets, SS door, built a fire basket) and she usually purrs like a kitten. Not necessary, just wanted the comfort and stability. Keep alert of the temps with a Maverick 733 and got a Pitmaster IQ120 for those over night cooks, just to make sure.

I got a pair of those thick red rubber cooking gloves a couple years ago off of late night TV. Just ordered and received a set of Bear Paws as I am doing several butts for a cook coming up.
Click to expand...

Any hints on these upgrades?
 
You may not need them, so I would try it out before modding it, then you can go the following:

Gaskets: http://www.bbqgaskets.com/catalog_4.html
Stainless Steel replacement door: http://cajunbandit.com/wsm-parts-mods/
Replacement latch for the new door: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Southco-SC-62315-Lift-Compression-Forward/dp/B002DHHDEY"]Southco Inc SC-62315 Lift-and-Turn Compression Latch Grip Range .00 to .20 Pawl Forward - 1.77 to 2.16 Pawl Reversed, Southco Lift and Turn Latches: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gVSe3GDzL.@@AMEPARAM@@41gVSe3GDzL[/ame]
Fire basket mod: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2909129&postcount=15
 
if you want an electric...the master built 30" (the one with the wood chute on the side..not the front sliding drawer is a decent electric. They are normally 200 to 250 bucks. it is a nice way smoke and not have to babysit it but the flavor you get from smoking with wood and charcoal is tough to beat. For a novice and the price that weber smokey mountain is tough to beat.
 
THoey1963 said:
You may not need them, so I would try it out before modding it, then you can go the following:

Gaskets: http://www.bbqgaskets.com/catalog_4.html
Stainless Steel replacement door: http://cajunbandit.com/wsm-parts-mods/
Replacement latch for the new door: Southco Inc SC-62315 Lift-and-Turn Compression Latch Grip Range .00 to .20 Pawl Forward - 1.77 to 2.16 Pawl Reversed, Southco Lift and Turn Latches: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
Fire basket mod: http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2909129&postcount=15
Click to expand...

I bought the latch you referenced, but have not been able to figure out how to put it together. It does not come with instructions, and I am not very mechanically inclined.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Electric smoker dying
Replies
16
Views
625
JIMSMOKES
J
J
New offset options - OC?
Replies
6
Views
657
bned
B
D
Main smoker chamber grates. Slide out or not Yes or no ?
Replies
11
Views
317
Big George's BBQ
Big George's BBQ
S
Water Smokers?
Replies
4
Views
434
SmoothBoarBBQ
SmoothBoarBBQ
T
Buying a new smoker/grill. Which one?
Replies
1
Views
690
bschoen
B
Back
Top