Entry level smoker suggestions?

thefabledpig · 04-03-2013, 07:12 PM

Hello, just wanting to get up and running ninja style.
1. I need something to cook on.
2. I drive a tiny hatchback.
3. I have a tiny budget <100

I have considered turning a retro fridge into a smoking rig, but am concerned about lead paint.

I do not mind being creative or unconventional, but want to keep it simple.

I am a ceramic artist and I own a kiln, any chance I could make my own egg style cooker?

I just want to make some food my papa would be proud of.

Any ideas?
Thanks

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 04-03-2013, 07:19 PM

A 22.5" Weber One-Touch Silver is my suggestion. Very versatile grill and can be used for smoking.

jketron · 04-03-2013, 07:47 PM

WSM and put it in the passenger seat

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 04-03-2013, 07:57 PM

I just noticed that you have this in the Competetion forum. Are you planning to compete with this smoker?

landarc · 04-03-2013, 08:01 PM

That's what I was thinking, for under $100 and to compete, man, about the only thing would be a couple of Weber kettles used. Look for 22.5" models. There is just about nothing else for that price and will fit into a hatchback.

Parruthead · 04-03-2013, 08:26 PM

I think you could fab up some mini WSM's and cook on those and they should fit in your hatch back... I would scour for a Full sized WSM and try and use one of those and a kettle.

thefabledpig · 04-03-2013, 08:57 PM

I am planning to compete :)

Ron_L · 04-03-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefabledpig

I am planning to compete :)

What type of competitions? That makes a huge difference.

If you're serious about the $100 budget, then the suggestion for a Weber kettle would be good for home, but limiting at competitions. For that budget, I would suggest build a UDS.

But, one may not be enough, and what about all of the other stuff that you will need?

JD McGee · 04-03-2013, 09:32 PM

I got nuttin' that would fit in a small car for under a hudred bucks that you can cook all four comp meats on. Perhaps a used WSM from craig's list...or a couple of used kettles. Good luck!

stan · 04-03-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD McGee

I got nuttin' that would fit in a small car for under a hudred bucks that you can cook all four comp meats on. Perhaps a used WSM from craig's list...or a couple of used kettles. Good luck!

What JD said... craigslist and find a used WSM best entry level smoker...

CBQ · 04-03-2013, 10:10 PM

With entry fees, meat, supplies, it costs about $600 to compete in a KCBS contest. Looking for a sub-$100 smoker might not be a good idea. The 22" WSM is probably the best low end choice, or just building a UDS.

You also have a small car...so...what's in the back seat? Maybe this is an option.

Smokin Mike · 04-03-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefabledpig

I am planning to compete :)

I don't mean anything bad, but the meat/supplies is going to be X3 or X4 the price you are wanting to spend on the cooker.

Icekub · 04-03-2013, 10:14 PM

Find independently wealthy teammates to share the expense, preferrably w/ great smokers or rigs! In all seriousness though, about the cheapest way to cook the various meats at the same time would be 2 to 3 UDS drums, no less than 2. Still prob going to be more than 100 unless you know people to give you unlined drums for free.

thefabledpig · 04-03-2013, 10:23 PM

It is part of the fun having the budget, and overcoming obstacles.
Thanks for all the great suggestions!
I am an artist, I have a tent and tables already, so figure I can just swap out the pottery for BBQ equipment :) I can squish quite a bit into my tiny car!
Since I am an absolute beginner, I think I will just compete in Back Yard division to start, and get some experience under my belt.

thefabledpig · 04-03-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBQ

With entry fees, meat, supplies, it costs about $600 to compete in a KCBS contest. Looking for a sub-$100 smoker might not be a good idea. The 22" WSM is probably the best low end choice, or just building a UDS.

You also have a small car...so...what's in the back seat? Maybe this is an option.

I appreciate the humor, great link! :D

04-03-2013, 07:12 PM	#1
thefabledpig Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 03-25-13 Location: Smyrna	Entry level smoker suggestions? Hello, just wanting to get up and running ninja style. 1. I need something to cook on. 2. I drive a tiny hatchback. 3. I have a tiny budget <100 I have considered turning a retro fridge into a smoking rig, but am concerned about lead paint. I do not mind being creative or unconventional, but want to keep it simple. I am a ceramic artist and I own a kiln, any chance I could make my own egg style cooker? I just want to make some food my papa would be proud of. Any ideas? Thanks

04-03-2013, 07:19 PM	#2
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	A 22.5" Weber One-Touch Silver is my suggestion. Very versatile grill and can be used for smoking. __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 07:47 PM	#3
jketron Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-23-12 Location: Carlsbad, CA	WSM and put it in the passenger seat __________________ ------------------------------- John, KCBS CBJ Humphrey's Cubed Beast Backwoods Party G2, WSM 18/22 Grill of His Dreams #1 Rule of BBQ... Have fun :razz:
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 07:57 PM	#4
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont	I just noticed that you have this in the Competetion forum. Are you planning to compete with this smoker? __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-732, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 08:01 PM	#5
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: sAn leAnDRo, CA	That's what I was thinking, for under $100 and to compete, man, about the only thing would be a couple of Weber kettles used. Look for 22.5" models. There is just about nothing else for that price and will fit into a hatchback. __________________ [COLOR=DarkGreen][COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]me: I don't drink anymore Yelonutz: me either, but, then again, I don't drink any less [/SIZE][/COLOR][/COLOR][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed] [COLOR=Pink]SSS[/COLOR] [/COLOR][/SIZE]
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 08:26 PM	#6
Parruthead Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 04-21-11 Location: Shawano Wisconsin	I think you could fab up some mini WSM's and cook on those and they should fit in your hatch back... I would scour for a Full sized WSM and try and use one of those and a kettle. __________________ 1- 84" Lang wide Body, 1-22.5" WSM,4-18.5" WSM's 1-UDS with custom cart, #2 La Caja China 2- Weber Performers, 2-22.5" Weber OTS 1-18" Weber OTS 2-Orion Cookers, 1-8' Event Gasser, 1- Terracotta pig and 1-Terracotta Elephant and [B]One very understanding wife[/B]...

04-03-2013, 08:57 PM	#7
thefabledpig Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 03-25-13 Location: Smyrna	I am planning to compete :)

04-03-2013, 09:32 PM	#9
JD McGee somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-28-07 Location: Duvall, WA	I got nuttin' that would fit in a small car for under a hudred bucks that you can cook all four comp meats on. Perhaps a used WSM from craig's list...or a couple of used kettles. Good luck! __________________ "The team formerly known as "Wine Country "Q"... PNWBA "Team of the Year" 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017... We cook on MAK Grills and Bullets...
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 10:10 PM	#11
CBQ is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 01-11-09 Location: Cumberland, RI	With entry fees, meat, supplies, it costs about $600 to compete in a KCBS contest. Looking for a sub-$100 smoker might not be a good idea. The 22" WSM is probably the best low end choice, or just building a UDS. You also have a small car...so...what's in the back seat? Maybe this is an option. __________________ Chris Rhode Hog BBQ "The Most Dangerous Team in BBQ" - Jon Vallone KCBS, KCBS CBJ, NEBS

04-03-2013, 10:14 PM	#13
Icekub On the road to being a farker Join Date: 06-12-12 Location: Cincinnati, OH	Find independently wealthy teammates to share the expense, preferrably w/ great smokers or rigs! In all seriousness though, about the cheapest way to cook the various meats at the same time would be 2 to 3 UDS drums, no less than 2. Still prob going to be more than 100 unless you know people to give you unlined drums for free.
	1 members found this post helpful.

04-03-2013, 10:23 PM	#14
thefabledpig Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 03-25-13 Location: Smyrna	It is part of the fun having the budget, and overcoming obstacles. Thanks for all the great suggestions! I am an artist, I have a tent and tables already, so figure I can just swap out the pottery for BBQ equipment :) I can squish quite a bit into my tiny car! Since I am an absolute beginner, I think I will just compete in Back Yard division to start, and get some experience under my belt.