Looking for advice on equipment

hawgdawg · 04-29-2008, 09:57 PM

About to take the plunge from my my backyard propane grill to something I can cook shoulders and ribs with using wood/charcoal. Would appreciate anyone reporting their experience with entry level equipment. I need to spend as little as possible but don't want to waste $ on junk. I have been impressed with the BGE that a friend used but seems pricey for the size and difficult to move.

OSD · 04-29-2008, 10:12 PM

I vote for building a UDS. Not alot of $$ and cook great!!

BobBrisket · 04-29-2008, 10:14 PM

How much do you want to spend?

You can do very well for about $600 or a bit less with a Weber line gasser and a WSM!

OR

Spend the bulk on a Weber gasser and then make a drum for real cheap.

watertowerbbq · 04-29-2008, 10:19 PM

I'd go for a WSM. Right around $200.

butts a fire · 04-29-2008, 10:19 PM

There are quite a few options that you can go with for entry level and most of the people on this site will probably suggest the Webber Smokey Mountain you can get one for around $200 and it is a very good cooker.

I started on a weber grill and then moved my way up to a New Braunfels Bandera, and now I have a Backwoods smoker. I really like the design of the bandera and learned a lot about fire control I also found this site looking for info on the internet.

Bigdog · 04-29-2008, 10:25 PM

This group was founded due to a smoker called the Bandera and it may be the smoker for you. I still use mine all the time and does well with the criteria you mentioned. The BSKD is a clone that does quite well too.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the WSM and the UDS is mainly a charcoal with chunks smoker, not a wood burner.

MilitantSquatter · 04-29-2008, 10:41 PM

I'd recommend a WSM as the ideal starter smoker for someone looking for low maintenance.

If you like experimenting and process, go with an inexpensive Bandera etc..

Moving to even a Bandera or another offset etc. requires a committment to learning all the adjustments, patience and time to do it all when tending. If you just want to get the food done right, with no scratching of your head, then go WSM.

BobBrisket · 04-29-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdog

This group was founded due to a smoker called the Bandera and it may be the smoker for you. I still use mine all the time and does well with the criteria you mentioned. The BSKD is a clone that does quite well too.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the WSM and the UDS is mainly a charcoal with chunks smoker, not a wood burner.

I guess the next qustion we should ask is do you want something you can set and forget or do you want to play with fire? I scored a Bandera clone and refurbed it and gave it to my dad. They are some sweet stick burners.

Hook_Line_and_Sinker · 04-29-2008, 10:53 PM

Welcome

You have come to the right place

if you check below you will find the UDS show room

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=23436

now I must warn you, although no one is trying to sell you anything ...

the UDS is a gateway to smoking , and once you take that step you will forever be changed ....

The UDS can be a top performing Smoker, Do not mistake the fact that with only:

some simple tools ( power tools help but are not required )
some rudimentary assembly skills (not much more than needed to assemble your gas grill )
Between $20 - $100 (dependent on you ingenuity and scrounging skills)
you can build it yourself

The UDS is no junk or poor mans toy.

You will quickly know, if smoking / BBQing is just a passing interest or a growing addiction with out investing more than you might spend on a nice dinner

if it is either of the two, the brethren here will support you on your quest for the Q

There is a high probability that once you assemble your first UDS you will be drawn into what real Q is about and you will spend a lifetime and large sums perfecting it.

all I can offer besides the forgoing disclaimer is that with a decent "rig" that fits your budget and allows you to get smoking / BBQing quickly and well. you will find your balance and may move to more expensive and feature packed rigs - many of the best smokers available have representatives / dealers / users that are regular contributers to this forum.

you can't go wrong with a building a UDS, you may always use it or you just might end up with a monster rig that is the envy of smokers near and far.

hcarter · 04-30-2008, 09:08 AM

What he ^^^ said.

hcarter · 04-30-2008, 09:12 AM

Seriously, I'm getting ready to build a UDS with the kind help of some of the Brethren here. I figure even with having to buy some handtools, I'm out maybe 50.00. A UDS can probably be done for 20.00 or less. (if you are good at recycling.)

Plowboy · 04-30-2008, 09:15 AM

Used Banderas show up on Craigs list from time to time. Could be your best, low cost bet. Would also be a fun project to clean it up and make it your own with some mods.

Crüe-B-Cüe · 04-30-2008, 09:31 AM

There are many entry level smokers that can turn out great Q. As mentioned the Bandera, BSKD, WSM or UDS are all great units. With a few mods the CharGriller with a side fire box is also a great unit.I have had much sucess with mine. I also love my UDS. They are both feeling very neglected right now as I can't quit using my new BGE.

Spydermike72 · 04-30-2008, 09:58 AM

What everyone here says. For my money I would go with the WSM. You cant go wrong with the Bandera or the UDS. It is all dependent upon which way you want to go, set and forget (WSM/UDS) or play with fire (Bandera/Chargriller/Silver Smoker). Either way will lead you on a great and exciting journey.

Harbormaster · 04-30-2008, 10:30 AM

I'll chime in too.
Personally I would start with a SM. I started with a Brinkman offset and I still use it, but the WSM is far easier to use.
The only reason I say WSM over a UDS is if you decide you don't care to do Q (requires too much time, etc...) you will have no trouble getting rid of the WSM. If you get to that point, you just ship it to me.

Man law?

04-29-2008, 09:57 PM	#1
hawgdawg Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 04-27-08 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Looking for advice on equipment About to take the plunge from my my backyard propane grill to something I can cook shoulders and ribs with using wood/charcoal. Would appreciate anyone reporting their experience with entry level equipment. I need to spend as little as possible but don't want to waste $ on junk. I have been impressed with the BGE that a friend used but seems pricey for the size and difficult to move.

04-29-2008, 10:14 PM	#3
BobBrisket Moderator Join Date: 12-11-07 Location: El Paso, TX Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	How much do you want to spend? You can do very well for about $600 or a bit less with a Weber line gasser and a WSM! OR Spend the bulk on a Weber gasser and then make a drum for real cheap. __________________ UDS, Pit Barrel Cooker-Courtesy of Poobah, WSM, 22.5 Weber Kettles-K and DR Stamped, 18.5 Weber Bar-B-Kettle, Weber 18.5 Smokey Joe Platinum, Weber Genesis Silver B, Lil' Chief Smoker, Lodge Sportman Grill, Backyard Fire Pit, Dutch Ovens, Discada Set Up, Turkey Fryer! BobBrisket Jr.-MUDS, WSJ Silver My BEST Compliment......"You're a good cooker, Dad!"--My Son. DAN!

04-29-2008, 10:19 PM	#4
watertowerbbq is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 11-07-07 Location: Ankeny, IA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'd go for a WSM. Right around $200. __________________ Matt Head Cook Water Tower BBQ Coming this Fall.......BWS Extended Party! BWS Competitor (sold 2012) WSM - 18.5" - 2009 (sold 2011) WSM - 18.5" - 2004 (sold 2010) Superfast Orange Thermopen KCBS CBJ, Railroad Detective

04-29-2008, 10:19 PM	#5
butts a fire is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 06-13-07 Location: Parkville, Mo Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	There are quite a few options that you can go with for entry level and most of the people on this site will probably suggest the Webber Smokey Mountain you can get one for around $200 and it is a very good cooker. I started on a weber grill and then moved my way up to a New Braunfels Bandera, and now I have a Backwoods smoker. I really like the design of the bandera and learned a lot about fire control I also found this site looking for info on the internet. __________________ Chad B Butts A Fire BBQ Team NB Bandera Webber Kettle Backwoods Party Pro Q Excel 20

04-29-2008, 10:25 PM	#6
Bigdog somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 09-17-03 Location: Wichita, Kansas Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	This group was founded due to a smoker called the Bandera and it may be the smoker for you. I still use mine all the time and does well with the criteria you mentioned. The BSKD is a clone that does quite well too. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the WSM and the UDS is mainly a charcoal with chunks smoker, not a wood burner. __________________ Bigdog Weber Platinum Kettle, Weber OTS, Meco square grill, ECB, a WSM, a cool fold up camping grill, a Blackstone flat top camping stove, The MOAB, and now the proud owner of a YS640, MOINK. Smoke on Brother KC Father of the Fatty (the name) 4/20/04 on the BBQ Brethren with inspiration from Brother parrothead.

04-29-2008, 10:12 PM	#2
OSD is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 12-22-05 Location: St. Petersburg, Fl. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I vote for building a UDS. Not alot of $$ and cook great!!

04-29-2008, 10:41 PM	#7
MilitantSquatter Moderator Join Date: 09-17-05 Location: soon to be in Mooresville, NC Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'd recommend a WSM as the ideal starter smoker for someone looking for low maintenance. If you like experimenting and process, go with an inexpensive Bandera etc.. Moving to even a Bandera or another offset etc. requires a committment to learning all the adjustments, patience and time to do it all when tending. If you just want to get the food done right, with no scratching of your head, then go WSM. __________________ Vinny 22" WSM & Kettle Former owner: Jambo, Klose BYC, Med. Spicewine, Pitts & Spitts, XL & (2) Med. BGE's, (2) 18" WSM's

04-29-2008, 10:53 PM	#9
Hook_Line_and_Sinker is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 03-28-08 Location: Downey, California Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Welcome You have come to the right place if you check below you will find the UDS show room http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=23436 now I must warn you, although no one is trying to sell you anything ... the UDS is a gateway to smoking , and once you take that step you will forever be changed .... The UDS can be a top performing Smoker, Do not mistake the fact that with only: some simple tools ( power tools help but are not required ) some rudimentary assembly skills (not much more than needed to assemble your gas grill ) Between $20 - $100 (dependent on you ingenuity and scrounging skills) you can build it yourself The UDS is no junk or poor mans toy. You will quickly know, if smoking / BBQing is just a passing interest or a growing addiction with out investing more than you might spend on a nice dinner if it is either of the two, the brethren here will support you on your quest for the Q There is a high probability that once you assemble your first UDS you will be drawn into what real Q is about and you will spend a lifetime and large sums perfecting it. all I can offer besides the forgoing disclaimer is that with a decent "rig" that fits your budget and allows you to get smoking / BBQing quickly and well. you will find your balance and may move to more expensive and feature packed rigs - many of the best smokers available have representatives / dealers / users that are regular contributers to this forum. you can't go wrong with a building a UDS, you may always use it or you just might end up with a monster rig that is the envy of smokers near and far. __________________ Hook Line and Sinker Viking 30 inch Gravity Fed Charcoal Smoker Brinkmann 5 burner gas grill with sear & rotisserie UDS's 3 and growing Char Griller w/SFB w/mods Orion Cooker Charbroil 7000 Gas Grill

04-30-2008, 09:08 AM	#10
hcarter Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 04-19-06 Location: Columbus,OH Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	What he ^^^ said. __________________ - Howard Char-Griller SuperPro with SFB. Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A Highlander likes two things naked....the other is Scotch." [I][FONT=Book Antiqua]Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde[/FONT][/I] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

04-30-2008, 09:12 AM	#11
hcarter Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 04-19-06 Location: Columbus,OH Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Seriously, I'm getting ready to build a UDS with the kind help of some of the Brethren here. I figure even with having to buy some handtools, I'm out maybe 50.00. A UDS can probably be done for 20.00 or less. (if you are good at recycling.) __________________ - Howard Char-Griller SuperPro with SFB. Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A Highlander likes two things naked....the other is Scotch." [I][FONT=Book Antiqua]Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde[/FONT][/I] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

04-30-2008, 09:15 AM	#12
Plowboy somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-09-06 Location: Blue Springs, MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Used Banderas show up on Craigs list from time to time. Could be your best, low cost bet. Would also be a fun project to clean it up and make it your own with some mods. __________________ Pork Pullin Plowboys (and Smoke on Wheels) Save a hog, ride a plowboy! www.plowboysbbq.com Todd Johns (me); Blue Springs, MO Randy Hinck (PigBoy); Concordia, MO Andy Groneman (Hodedo); KC, KS (Cameo Appearances) FEC-500SS; FEC-100 (Right handed); FEC-100 (Left handed); Country Smoker Tailgater; Big Green Egg (2-large, small, mini); Cookshack Pellet Fired Charbroiler

04-30-2008, 09:31 AM	#13
Crüe-B-Cüe is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-25-07 Location: Mobile, AL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	There are many entry level smokers that can turn out great Q. As mentioned the Bandera, BSKD, WSM or UDS are all great units. With a few mods the CharGriller with a side fire box is also a great unit.I have had much sucess with mine. I also love my UDS. They are both feeling very neglected right now as I can't quit using my new BGE. __________________ Wes Mobile, AL Lewd, Qüe'd & Tattööed Large Big Green Egg (2) UDS

04-30-2008, 09:58 AM	#14
Spydermike72 Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-17-06 Location: Flushing Michigan Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	What everyone here says. For my money I would go with the WSM. You cant go wrong with the Bandera or the UDS. It is all dependent upon which way you want to go, set and forget (WSM/UDS) or play with fire (Bandera/Chargriller/Silver Smoker). Either way will lead you on a great and exciting journey. __________________ Mike Rubbed,Smoked, and Sauced BBQ Team Powered by Bar's Leak and Rislone RSSBBQ.COM Backwoods Competitor Backwoods Party Ranch Kettle,Weber Performerl Certified Moink Baller President of the Great Lakes BBQ Association For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know

04-30-2008, 10:30 AM	#15
Harbormaster Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-14-06 Location: Wyocena, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'll chime in too. Personally I would start with a SM. I started with a Brinkman offset and I still use it, but the WSM is far easier to use. The only reason I say WSM over a UDS is if you decide you don't care to do Q (requires too much time, etc...) you will have no trouble getting rid of the WSM. If you get to that point, you just ship it to me. Man law? __________________ Clark My Boys: Joseph (EI); Andrew (EE); Daniel (EE) My Toys: 10 WSMs (B, C, DH, DA, EZ, DZ, EO, DU, DR, EE/DU mutt); Brinkman Cimmaron; Chuckwagon Cooker; 22.5" OTG (DT); Two 22.5" Bar-B-Kettles; One 18.5" Bar-B-Kettle; Smokey Joes (A, K); Genesis Silver C (DU); 3 WGAs (EZ, DE, N); 3 SJPs (DT, DU, DR). "For when democracy becomes tyranny, those of us with rifles still get to vote"

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