View Full Version : Looking for a new smoker...
Downeyhead
08-17-2011, 10:07 PM
Alright, I have an 18" WSM and love it. I would like more capacity though. I am most interested in a vertical smoker. I have been looking at the Onyx Oven, Backwoods Gator, and Pitmaker Safe. I have ruled out the Onyx based on others oomments.
I am also thinking about getting a 22" WSM and using that with the 18". Does the 22 give that much more capacity? Or will I be wishing I got a cabinet smoker instead?
I really like the idea of being able to access the racks on every level of a cabinet smoker. But how necessary is this?
JMSetzler
08-17-2011, 10:32 PM
I can't comment on the verticals you listed, but the WSM 22.5 is a significant capacity increase over the 18.5. I have the 18.5 and just built a UDS with two 22.5" racks in it and its amazing at how much it will hold. And before someone else gets to say it... I'll take the liberty...
Build a UDS!
rondini
08-17-2011, 10:43 PM
No other smoker has a thread like the UDS. Since I built mine last year, I can't think of buying any other smoker. Finally JMSetzler has built one and became a believer.
I personally like the idea of having different kinds of smokers, so I would, in addition to the WSM, get a cabinet smoker (I've heard good things about Backwoods, and those Pitmakers look amazing) and build a UDS which can be done cheaply. That way you'll have more flexiblity...or that's what I tell myself, 'cause actually I'm really just :crazy: for cookers. The way I see it you have the WSM covered and you may find different cookers will be more or less suited for different needs.
eddieh70301
08-18-2011, 05:10 AM
I have a stumps baby. It's very good at heat retention and cooks great que. Add charcoal in the chute and let it cook. The only downfall is the racks are too close together. The top rack is basically useless unless you are cooking bacon or veggies. If you chose a vertical smoker, make sure the racks are far enough apart to allow sufficient clearance for your food.
i almost bought a backwoods but didn't want a water smoker but i've heard good things about them.
check out a Backwoods Party
Dave Russell
08-18-2011, 08:57 AM
Unless you're wanting to spend a good bit of cash or will be using it in all kinds of weather conditions, I'd get a big wsm. Even if using it in tough weather conditions though, it does have a big door to load charcoal through.
I've made and used a couple of UDS's, but cooking with two or more grates isn't nearly as easy as using just one, and lots of meat cooked directly in such an enclosed environment gives too much of a "fat in the fire" flavor, IMHO.
I know of a guy on the bullet forum that dropped his big wsm's bottom grate a little to add a middle rack and still have enough clearance for cooking pork butts on all three levels. Talk about capacity... I believe he smoked 120lbs of pork butts a while back, so that's enough 'Q for at least 200 hungry folks off a $400 smoker. :cool:
abangs
08-18-2011, 01:57 PM
Alright, I have an 18" WSM and love it. I would like more capacity though. I am most interested in a vertical smoker. I have been looking at the Onyx Oven, Backwoods Gator, and Pitmaker Safe. I have ruled out the Onyx based on others oomments.
I am also thinking about getting a 22" WSM and using that with the 18". Does the 22 give that much more capacity? Or will I be wishing I got a cabinet smoker instead?
I really like the idea of being able to access the racks on every level of a cabinet smoker. But how necessary is this?
Although I am biased, for the money, Backwoods offers the best selection of sizes and configurations to fit a variety of needs. The customer support is absolutely top notch. Try to find a competition that is close to you and find a team that has the cabinet style smokers. I think they are worth every penny.
For something similar to the capacity of a WSM 22.5, look at the Party cooker. You can get into one of those for about $ 1,500.
stlblues
08-18-2011, 02:13 PM
I own a couple of Stump's GF Verical Smokers. Great insulated smoker that can be used all year around. Holds temps rock solid and cooks real moist, juicy meat. With a Guru or I-Que, you can cook overnight and....rest well. I recommend Stumps highly....real happy with my cookers. Look at the Baby, Prince or new Jr. models. I also think Backwoods makes a fine cooker too.
JS-TX
08-18-2011, 03:00 PM
I think it really depends on how much money you are willing to spend. In order from $ to $$$, you got UDS, 22 WSM, and cabinet smokers. They all work well, with the cabinet smokers having a distinct advantage for the extra money. But those suckers are heavy.
Jaskew82
08-18-2011, 03:27 PM
I recommend backwoods - that will be my next smoker.
BBQ_MAFIA
08-18-2011, 03:28 PM
Have you thought about a Spicewine?
It's a great cooker and built to last a life time plus.
Good luck and let us know what you end up buying.
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