What smoker would you buy???

[Bayareamallard]

Hey guys,

This is my first post. I have been reading the forum for a few years but I need some advise. I have been given funding $$$ for a smoker. Currently I have been using my 28” Weber with the snake method and turning out good stuff. Eventually we are going to put in an outdoor kitchen. I like to use wood and will be putting some kind of Gaucho or Santa Maria in and I want advise on a smoker that I can add to a kitchen at some point. I have been intrigued with the Pitmakers but would like suggestions. I like the BGE but feel they don’t have a ton of cooking space. Budget is $3500.00 and I don’t need HUGE.

[PnkPanther]

https://mgrills.com/products/2019-m1


Define add to kitchen? one you can eventually have built in?

[Tannhauser42]

I can tell you which smoker that I did buy: Lone Star Grillz 20x42 and I'm very happy with it. My alternative choice was an Assassin. While a Shirley would be nice, I couldn't wait that long.

[SonVolt]

I think the wait on a Shirley 24x36 is less than 8 weeks.

[Bayareamallard]

So for clarification. I need a smoker that I will add to the end of an outdoor kitchen. I am sure we have all seen BGE’s and even “safe” style smokers set into or sitting on a low pad. I will have a Gaucho or Santa Maria style drop in and a small gas stove top then the smoker. So I whatever I get I want to be able to add to the kitchen.

[JD08]

How many people do you usually cook for? I'm cooking for 4-10 and the only time I've ever run out of space of my large BGE (18") is when I tried to do >4 lb of wings and I had to do them in two batches.

[TheRainman]

While a Shirley would be nice, I couldn't wait that long.


Shirley's are always worth the wait! :caked:

[robertm]

If you like BGEs the I wouldn't hesitate getting one. The large is plenty of space for most families. Or you can go to the XL which is quite a bit bigger and nice for big cooks. OR you can go to the 2XL which is just ridiculous.

If you are going for a true smoker though the BGE really isn't one. I've used a BGE for 15 years and love it but it's simply not a smoker in the sense you want.

LSG and Shirley seem to be the defacto popular choices lately. I am sure either will work with you if you want a truly custom built-in type smoker made.

[Bayareamallard]

Family is 4 but parties are 10+. Most of the smokers I see patio entry or 1 size up is more than enough space.

[WeberWho]

Have you looked into a Karubecue? It doesn't take up a bunch of space and is a stick burner. It would fit and look nice in an outdoor kitchen.

[Sid Post]

An LSG IVC seems like an obvious good choice.

A gravity-fed TK, Assassin or, Myron Mixon would be a good option for you as well.

Stick burners get pretty oversized fast for 'normal' size outdoor kitchens. Even a 24"x36" Shirley is a bit big IMHO and, which side do you want the firebox on?

[16Adams]

“Best” will change over time.
Promise

[pjtexas1]

which side do you want the firebox on?

ALWAYS on the right! [emoji1787]

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[JeffinNE]

LSG pee wee would fit great in a built in kitchen

[Blizzard]

I also agree, a vertical cabinet makes sense. Considering the fact you said you will have a Santa Maria grill and it will be going in a built in kitchen.

[fwdiii]

Shirley.....

[didunoahme]

Humphreys smokers all the way

[raynchk]

Hunsaker UDS

[Bayareamallard]

Guys I love all the responses this is exactly what I was hoping to tap into. Keep them coming. I sure like the look of the Shirley but not sure how to “fit” it into a kitchen??? Also, I am in California not sure they ship, but just starting to look. You (ya’ll) guys are the best. My parents live in Austin, so I love all things BBQ....

[wbratt1]

A guy named Kevin delivers Shirley smokers and he travels all over the country. Having said that, while I would love a new Shirley I'm currently saving for an LSG IVC due to lack of available free time. You can't go wrong either way....or a bunch of other ways for that matter. Good luck on your decision and let us know which way you go....and post pictures of this outdoor kitchen as it sounds great!

[Danny Taz]

Call Ben Lang. Lang smokers

[SmittyJonz]

I'd buy 2 - An insulated cabinet and a stickburner.

[Dweverett]

If you like BGEs the I wouldn't hesitate getting one. The large is plenty of space for most families. Or you can go to the XL which is quite a bit bigger and nice for big cooks. OR you can go to the 2XL which is just ridiculous.

If you are going for a true smoker though the BGE really isn't one. I've used a BGE for 15 years and love it but it's simply not a smoker in the sense you want.

LSG and Shirley seem to be the defacto popular choices lately. I am sure either will work with you if you want a truly custom built-in type smoker made.

Tend to agree with this -- especially if the LSG comment was an offset vs IVC. I'm sure it's possible but I don't think an offset is easy to design into a kitchen.

Also, if you do go the Kamado direction I would look at Kamado Joe as I think they've surpassed the egg with some of the features they've added in the recent designs.

[cowboyupbbq]

I built an outdoor kitchen a few years ago and configured it where i could roll grills and smokers around, in and out of the wind.

[luv2smoke]

You might want to look at an IVC from Cascade Smokers.
I'm pretty sure they'll build you any size you want whether you want a drop in for a cut out in a counter top or stand alone to place at the end of the counter top. They're on the west coast as well so maybe shipping won't be too bad?
www.cascadesmokers.com/

[boogiechillen]

You might want to look at an IVC from Cascade Smokers.
I'm pretty sure they'll build you any size you want whether you want a drop in for a cut out in a counter top or stand alone to place at the end of the counter top. They're on the west coast as well so maybe shipping won't be too bad?
www.cascadesmokers.com/

He was working on a drop in unit for a patio when I picked up mine.

[Mike Twangzer]

I'd sure like to see the finished outdoor area ..... or even while you're building it. Sounds cool. In fact, seeing everyones outdoor area is cool.