Newbie smoker

[BourbonBlue]

Im want to start smoking and I was looking to get a Shirley Fabrications smoker, but in the mean time I was wondering what would be a good starter smoker to get my feet wet until can get the big dog? Any thoughts? Likes or dislikes?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Shoes]

You're my hero if your FIRST smoker comes with chrome rims and can cook 4 whole pigs a cow and 2 chickens

 

[mattmountz94]

Id get a cheap charcoal grill/ smoker and a cheap offset. Cook on both and see which you prefer before you drop thousands on one particular grill

 

[mcyork28]

Weber Smokey Mountain maybe. You can definitely put out some good food on it an it and you won't break the bank while your SF is being built. Might be a nice alternative for days you don't want to fire up the big pit.

 

[KevinJ]

I'd suggest you look for a used offset on CL and burn some sticks to make sure that's the route you want togo before spending big bucks on a smoker. If nothing pops up on CL Academy Sports sells offset smokers that are decent, like the Old Country Pecos for $399.

 

[Nuco59]

^^^^^^ this. Unless you have really deep pockets and are impulsive as hell - go the craig's list route if you can. Only problem with CL (ok- there are a couple)- is selection is limited and often the seller has lost touch with reality with his asking price.

good luck.

 

[MrDsmoker]

Being that you want a Shirley right out of the gate I'd assume cost isn't a big issue for you so I'd say buy a kettle and a smokey mountain (might as well buy the 22.5 WSM). And like someone else said, order your Shirley while you're learning the basics.

 

[SmittyJonz]

Old Country Pecos.