I'm in search of a smoker and with all the different types with various features does anyone have any recommendations? Hoping to pick up a decent one in the 250.00 range. thanks
Using the Char-griller as I type, making 2 slabs of ribs and 2 chickens and it is perfect for grilling and smoking....gotta cook some good food for tomorrow!
quote:
Originally posted by napaccoast: I'm in search of a smoker and with all the different types with various features does anyone have any recommendations? Hoping to pick up a decent one in the 250.00 range. thanks
Lifes too short to drink bad wine!! crownliquors.net / msprinkle@crownliquors.net
I'm a huge proponent of the Smokenator 1000. I, too, have a Weber Performer as well as a 22.5" silver. I was looking for a smoker, but did not want to add another device to my yard. I found the Smokenator, and learned that the inventor lives just about an hour away. I emailed him and he invited me to his house for a hands on demo, etc. Needless to say, I bought one and have been amazed at it's usefulness. Further, Don, the inventor, has gone to EXTREME lengths in doing his research for you. He has a great booklet that comes with it that tells you how many briquettes, how much time, temperature, etc. Did you ever want to know the % of moisture in charcoal? Don can tell you. He has now setup Smokentor user forums to discuss recipes, troubleshooting, discussion, etc.
This is significantly outside your price range, but I feel compelled to recommend a Big Green Egg. It does it all and is, in a word, awesome. The temperature control is fantastic. For anyone else out there that is looking for a grill/smoker, I highly recommend it.
Posts: 1605 | Location: NC | Registered: May 01, 2007
honestly in that price range - I would build your own. Go to a junk yard and buy an old water heater that has porcelin lining on the inside. Cut a hole in back add a fire box with a few slabs of steel and place a grate inside the water heater. My cousin and I have a made a few of these (including one large enough to fit two whole hogs). You can add a lot of charcol to grill or keep it low and slow to smoke. Once you get it in tune, it'll last forever. Let me know if you want more precise directions....
Not sure the water heater idea would go over real well with the Mrs. but thanks for the idea.
Keytohwy sounds like your happy with it. They say you have to monitor the water level every hour!! Not too much of a hassle? How long have you had it?
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Originally posted by thirsty man: honestly in that price range - I would build your own. Go to a junk yard and buy an old water heater that has porcelin lining on the inside. Cut a hole in back add a fire box with a few slabs of steel and place a grate inside the water heater. My cousin and I have a made a few of these (including one large enough to fit two whole hogs). You can add a lot of charcol to grill or keep it low and slow to smoke. Once you get it in tune, it'll last forever. Let me know if you want more precise directions....
Originally posted by napaccoast: Not sure the water heater idea would go over real well with the Mrs. but thanks for the idea.
Keytohwy sounds like your happy with it. They say you have to monitor the water level every hour!! Not too much of a hassle? How long have you had it?
quote:
Originally posted by thirsty man: honestly in that price range - I would build your own. Go to a junk yard and buy an old water heater that has porcelin lining on the inside. Cut a hole in back add a fire box with a few slabs of steel and place a grate inside the water heater. My cousin and I have a made a few of these (including one large enough to fit two whole hogs). You can add a lot of charcol to grill or keep it low and slow to smoke. Once you get it in tune, it'll last forever. Let me know if you want more precise directions....
G
I tend to go about 90 minutes between checkups. The water helps to keep the temperature lower and somewhat stable. No bigs if it runs out, but you'll notice the temp creep up when it does.
If you get one, be sure to also get some large claps for your lid. Don at Smokenator recommends the larger paper binding clips. I used some spring clamps like http://www.acehardware.com/pro...searchId=40071047173 these. You'll probably need them to minimize any leaks between your lid and kettle bottom. Having them will enable you to control temperature MUCH better.
keytohwy
Posts: 123 | Location: just south of Napa Valley | Registered: Jul 17, 2007
