Barrel Grill/Smoker for less than $300?

[SketchMaster]

Recently moved into a home (rental) with a pretty nice backyard. Girlfriend and I both enjoy grilling, though I'm interested in getting a smoker. I've been trying to find a decent offset smoker that won't break the bank, but won't rust out after one summer. Being in TX, you would think it'd be easy to find a used grill for cheap. It's not so easy when most people take pride in grilling, so most the used ones you see are rusted out due to age or neglect.

With that, any advice on an affordable barrel style smoker that isn't made of cheap sheet metal? I'd like to keep it around $200, but willing to scratch at $300 for something that will stand up to the humidity down here in Austin.

 

[Jeeebus]

Weber Smoky Mountain 18" size is best option for smoker at that price

 

[nakedfrog]

Another vote for WSM.

 

[NetWareHead]

WSM is quality crafted and long lasting, like all Weber products. Plenty of parts availability and excellent customer service. It performs very well and makes excellent BBQ. They make 2 versions, an 18.5 and 22 inch version.

 

[SketchMaster]

If I do decide to get a smoker while renting, I think the WSM will be at the top of the list. I was set on getting an offset smoker, but after doing a lot of reading I don't think it's realistic. Outside the prohibitive cost, a good offset smoker can literally weight a ton. That's not something I want to deal with when we move again in 1-3 years.

Thanks for the input!

 

[NetWareHead]

If I do decide to get a smoker while renting, I think the WSM will be at the top of the list. I was set on getting an offset smoker, but after doing a lot of reading I don't think it's realistic. Outside the prohibitive cost, a good offset smoker can literally weight a ton. That's not something I want to deal with when we move again in 1-3 years.

Thanks for the input!

The WSM breaks down into several easy to move sections and is not heavy. The worst thing about moving a used smoker is the entire thing is dirty and will leave black and oily stains on your car seats. Put an old blanket down.

 

[preslove]

I'm in the same situ. I have a gas grill already and am looking for something for smoking. I'm seeing a 14" weber smoky mountain. Is that two small? Just me and the wife.

 

[Jeeebus]

14" is going to force you to get creative when you want to smoke ribs/brisket. it can be done, but you'd be better off with the extra space.

 

[ponyo]

I'm in the same situ. I have a gas grill already and am looking for something for smoking. I'm seeing a 14" weber smoky mountain. Is that two small? Just me and the wife.

I would go with 18'. I don't think you can even fit full rack of spareribs in the 14" without cutting it or curling it. I bought my 18" back in 2008 and it's still going strong. It's one of the few items I own if something happened to it, I would buy the same replacement tomorrow without hesitation. I can't recommend it enough. I smoked 6 racks of spareribs on Sunday. I'm reheating one full rack of ribs wrapped in foil right now in the oven for dinner.

 

[agent00f]

Recently moved into a home (rental) with a pretty nice backyard. Girlfriend and I both enjoy grilling, though I'm interested in getting a smoker. I've been trying to find a decent offset smoker that won't break the bank, but won't rust out after one summer. Being in TX, you would think it'd be easy to find a used grill for cheap. It's not so easy when most people take pride in grilling, so most the used ones you see are rusted out due to age or neglect.

With that, any advice on an affordable barrel style smoker that isn't made of cheap sheet metal? I'd like to keep it around $200, but willing to scratch at $300 for something that will stand up to the humidity down here in Austin.

If you want quality for that 200 price consider being more patient on craiglist, especially after grilling season is over. New is shinier but they all start looking like ass after a bit.

 

[Kaido]

The Char-broiler smoker/roaster/grill I have is $162 new on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-TRU-Infrared-Smoker-Roaster-Grill/dp/B00365FIAS/

Also available in electric infrared for $193:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-Electric-Infrared-Smoker-Roaster/dp/B0079TOHNQ

For the propane model, I feel like the grill portion could be more powerful, but it's a pretty good price on a multi-use unit. Also, very compact & easy to use. Will be "frying" a large bird this weekend in it. Build quality isn't like Weber, but not as cheap as an ultra-budget Home Depot model. Just get a cover for it & you will be good to go.

 

[sourceninja]

...

 

[lupi]

Got this a couple years ago when it was on sale for $150 to try smoking. Have smoked quite a bit with it and it's just sitting out back on my patio with a simple cover over it when not in use.

 

[agent00f]

The Char-broiler smoker/roaster/grill I have is $162 new on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-TRU-Infrared-Smoker-Roaster-Grill/dp/B00365FIAS/

Also available in electric infrared for $193:

https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-Electric-Infrared-Smoker-Roaster/dp/B0079TOHNQ

For the propane model, I feel like the grill portion could be more powerful, but it's a pretty good price on a multi-use unit. Also, very compact & easy to use. Will be "frying" a large bird this weekend in it. Build quality isn't like Weber, but not as cheap as an ultra-budget Home Depot model. Just get a cover for it & you will be good to go.

Funny enough I also have the latter one which I haven't used much. Seems a good design though, especially the internal temp probe which makes life easier.

 

[Gibsons]

I've been looking off and on for a decent to nice offset smoker (in Austin) on the cheap as well. I don't think they exist, even used. There are a lot of affordable (new) ones, but you can just feel the flimsiness on them.

I think I'll end up going the WSM route at some point.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Why not build your own? Used steel barrels are cheap, a little angle iron, grates and a minimum of a grinder and drill are needed. I've built three over the years and given them to friends.

 

[SketchMaster]

I've been looking off and on for a decent to nice offset smoker (in Austin) on the cheap as well. I don't think they exist, even used. There are a lot of affordable (new) ones, but you can just feel the flimsiness on them.

I think I'll end up going the WSM route at some point.

Yeah. My buddy at work who is big into smoking was trying to help me find one, but he was not very optimistic about me snagging a good one used for less than a few hundred. Once people who are serious about cooking have a good smoker, they keep it. Everything else is cheap crap that was left out in the rain.