Can anyone recommend a good smoker (and maybe tell me a little about smoking)?

[SaltyNuts]

I want a smoker. From my limited reading, I believe their are two types (at least).

One that has a coil, and you add water and wood chips, and the electric coil smokes the chips slowly.

Another looks like it is pure electric - it just basically (so far as I can tell) heats the meat very slowly, but with no smoke. Presumably this is good if you want to use it inside.

Are the ones that use wood chips and actually produce smoke safe to leave outside while I'm at work?

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Ns1]

weber smokey mountain
yoder ys640

 

[SaltyNuts]

Good lord those are expensive Ns1! How much better are they than the $29.99 one I saw at Wal-Mart yesterday? I'm not needing anything professional lol. Thanks!

 

[Ns1]

you'd probably be better off with a case of this

 

[Jeeebus]

Wait... as far as you can tell there are 2 types of smokers - and both are electric?

Umm... ok.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Well, I'm sure there are some that use charcoal and what not, but presumably those would have to be maintained more often than what I'm hoping for.

 

[Jeeebus]

Honestly, it sounds like what you really want is a coupon to Applebee's.

Not trying to be a jerk, but I doubt you're going to be happy with a $30 electric smoker. Weber Smokey Mountain for about $200 - $300 is cheap when it comes to quality smokers that you can generally maintain consistent heat with.

 

[Murloc]

if there's no smoke how is it a smoker?

It's no different from other slow cooking methods then.

 

[Drako]

Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5

 

[SaltyNuts]

Well that's two for the Weber Smokey Mountain haha. If I have to spend $300 I will.

Murloc, I think I'm confused. What is an "electric" smoker then? Is the difference between an electric smoker and a regular one that a regular one you have the charcoal or wood chips actually being on fire, whereas in an electric one you have an electric coil or what not that just sort of smokes them?

Thanks for any help!

 

[MongGrel]

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/i-am-a-smoker-the-bbq-type.2368704/

 

[Deeko]

I spent about $250 on an electric char broil that has the smoker box for wood chips. I like it a lot. I would also like to get a charcoal or pellet-fired smoker at some point, though. A lot more work, but with great results.

 

[EliteRetard]

You can actually make a cheap smoker usable with some modifications.
Some good cheap fiberglass insulation goes a long way:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Co...-Continuous-Roll-15-in-x-25-ft-RU70/202585906

And you can make better/tighter seals in gaps/leaky areas by using high temp silicone:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rutland-...h-Heat-Silicone-Clear-Cartridge-76C/202218156

Then it's a matter of controlling the airflow in and out of the smoker, and it's not to hard to make adjustable openings.
Oh and you'll need a good thermometer, and some practice to figure out the right airflow/fuel/time setup.

Basically you can get smokey goodness for under $100, it just takes some creative thinking.
Heck I've even smoked pork in the oven (in a cast iron pot) to make BBQ pulled pork and everyone thought it was amazing.

 

[MrSquished]

I have no idea about smoking stuff. But I have learned in life in that most things you get what you pay for. There are exceptions but for the most part either pay to play, or suffer the consequences.

 

[sdifox]

Maybe you should figure out charcoal lighting first?

 

[adairusmc]

Green mountain grill or a Traeger is the way to go. I replaced my Traeger with a Green mountain though, when it started rusting through after about 15 years of hard use. The Green Mountain appears much better built than the newer traegers, which are now unfortunately made in China.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I use a propane smoker from costco and have had zero problems leaving it unattended while at work. It maintains temp and smokes well at 225 F.