First dedicated smoker...

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biaviian

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
OTBS Member
I'm looking for my first dedicated smoker. I like propane because you have more control over the temps (from what I'm reading).  I see most like the GOSM so I think I'm going with that.  My issue/question is what size.  As far as cost goes I'm fine with the BB from BassPro.  I just don't know if I should go with the larger one.  For the most part I will smoke 2-4 racks of ribs, or a shoulder, or a brisket.  I will hardly ever do more than that (I may throw some veggies or sides in).  So will the BB work as well if I have it mostly empty?

Can you see yourself (or do you) move the BB smoker?  I am wondering about loading it on a truck and moving it for a party/picnic. 
 
The footprint of the GOSMS are relatively small and don't vary a whole lot from one to the other, look on my blog for comparisons

GOSM BLOG

A nice thing about having a wider smoker is that you do not have to cut your ribs,

2 racks per shelf and a pot of beans or chili and some appetizers on the bottom shelf, and that BB is full already.

1b16aa90_food.jpg
 
Can you see yourself (or do you) move the BB smoker?  I am wondering about loading it on a truck and moving it for a party/picnic. 
You probably could, if you remove the racks and chip box that would knock down the weight considerably.

Its about 90 lbs and if you remove fore mentioned, I would say about 60 lbs.
 
 
I read your blog and loved it.  That is why I decided to go with the GOSM.  The only thing I'm worried about is if I only fill one rack (or even half of a rack) will my BBQ suffer?  Is there an optimal 'fill level' for every smoker?

I'm very new at smoking so I don't know all of the ins and outs of smokers.  I did go through the E-course (I actually paid for the downloads) and I have Jeff's sauce and Rub.  I am also a very good cook and baker so I think the only thing missing is a good smoker.  I think most people would go small for their first smoker but I can't see doing that (I like growing into things) unless the lack of use will cause an issue.
 
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I would definatly go with the bigger smoker. You won't reget it at all for you can lay down a couple of racks of ribs on each shelf and then load the other racks up too. Now i have the smaller unit and it good but I also now have the smoke vault 24". I could get the big block here where I live. But I still use my small block smoker for sausages and bacons.
 
I read your blog and loved it.  That is why I decided to go with the GOSM.  The only thing I'm worried about is if I only fill one rack (or even half of a rack) will my BBQ suffer?  Is there an optimal 'fill level' for every smoker?

I'm very new at smoking so I don't know all of the ins and outs of smokers.  I did go through the E-course (I actually paid for the downloads) and I have Jeff's sauce and Rub.  I am also a very good cook and baker so I think the only thing missing is a good smoker.  I think most people would go small for their first smoker but I can't see doing that (I like growing into things) unless the lack of use will cause an issue.
You should be ok, but it would kill me to just throw 2 racks of ribs and nothing else.

2 racks of ribs will take up a rack, and if you trimmed off the skirts and rib tips, that would be another rack, you can always throw a frozen pizza or some appetizers on the other racks for munchies, while your doing your ribs or a big pan of beans or chili.
 
 
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