Need help deciding.

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jpittssr

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jul 10, 2012
33
11
Pinson, Alabama
I am in a quandry!

I have a Lang 36 patio stick burner and like the smoker a lot.

What I don't like is 12-18 hour cook times for some items using the "low and slow" method.

The thought on my mind is: What if I used the stick burner for the first few hours (3-6) to get plenty of smoke then transfer to another type smoker for the "set it and forget it" balance of time?

Then that begs the question: Electric or propane?

Must be able to cook 3 racks of ribs without folding.

Anyone have any experience like this?
 
I don't have a stick burner but I do have a vertical propane smoker. Propane smokers I have experienced aren't set and forget. Even a good one can have significant temp fluctuations. The temp on mine will go up as the meat comes up to temp, and the temp can also spike if the water pan runs dry. Also consider the safety factor of leaving propane unatended. I just ordered the Masterbuilt 40" electric for this reason. I plan to set it up in my shop in the winter with an exhaust system so I can smoke when the snow flys.
 
That's the one I am looking at. Sam's Club has it for $300 +tax.

I just wonder how will be the best way to use it.

I'm thinking that I could smoke the first few hours on the Lang to get my smoke flavor then use the MES without smoke to finish to internal temp of 205.

I am assuming I can set it to turn off by the internal temp.

But since I can monitor from inside the house, it really don't matter.
 
 
The MES 40 will handle 8 Full Racks of Spares as is but can only be set to turn off using Time not Temp. If all you wish is to put a few hours of Smoke on in the Lang then finish with NO Smoke, save your money and use your home Oven...BUT...An MES 40 with an AMNPS ($40 http://www.amazenproducts.com/  ) will let you do the whole smoke , sorry no smoke ring, for 10+ Hours on a single load of Pellets. If you have to have a Smoke Ring then 4 hours in the Lang and whatever in the MES with Smoke will make you a Happy Camper...JJ
 
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if you don't need smoke just use your oven. that is about set it and forget as anything.

the new Masterbuilt propane smokers have a temp gauge . not sure how that works.

how about a stoker/bbq guru. that helps in the set it forget category.

just some ideas
 
The MES 40 will handle 8 Full Racks of Spares as is but can only be set to turn off using Time not Temp. If all you wish is to put a few hours of Smoke on in the Lang then finish with NO Smoke, save your money and use your home Oven..
I'm beginning to think the oven is the best option.

I think about 3 hrs on the Lang then covered to retain moisture and finish in the oven.

If we are talking about a Butt, I normally cover after about 3 hours in the lang running about 250 degrees in the smoker.
 
I dont know if it matters to much as to which smoker is the one you get as long as you take the time to learn your smoker!  Take everyones advice with a grain of salt and listen you will soon learn who to listen to!
 
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