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cappymrgn

Newbie
Original poster
Feb 13, 2012
14
10
South Florida
I've been a longtime griller and have recently been bitten by the smoking bug!  I don't even have an smoker yet (my first question) and to be honest my head is spinning with all the information Ive soaked up in the last month or so.

Originally, I was looking at the Masterbuilt electric because i wanted a set it and forget it rig.  Currently, i am considering either the masterbuilt 2 door gasser or the Master forge 2 door gasser.  Ill be honest, i dont even know for sure why i stopped looking at the electric (probably something to do with more stuff to break).

I'll let you know what I would like to do and please give me your opinions.

-I rarely cook for more than my immediate family of 4 people.  However, i would like to have the ability to smoke a whole brisket & turkey (those are the largets things i can think i would be smoking).  I know i can cut a rack of ribs to fit in about anything, so Im not as concerned about those.

-I dont mind some babysitting, but I dont want to have to sit next to the rig watching the temp either.  Im not discounting the learning curve with any smoker and realize I will need to "be on top it" until I am familiar with it. 

- My price limit is under $200.  I am looking for that affordable "gateway" smoker to get me hooked!!

I havent ruled out charcoal/wood, but something like the Weber is out of my price range right now.  Maybe the next one.

It seems like few in this price range do not need some type of modification and I am OK with that.  I have used the search bar extensively and the one of the only things I cant confirm is if a decent sized brisket or turkey will fit in some of these models.

I look forward to reading your suggestions and will sign up for the ecourse soon!!
 
Welcome to the forum Cappy!  This site has a bunch of great folks that know A LOT about smoking that will help you out in a flash with your questions!

Whole bunch of fellow smokers here… you'll have plenty of company!

There's a bunch of us here that own the Master Forge and love those little things.  There's also a bunch of Masterbuilt owners on the forum as well.  Each unit has it's good points as well as bad.  LP smokers (aka - gassers) aren't exactly set and forget but with a few small mods they are pretty close. A decent size turkey will definitely fit into the Master Forge or the Masterbuilt units.  As for a brisket, if you mean a whole packer, then no, a whole packer will not fit into my Master Forge.  I can't answer the brisket question about the Masterbuilts but I would think the smaller Masterbuilts are pretty much the same size - roughly - as the Master Forge.  But, Masterbuilt does make some larger (read: wider) units.

If possible, try to actually see the smokers you're interested in and ask us all the questions you want.  We'll be glad to help where we can.

 -Salt
 
Last edited:
welcome1.gif
 aboard!
 
Welcome aboard and good luck with the smoker search. Your price point is going to limit you but lots of us started on charcoal Brinkman's that run around $75 - Dont forget Craigslist too  
 
Thanks all for the warm welcome!

I found this one on sale for $179 and it seems like a good deal.  I wish it had the two doors like the samller model but i dont think i want to limit myself on size.

[h1]SALE Masterbuilt Extra Wide Propane Smoker[/h1]

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Swatches Available : false Swatches Display Block /Swatches Display Block
long description longer than 627
  • Big capacity propane smoker
  • 1333 square inches of cooking space over four oversized cooking racks
  • Heavy-duty powder coated construction with wide stance leg pattern for stability
  • 15,400 BTU stainless steel burner
  • Adjustable gas control and full range thermometer in door for great cooking control
  • Patented flame disk bowl
  • Specially designed porcelain water bowl
  • Locking, full size door
  • 5.14 cubic feet of smoking space
  • Push button ignition
Built big and built to last, the Masterbuilt Extra Wide Propane Smoker gives serious outdoor [Read More]

   
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 Cooking Capacity:
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Regular Price:

$199.99

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Come on masterbuilt!! Why not the wide body with two doors?
 
welcome1.gif
 to SMF. You have come to the right place for smoking info. This site is loaded with great info just use the search bar at top of page to find what you are looking for. If you can't locate the answer just ask folks here are willing to share there knowledge. I suggest you take  the 5 day e-course on smoking its chuck full of great info.Smoking  5-Day e-Course

I have the Master Forge 2 door that Lowe's sells and I LOVE it. I think for the price it is a very good smoker. I do agree I wish it had more space at times, but let me tell ya it is a world of difference using the 2 door over a single door. I have the single as well and it gets used much less then the 2 door. 
 
It must be a conspiracy!!!  I have decided on the Master Forge 2 door and went to Lowes to pick it up when the tell me they are out!  They check the three next closest stores and they are out of stock also.  What gives?!!  They suggested checking next week after they get their shipment.

It's difficult being patient, but i guess it will be good practice for all the meat I'll be smokin.
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Hey Cappy, this is only a guess... but Lowe's might be out of the MF 2 door because word on the street is they're coming out with a new model.  From what I can see the main difference with the new model is it's listed as LP or Charcoal and now has a small side shelf.  I've also read that the water pan and burner assembly are a bit different (read, smaller to allow better heat flow) in the newest model.  And, after reading the description from the link below, the wood box is now porcelain coated...mine was just powder coated....

Here's the link to what I believe to be the new model.  I see it's $20 more than the old model which usually ran about $149.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_156452-9539...=/pl__0__s?Ntt=master+forge+smoker&facetInfo=

And this is the older model (the model I have).  I see they knocked the price down $10 too if you can find one.

http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/sto...e Door Propane Gas Smoker&CAWELAID=1024192348

Hope this helps....

-Salt
 
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