Chicago BBQ

[mds23]

Hello all.

I've been searching and researching what to get as my first true smoker.  I've struggled with reverse flow v. upright v. traditional offset (and their respective multiple manufacturers).  Also, Chicago presents its own challenges (i.e. cold and snow).

So, happy to be a part of the thread to find the direction I NEED!

Thanks

 

[dewetha]

hey there. i just went threw the first winter in Chicago with a master built XL propane(sold by Bass proshop). insulation is king! although I can keep 225 at 20 deg out. it's a  full open burner. I didn't use any blankets/insulation yet. another mod!

if cash isn't an problem, I would make an buying a well insulated or very thick metal a top priority. as far as what kind? they are all good. there are three main parts IMO. the heat source, the smoke and the ability to control temps. the heat source can be wood,charcoal,gas,electric, pellet, etc. as long as you can control the heat you are off to a winning start.

i myself am looking towards a second unit yoder,lang,backwoods,stumps,big green egg. there are so many choices!  you can start with the cheapest one you can work with in your preferred heat source and see what you like. I thought propane was the only way to go but now i am strongly considering a wood burner.

happy smoking!

 

[toxie]

Welcome to SMF!! Lots of good folks and information here... 

 

[venture]

Welcome aboard!

You will find great info here.  But I warn you?  Your first smoker purchase will be just exactly your first smoker purchase.

Hanging around here will burst the bubble out of your toy budget! 

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[sprky]

 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
 

Welcome aboard!

You will find great info here.  But I warn you?  Your first smoker purchase will be just exactly your first smoker purchase.

Hanging around here will burst the bubble out of your toy budget! 

 Just the toy budget?........LOL more like the entire budget

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[jrod62]

:welcome1:

 

[SmokinAl]

   Glad to have you with us!

 

[scarbelly]

Welcome to SMF - glad to have you here and we hope we can help with the smoker choice 

Please do us a favor and update your profile with your location 

Thanks 

 

[capntrip]

If you're looking for electric I recommend the smokin-it model 1 @ www.smokin-it.com    can't go wrong for the money and it works great in Minneapolis

 

[ecto1]

Welcome to SMF glad you can join us.  We are big on Pics and love to help everyone out.  Remember the only question that is dumb is one not asked.  You will not find a friendlier place to talk Que on the web.

You are going to fit in just fine.

 

[roller]

Welcome to SMF !

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello and welcome to SMF!

 

[redclaymud]

If you truly get the bug you will want two smokers.  The best being your summer smoker, and the worst being your winter, out of the weather smoker.  I would guess there are some that would satify both weather environments.

I purchased my WSM way to late in the season and only got two smokes out of her before I knew it was time to bring things under the porch.  So I also bought a MasterCraft smoker and have been smoking all winter.  Spring is soon to come.  I'm already stocking up on charcoal and wood chunks.  The Weber is about to be put back into action.  Looking forward to it.  Nothing beats charcoal and chunked wood in a smoker.