Experts check my head.

[christhompson]

I've got no smoker, but want one desperately. After scouring all the forums here, this is what I've decided.

I don't own a charcoal grill, because I know I'd never use it. Not enough patience to fire up and wait and maintain. No charcoal for me, it wouldn't get used.

The electric smokers I've seen are either smaller, or more expensive, or both. No electric.

So propane it is.

I wanted a GOSM big block, but they're pretty much gone. My local Bass Pro shops are out.

Walmart.com has the widebody that can be shipped to my local store for $138, but I've read some people complaining about the cheaper construction of the walmart models. Not to mention the fact that I've got some philosophical problems with giving Wal-Mart my money.

The Smoke Hollow is bigger than the GOSM widebody, seems to be fairly well reviewed here, and is at Amazon for $144 + $9.99 delivery. I've got a $10 off amazon card which makes shipping free.

So, basically, my plan is to get this:

http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Hollow%C...dp/B000XXWJH6/

And do all the popular GOSM mods to it. I plan to add a stack to the top, Add better (and more) thermometers, a grommet on the side for passing thermometer probe cords, a needle valve in the propane line to help with the lower temps, a set of wheels, better smoke box, etc.

I'm most interested in doing bacon and brisket with a few dozen fatties along for the ride.

Am I missing anything?

 

[richoso1]

Dude, you've got the bases covered. Good thinking, and good luck on the new smoker.

 

[waysideranch]

Go for it is all i got to say.

 

[bwsmith_2000]

Good approach Chris!
I have one of the stainless steal GOSMs and I love it. I just hate that they are going out of business and I certainly understand you concern with leaving your bucks with Wal Mart. I'd say you are definitely on your way to some fine eats. Good luck and keep us posted when you get set up. Don't forget to season it before putting meat in ..... get rid of the "new" taste.

 

[pineywoods]

Chris sounds like a plan. With the problems some members have been having with GOSM's catching on fire recently and the fact that the company has filed for bankruptcy I honestly don't think I'd buy one right now. The only thing I would caution you about is most propane smokers won't run at low temps I like my GOSM but have yet to get it to run at under 185*

 

[lcruzen]

The installation of a needle valve between the reg and the burner will allow lower temps. I can get mine down to 150o. I tend to use chips or saw dust to get good smoke at those temps.

 

[fred420]

if you add a side vent you can run at low temps, smokeysmypet told me how................

 

[rbrinton2373]

I am kind of curious too For a generally inexpensive propane unit what is the concensus on which one to get. I only have my CharGriller smoking pro w/ sfb. But it doesn't have the space I need for some of the smokes I want to do and am looking for a decent sized one that can do several things all at once. My Chargriller is a nice size but can only fit like 2 racks of ribs so not much room on the surface. Thanks

 

[christhompson]

It looks like the budgetary space I thought I had to get this won't actually be there for another two weeks, so I have to go back into waiting mode.

One other thing I want to address is bottom venting. I've seen where some GOSM have baffled vents underneath and some just have big holes. I haven't seen a shot of the underside of the Smoke Hollow, but I want to enlarge if too small, restrict if too large, etc.

Another odd idea is to somehow be able to leave the burner off and bring cold smoke in from an external smoke generator box. It's all about the bacon.

 

[pineywoods]

Chris another method I have been told about but haven't tried yet is to place a pan of coals and foiled chips or chunks in the bottom of the smoker and leave the propane off.

Rb I have been looking at the 24" Smoke Vault at Gander Mountain its about 250 bucks but has a stainless door and lots of room. It appears to be a very nice smoker and a few people here have gotten them

 

[cinnamonkc]

Uh...the invite to dinner!!

 

[christhompson]

I had never even heard of Gander Mountain until I started reading this site. There's definitely none anywhere near Cincinnati. $250 is a bit more than I can slide past the budgetkeeper, though.