Forum Newbie from Oklahoma

[seenred]

Howdy from Oklahoma.
I got my first smoker a little over a year ago, and I'm hooked. I started with an offset smoker, the New Braunfels Hondo Deluxe. Didn't know much about smokers when I bought it. Now that I know more, I'm thinking of trying a gas smoker. It's too hard to control the temp in the ever-changing Oklahoma weather and wind on my offset. Part of the problem is, it is not put together very well. Too many gaps and spaces for airtight chambers. I have tried a few mods that help some, but not enough to feel comfortable about walking away for more than a few minutes. Anyone else out there smokin with a New Braunfels or comparable offset smoker? If so, I welcome any tips.
Also, those of you who have expertise with propane units, I am looking for advice on purchasing a good, sturdy one. There are times when I love spending the entire day fiddling with my offset pit, trying to keep the temp and smoke just right. There are other times when I long for a smoker I can set up and walk away for a while without having to worry about it. I have read many reviews on a Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain, some good and some bad. I'm thinking this is about what I want to try, so let me know what you think.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you all.

I see smoke rings in my sleep!
SeenRed

 

[bmudd14474]

Welcome to SMF. Sounds like you have the smokin bug. I have the GOSM and love it.

 

[pineywoods]

Welcome to SMF glad you joined us. You'll find lots of opinions on the different kinds of smokers around here. I do have a GOSM and they are great smokers. Have fun and happy smoking

 

[smokeguy]

Glad you joined us. I don't have one of those, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before you start picking up all sorts of good tips on it.

 

[txbbqman]

Welcome to the SMF family, I may be a little help on the off set but can't help on the propane.

If it is a newer model New Braunfels, it is no doubt made of thinner metal than the older ones which in turn is going to make your job more difficult but not impossible.

You can use what I call Rope insulation designed for fireplaces and wood stoves to seal up the edges of doors, it will help.

As far as Mother Nature....Good Luck, she has a way of messing with stick burners. For mine here in Central Texas, I have a wind block made that I can set up in a matter of minutes if need be. Wind seems to be my biggest issue as we don't get as cold as you do. There are several different mods you can try and I am sure some one will be along soon to offer more advice.

Here is a good thread to start you out

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1925

Good Luck and Happy Smokin'

 

[keith54]

Welcome Seenred, Glad you can join us here. Take yer shoes off and put your feet up...you'll get plenty of good advice on this forum.

Welcome again.

Keith

 

[fired up]

Welcome aboard! I love my gosm.

 

[smokin' dick]

Welcome to the Club! You'll find this to be a great place.I've got a Silver Smoker which is similar to your's, I believe. I have made many mods to it: made a charcoal box out of expanded metal, raised the charcoal grate, added a baffle from the fire box to the chamber, had some 1/4" tuning plates made up for it and removed the stock stack and replaced it with a 4" diameter stack welded low in the chamber. Now the thing works pretty well, but still leaks like a, well, leaks like a cheap smoker! For easy of use propane is a good bet and I've heard good things about the GOSM. But for charcoal fuel why not look at the Weber Smoky Mountain Cooker? Nice and easy to maintain temps.

 

[ken mckee]

Welcome SeenRed, from one newbie to another, there is a lot of good people here and good solid advise, not to mention all the great learning experiences that is awaiting you.


Got a buddy of mine that has your smoker and he just hooked up a mod gas burner on it, worked fine for him for awhile.

Ken

 

[BandCollector]

Welcome.........Glad you joined us

 

[irishteabear]

Welcome to SMF. There's a wealth of info here from both the info posted already and the people that are here.

 

[bassman]

Welcome to the forum. I use the Camp Chef Smoke Vault propane smoker and am quite satisfied with it. It's similar to the GOSM and I believe either one would work great for you.

 

[grothe]

Welcome to SMF SeenRed!
I have both, an offset and a gasser. Use both regularly, can't beat the vertical chamber for smokin a chicken with a butt or some bacon above the bird for a 'self basting' of pork fat. Best bird I've ever eaten!!!