Getting New Smoker - What to get????

[planeguy]

My lovely wife has offered to buy me a new smoker for my upcoming 30th bday..

I have a few vertical smokers but wanted a horizontal smoker w/ SFB. 

Looking for something in the $200 - $300 range.

What does everyone recommend out there?

Thanks

 

[chicagochris]

WSM, without a doubt.  

 

[flbobecu]

I think he wanted a horizontal and not a vertical. 

I really like my Chargriller - and will be getting the small Charbroil SFB (~288sq in) horizontal from Walmart ($88) for smaller items (sausage, burgers, etc.) Though I can't comment on much else. 

 

[rickw]

I'd say save up more money and buy a horizontal that will last, 1/4 steel, or skip the horizontal and get a WSM. For the money you want to spend the WSM is, by far,  a better cooker than the cheap horizontals.

 

[jirodriguez]

I had the Char-griller and modded it.... it was a good place to start and learn, but in all honesty I am much, much happier with my 22.5" WSM. I know you mentioned a horizontal offset, but IMHO you aren't going to get a great offset unless you are willing to drop some serious $$. You can get an OK or maybe even a good one, but that is up to you.

Either way let us know when you add to the "family"

 

[5lakes]

I have a Char Griller Super Pro with SFB. I like it. I bought it as a starter, just to make sure I really wanted to get into this hobby turned obsession...

I've been thinking about getting a vertical, such as WSM. We have a BGE dealer here in town that would love to sell me one of those.

To be honest, now that I have the horizontal working, I can go for the rest of this year with it and the ECB I will be getting into service this weekend. A horizontal will be more work that your verticals. However, it can be quite satisfying, also.

 

[pgsmoker64]

CharGriller Pro is a good choice for a horizontal! You will have to make a few modifications, but it's still a good smoker for the money! I have made many people happy with my little smoker.

The cost, including modifications was about $250.00.

However, I agree with RickW! Save up and buy a good smoker! But......you want to get started ASAP, so since the wood smokers have an SFB, it's not a bad idea to start out with an SFB (Side Fire Box) smoker.

Let me know if you need help with your mods....I can give you some low budget modifications that make a huge difference.

 

[pork chop]

Howdy All,

I am new to this forum.  Currently I own a propane Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain Series Smoker.  It produces very good results, but I am now looking to purchase a charcoal smoker.  I have read great reviews regarding Weber's Smokey Mountain Cooker, but I am wondering if there is an advantage to purchasing a vertical vs. an offset. The only thing I do not like about the WSM is that in order to rotate or access food on the bottom grate, you have to remove the top grate first, no? With an offset I would not have to do this. I really do not want to modify a new smoker either and I am looking to keep it under $400.  Thanks much!

 

[mballi3011]

I'm another one for the gas units. I have both a GOSM and a Smake Vault 24" and I would give a good thumbs up to the smoke vault. It's a great smoker and it will put out some killer food too. Now I like the gosm but I had it for 2 years or so and smoked alot maybe as many as 3-4 times a week. Now it is used for low temp smoking such as bacon and sausages. Now the vault is built alot better to me and you can actually lay a full rack of spares in it and have plenty of room for other stuff to. Then all the cooking parts and alot more heavy duty too. Now that's my pennies worth.