Greeting from Guildford, UK.

[andybigwood]

Hi there,

I'm Andy and I've just within the last week, smoked my first steak, using Hickory sawdust, and a weber gas bbq.

It was okay, although a little dry, but hey, I've started.

A bit about me -

I'm 52yrs old, and have always enjoyed cooking.

The smoking bug hit me after watching Man V Food series, which shows some fantastic food including smoked brisket, smoked pulled pork, and of course I've since learned about lots of other great recipes.

I think it's fair to say that here in the UK, bbqing is seen generally as a summer thing, but I am more interested in doing these recipes all year round.

Now, the Weber gas bbq I mentioned is my mothers, and she's happy for me to use it so long as it can be used as a gas bbq when she wants it.

So I'm a bit torn at the moments about which smoker to buy -

Do I go for entry level ProQ Amigo: http://www.forfoodsmokers.co.uk/acatalog/Amigo_BBQ_Smoker.html which gets some mixed reviews,

or a Weber Smokey Mountain 47cm(18inch): http://www.birstall.co.uk/products/weber_smokey_mountain_cooker_47cm_.html

or as I'm just starting out, how about modifying a steel waste bin? They seem like the right size, and if it's just a matter of fitting some grills, vents, and thermometer, might work out cheaper?

What I don't want to do is to pay out for something special that wont be used to it's full potential.

I will be doing the pulled pork and the brisket, but not that often, and only for small groups of friends and family.

All advice welcome!

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello  Andy.  Welcome.  I see this is only your second post.  Please take some time and swing over to Roll Call and introduce yourself so that we may give you a proper "Hello".  All info you can provide us with such as smoker type, location and so on will help us answer any questions you may have.  As for your question:  Here is my opinion for what it is worth.  Others will have different advice.  This is only my opinion:  Look in the smoker build forum and research UDS.  These are made from barrels.  Cheap to build, easy to find barrels, easy to use and makes a great smoker.

 U.K. members now have our own group.  I would like to invite you to join our group.  We have only recently started but we are growing quickly.  Also, if you decide to join the group please have a read through the threads posted there and feel free to post some of your own.  The welcome post in the group will explain who I am.  If I can be of any help please feel free to PM me.  The link below will take you to the Group home page.  Welcome to SMF.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/groups/show/38/uk-smokers

 

[andybigwood]

Thanks Danny,

I got a bit lost - thought this post was in Roll Call, but I moved somewhere else before typing - haha.

Thanks for the info on UDS and barrels - I'm intrigued!

I will definitely join the UK members group, as it will be a great benefit for local resources.

Andy.

 

[humdinger]

Big welcome from across the Pond! Glad to hear you're making a go of it with the awesome hobby that is smoking! Looks like KC5 has you covered so far, but hit me up if you have any other questions.

 

[andybigwood]

Thanks Humdinger, sorry for the delayed response.