Help! Advice sought - moving "up" from propane smoker

[sparkmarker]

Hey gang,

First off, great to find such an amazing resource on the web.

Now, on to my question...

I have a basic propane powered smoker (Broil Mate, now branded as Grill Pro), the vertical type with three shelves, a water/drip tray, and a smoke box that I fill with wood chips. The propane makes temperature maintenance a breeze, but the chips tend to smoke for only 15 minutes or so, then just burn down. I'd prefer a smoker that provided a more constant flow of smoke.

After 3-4 years of using this, I'm now ready to move up to something a little more "serious". I have no idea which would be the best type of smoker.

I've considered:

- Weber Smokey Mountain

- Big Steel Keg

- Offset drum style

I don't have any experience with charcoal.

Any tips from the forum on what a logical next step would be?

Thanks!

 

[mr500]

Well For ME....I went from a chargriller SFB up to the 22.5 WSM. What a difference. It almost like I am cheating. I got it for 360.00 at my door. I still use my chargriller for regular grill outs, but all the smoking is on my WSM. It will run all night on one load of coals, she will simmer at 230-250 for hoursssssssss   I love this thing. I could not see me using anything else but this..Others here like the propane/electric but I love the lump coal and wood chunks...Plus its pretty portable, it could be used as a reg grill if you wanted too. Great customer service and an awesome warranty from WEBER.

Again my opinion on what I like...

 

[so ms smoker]

  I hear great things about the WSM, but have never used it. I have an electric smoker. However, I am wondering what other type I would like to try!  Is the grass always greener? As long as you like the product you produce, it is a good day!

Mike