Looking for a Smoker

[rickp]

Hey guys,

New here, this is my first post.

I want to start smoking so I'm looking for a smoker.  It's only for me and the family and maybe for a few parties here and there.

The 2 smokers that stood out so far are the weber 731001 and the Lang 36".  I know there's a big price, but at this point I want to educate myself with the difference and what is a better smoker.  So which is better?

Again, I'm not looking for something elaborate just something that puts out a good product for family.

Thanks

R.

 

[meateater]

Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to  your first qview. 

 I would read around for a while and get familiar with different smokers, charcoal, propane and electric. 

 

[SmokinAl]

    Glad to have you with us!

Like meat said, do some research.

First you need to decide what you want, gas, charcoal, electric, etc.

Then what is your budget?

Check out the different smoker forums. 

Ask a lot of questions & good luck!

 

[fpnmf]

Welcome..

This site has tons of info.

I would suggest you spend some time reading all the different forums and the WIKIs.

Then use the handy dandy search tool for specific interests!!

Take the awesome free E-Course!!!

Have a great day!!!

Craig

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/about-jeffs-5-day-ecourse
 
      Make bacon the easy way!!
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/109368/more-easy-made-bacon-with-q-view#post_666451

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/basic-pulled-pork-smoke

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/finishing-sauce-for-pulled-pork-by-soflaquer

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/wiki/tips-slaughterhouse-recipes-for-poultry

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/82034/how-to-post-qview-to-smf

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?736-Curing-Salts

http://www.educationbug.org/a/marinate-vs--Amarinade.html

 

[chef jimmyj]

Welcome to the SMF....What you are looking at is Apples and Solid Gold Oranges.  Both have fans here and their owners put out great product.

If price is not an issue, get the Lang 36. Once you get going your product will be in demand and you will be happy for the bigger smoker...JJ

Lang is one sweet piece of Steel!

 

[oldschoolbbq]

   Rickp,as said look at the styles and think opf what you want to feed it for fuel.El Cheapo Brinkmand are good for getting a hang of the charcoal and be sure to get (at least)a simple probe thermometer(like the ones Chefs use-about $5) and they are adjustable with the nut on the back.

   Hope you have fun and contact us if you have trouble.Don't forget to send Q-view,or it didn't happen

 

[pineywoods]

The WSM is a great smoker if you want a good charcoal smoker. We have many members who own the WSM's and really like them. The 22" is the bigger of the 2 models of these Weber makes.

The Lang is a reverse flow horizontal and can be purchased in either a black stainless shell or a 1/4" steel model and I would select the 1/4" one. It will hold heat better and will last forever.

In my opinion either one will produce great food but that is pretty much where the similarities end. The WSM is smaller and more compact at approximately 23" x 23" x 42" high. The Lang takes up some room at about 70" long by 39" wide and 73" high to the top of the stack. At about 608 lbs for the 1/4" model the Lang is way heavier if you have to move it around much. Personally I like the reverse flow and being able to use wood splits however using them will require more tending the smoker than using charcoal. The Lang would use more charcoal from what I have heard from owners of both. The Lang is quite a bit more expensive than the WSM if that makes a difference. Depending on where you live shipping costs may be a consideration as well.

I have a Lang 84 and love it but if I was just getting into smoking I might would opt for the WSM and then consider the Lang down the road when I figured out how much smoking I actually do and how many people find out how good the food is and come visit for food

 

[rickp]

Hey guys,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yeah I still have a long way to go in educating myself with this.  A lot of good points to consider with both.  I really like the Lang but not sure if its a bit much for my level, but then again for a few hundred more I can go for broke and get something that I will be set with. 

I would think using wood would be a preferred way to go in terms of flavor and cooking method.  I would have to ask you guys for your thoughts on that.  I don't think I can use wood in the weber correct?

At this point I'm just looking for a good piece of gear that I can grow with and put out good food with.

R.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Rickp,you might find a food grade barrel and have a smoker for about $50.They do a good job,but I'm set off by the Petroleum taste/flavor.

If you have the cash,look to Houston for some great smokers;expensive , but a life time one buy set-up;and easy to cook on,not set and forget,but have friends over and have fun.

   Here's my Tejas2040,good for back yard and cost less than Klose or Gator;unless you are going into business,then you need a larger one.

I can do enough for 100 persons easy,or pre-cook some things and feed even more,just reheat in my gas fryers.

   Hmmm,I need to get ready for the Turkeys and Hams the neighbors want for the Holidays.

Have fun and...

 

[garyt]

Get the Lang, you will never look back at your decision and wished you had gotten something else. Except a bigger Lang

 

[mballi3011]

First off Welcome Rick to SMF. You'll like this place cause theres alot of really good folks here that would love to help you out with just about anything to do with smoking meat. If you have the money I would also recommend the LANG it's one of the best out there. So get to smoking and don't forget the Q-view cause we just love that stuff. So enjoy for there's alot of really good recipes and methods that you could learn from here.

Welcome To You New Addiction.