Need help buying a smoker

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stretch90

Fire Starter
Original poster
Aug 24, 2010
31
10
So this is going to be my first smoker and I think I want a charcoal one, I just don't know where to buy one from. I went to home depot and they only thing they have is a $400 propane smoker. That one is also bigger than I need, roughly 4 feet. So, I'm looking for a charcoal smoker that's moderately sized and hopefully under $200. Does anyone know where I can go for this? I want to start smoking as soon as possible!
 
To meet your requirements or prefs I'd suggest taking a look at Wal Mart.  Look for a Brinkman Smoke N Pit

For other options take a look at the header of this page and click on smokers and more.  You will find various styles of charcoal smokers and some reviews. 

Hope this helps you out.
 
Wal Mart sells Char Broiler  which is an offset style smoker for about $160, they also have a nicer model on their website for just under $200 but is only offered online.
 
Weber has an 18.5" vertical smoker  ( WSM ) and it goes for around $300 and it has a huge following around this forum.  If you can squeeze out a bit more cash that would be your best bet in my own opinion.

Also look around the forum for UDS  do a search.   You can build your own unique and very capable smoker with very little $$$  and it won't require welding or fab work.  A drill some bolts and nuts a few odds and ends and presto..your smokin like a pro.
 
oh..welcome to SMF I missed your intro last week it seems.  Hope you are enjoying the forums, lots of great people and food here.
 
Weber has an 18.5" vertical smoker  ( WSM ) and it goes for around $300 and it has a huge following around this forum.  If you can squeeze out a bit more cash that would be your best bet in my own opinion.

Also look around the forum for UDS  do a search.   You can build your own unique and very capable smoker with very little $$$  and it won't require welding or fab work.  A drill some bolts and nuts a few odds and ends and presto..your smokin like a pro.
Hey, thanks a lot for the responses.

I found this smoker at the Home Depot

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

It only costs 70 bux so I was wondering what the main difference is between this and the weber 18.5 vertical unit that you suggested, because there's a pretty large price difference.
 
Oh...the Weber will spank that brinkman like a silly lil school girl.  Weber is quality.  Better temp control, probably last longer.  But just starting out smoking and not knowing if your gonna continue down this path, no one will blame ya for saving a buck while your learning.
 
Hey, thanks a lot for the responses.

I found this smoker at the Home Depot

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

It only costs 70 bux so I was wondering what the main difference is between this and the weber 18.5 vertical unit that you suggested, because there's a pretty large price difference.
 
Oh...the Weber will spank that brinkman like a silly lil school girl.  Weber is quality.  Better temp control, probably last longer.  But just starting out smoking and not knowing if your gonna continue down this path, no one will blame ya for saving a buck while your learning.
 

 
So I tried to look into ordering a Brinkmann 810-5301-C, but I've realized that smokers aren't that easy to get in Canada. Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's and places like that seem to only keep smokers in stock in the States, and they don't ship to Canada from their websites. Also, I looked up that smoker on Ebay and although the smoker is only selling for around $60, the shipping is around $65 and I may have to pay customs as well.

But I found a listing for a cheap Meco smoker and since it's my only option for now I think I'll try it out and everything goes well then I'll look into getting a good quality one later.
 
with it being the end of summer and the stores not stocking them.

have you thought about making one ?

 UDS work great and are cheap
 
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You might also try Bass Pro Shop too. They have many smoker and the GOSM big blck I think comes in a charcoal burning also.
 
If you really get to enjoy smoking you can always add another smoker later-most on here have several smokers/grills etc.

Good luck!
 
Please do not be shy of making a UDS smoker. A buddy and I just spent two days, a hundred bucks each, and a couple hours of time and these things are done and smokin great!!  We did this with no power tools other than a drill and grinder. Very easy and I must say I am glad I pulled the trigger. I was once very shy of this idea, but for the quality of smoker you are going to get for under 200 I would say that the UDS will out smoke all of them. Just my .02
 
If you are have oposable thumbs and are at all mechinically inclined a UDS (Ugly Drum Smoker) is a great smoker to build, usually less than $150 all total.

If you are not wanting to make a UDS then get the 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM). I started out spending $180 on a Char-griller from Lowes, spent $40 modifying it, used it for 8 months, sold it for $80, and got a 22.5" WSM. The WSM's are a super easy to use smoker that turn out great Que, and best of all they do well in all types of weather (hint, hint.... Canada!). I honestly wish I had just started with the WSM instead of my Char-griller.
 
I did not know anthing about smoking when I started a couple years ago. I bought the Brinkman vertical water smoker for about $70 and did the recommended mods to it for another $20 and I am very happy with it. You need to have the gasket rope to seal the lid, drill some holes in the top for more exhaust, and provide more air inlet on the fire pan. I think it has a few more years in it. I can controll 200 to 250 for about 8 hours on one charge. A very inexpensive way to learn. You must make the mods or you have no control of temp.
 
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