Need help deciding on propane smoker!

[nascarman]

Hi everyone. I’m pretty new to smokers and smoking, although I had an electric water smoker for a while. I finally quit cooking in it because it threw a breaker about every ten minutes. Probably not the smoker’s fault, but I don’t want to go thru that again.

As I don’t want to be chained to the smoker (charcoal) I think propane might be the best way to go. The GOSM seems to be a popular starting smoker on here, as does the Kenmore, and Char- Broil.

Does anyone have experience with the King Kooker low/ high pressure cookers? What exactly does that mean?

Why would someone want smokers that do that?

If anyone has other suggestions I would appreciate them!

Thanks,

Nascarman

 

[bassman]

The only one I'm familiar with is the Smoke Vault. I hear the GOSM is also a good one. Don't know anything about the King Kooker.

 

[mballi3011]

I personally don't have any knowledge with the king kooker but I have 2 GOSM propane smoker and I think it does a great job. It's almost a set it and forget it type deal. You have to change the wood from time to time but to me that keeps me in tune with the smoking process. I don't do the ronco thing. I've had alot of good smokes with them and you do'nt have to fuss with a fire. So there mine 2 pennies.

 

[pineywoods]

Not sure about the King-Kooker but the rest that you mention all seem to be very good smokers. Personally I have the GOSM and it has worked great

 

[critterhunter]

I have an Uncle that has a GOSM and loves it I have a smoke hollow which I think is pretty comparible.Initially the temps were way to high I asked them to send me another reg. and a couple more vents it was free of charge and good service.It has a sausage hanger and 4 racks the Temp gauge was 20 degrees low but easy enough to accomodate

 

[old poi dog]

I have the small GOSM. If you go with the GOSM get the biggest one you can afford. That way you can smoke whole lengths of ribs without cutting them to fit. In fact if you go with any smoker, get the biggest one you can afford.

 

[forluvofsmoke]

Agreed! I ended up getting my SNP horizontal just for keeping larger pieces of meat intact. That's the only regret I have about buying the smallest GOSM. Great little rigs for a starter...heck, I've had mine over 5 years and I don't plan on parting with it, ever!

Welcome to the forum, Nascarman! I didn't see a post from you in roll call...may want to slip over there and let the folks know a bit about yourself, then they can be of better help to you in the future. The term low/high pressure refers to the type of gas regulator on the unit. A high pressure regulator will have the gas control valve on the regulator (instead of a control valve next to the burner), which will offer infinite flame adjustment on the burner. If you can get one of these types, I would grab it...you'll be glad you did once you start using it, and understand what it can do for you.

Regardless of what brand of smoker you decide to go with, you will go through a learning curve to find out how it likes to run, and get a nice thin smoke and run the temps the way you like it. Also, you will probably start to tinker with mods eventually, to really get the best possible performance and the most even cook grate temps you can squeeze from it.

Good luck on your decision and purchase. Happy smokes to you as well!

Eric