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delta dick

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 26, 2008
12
10
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum, been grilling for a long time, both gas & charcoal. Now I want to learn how to smoke meat the rite way. I've been reading everything I can on smoking meat & now it's time to buy a smoker & supplies. I don't need anything too big, there's only two of us. There are so many different kinds of smokers & prices my head is spinning. I guess i've narrowed it down to a offset smoker, it seems like the way to go? I've seen them in Wal-Mart for $84 & in Lowes for $129, price is not that important, but, why spend money that you don't have to. I guess the reason for this post is to get ideas from someone who has been there & done that. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you very much
Dick
 
Welcome to the "Family" The off-set will work great for you. Just remeber to read through the different mods that are available, to make your smokes even more enjoyable. This site is full of knowledgable and friendly people that are more than willing to help out, all you need to do is ask. Once again, welcome and HAPPY SMOKIN"
 
Welcome to the SMF!
Glad to have you aboard. Regarding the smoker, it's a matter of what pleases you that counts. However, just my $.02 worth, the off set is nice. I have a Charbroil Silver Smoker with all the mods and I enjoy using it. But, I have to say that it does require considerable attention when smoking to keep the temp steady. And that's OK when I have nothing else to do because I find tending the fire and drinking a cold one very enjoyable. But, if you have other things to be doing like yard work etc. or you don't want to spend the time, you might consider a gas fired unit like the GOSM. (I know they are getting hard to find but there a lots of similar units out there.) I think the taste of the meat from the off set might be just a little better but it takes a lot more attention.
 
If yer jumping in both feet... the offset's a fine machine. May need some mods... most smokers "outta the box" do. Well, unless yer saying that a $4000 Lang's in the budget ;{) Folks here will help ya thru....
 
welcome to smf, diferent smokers require different amounts of attention. u need to ck on different smokers whether electric,gas,or wood, find one that will meet your needs and still keep it fun for ya.... good luck and cant wait to see your first smoke qview!!!!
 
Welcome! The offset wood or charcoal burner is a great choice. Remember most things are (get what you pay for) but some inexpensive units with mods you can find on the forum will serve well. Heck if you are handy you may want to build your own. If money not an object There are some fine built units out there. Personally I am prejudice as I use a Lang but you really dont need to spend that much to make good Q. Good LUck
 
Welcome to the forum. I love my offset and definitely prefer the charcoal. I did recently purchase a propane smoker too and like it as well, although the offset is still my favorite.
You'll find great information here including the 411 on all the different types of smokers. I think it just boils down to preference.
If you're not in to staying up all night stoking a fire, you may prefer propane or electric. I've never used electric but there are plenty here that have and can give you more thoughts in that direction too.
 
welcome aboard dick,
I have one of each (electric, gas, stickburner) of different sizes and I enjoy them all. only suggestion is get a little bigger than you think you might need so your not kickin yourself in the butt down the road. this "hobby" quickly leads to an addiction and you won't have to upgrade as quickly.
 
Hey Dick,

I have to agree with Lawdog. I started with a cheap charcoal smoker and then got a gas smoker. I thought I would like the convenience of gas, and I do, but I really just liked the extra space my GOSM wide body gave me. I am now looking at getting a Chargriller Pro so that I will have a lot of room and can do my entire smoke with wood if I choose. There is just something extra you get from a charcoal/wood smoker that is hard to define, but you can definietly taste. I think tending the fire is part of the process and I for one like that part. However, some people dont and that is why they make gas, electric, and stick burners.

Good Luck and let us know what you decide on.
 
Thanks guys for the replys, keep it up. So far I think I've learned, don't buy too cheap & a lot of you guys think a offset is a lot of fun. This may seem pretty stupid, but, some of the names of the meat has me confused, I know brisquet but I don't know butt, maybe pork? I know, I might be asking for a lot, but, some help with meat names will really help me.
 
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