New guy in Town

[dirtydog]

I have decided to get a smoker. I am leaning towards a Weber Smokey Mountain. It will be my first. I live near Raleigh NC and have a Weber grill that I have used for the last ten years. That is one of the reasons I am leaning towards the the Weber. I would welcome some input from anybody if I should buy something else. I really do not want to spend more than $450.00 on this and do NOT want an electric. I hope to make my decision in the next two weeks. I barbeque  a lot about four times a week.

 

[heavydlite]

Welcome to the site. I have the 18.5 WSM and love it but at times wish I had the 22.5, for larger pieces of meat or more ribs. These units hold the temp well and don't use a ton of charcoal. Make sure you buy the Weber chimney to get the charcoal started quicker.
I started smoking with electric units, years later I finally got the Weber Smokey Mountain. I agree with what I've read about this unit - good for beginners and for the experienced user.
Hope this helps you with your decision.

 

[joe black]

Welcome from SC, Dirtydog. It's good to have you on this great site. I used to have a WSM 22.5 and they are good smokers. They are very user friendly. Also within your budget is the Old Country smokers at Academy Sports. They are offset smokers and more conventional. IMO, they are also more versatile. If you already have the Weber grill, this would make a good second unit.

Good luck and keep on smokin', Joe

 

[gary s]

  Good afternoon and welcome to the forum, from a cloudy, rainy  and cool day here in East Texas. Lots of great people with tons of information on just about  everything. 

Gary