- Apr 12, 2013
- 13
- 10
Hello,
I had a Bradley 4-rack Digital Smoker, for about 6 weeks. I had many, many issues, and, finally when the puck burning element died, it was time to return it. I am looking at a couple different options. My wife and I live in Canada, but do have a trip planned down to the US for a week-long camping trip, the first week of July. I mention this, because I am a big cross-border shopper, and have no problems buying online and having shipped to a UPS, or buying from a store down there. My only real concern with that, is we'll be camping for a week, so we'll have all that stuff with us, plus trying to stick a nice new smoker in the back of my 2003 Jetta. As far as budget goes, I'm looking at $750 on the high end.
The easiest option for me, would be the Landmann 40" Electric smoker, at costco, for $449.99, and comes with a weather cover. It appears to be this model: http://www.landmann-usa.com/OnlineStore/tabid/90/ProductID/717/Default.aspx . A couple things that really stand out to me with this model vs the bradley, is the smoke box is in a seperate compartment, so I don't have to lose temp every time I want to check pucks/water. Also, the heating element is 1200W vs an underpowered 400W in the Bradley. The impression I'm under is that I can use any chips for this system, which will bring down lifetime cost considerably, those bradley pucks are expensive, 3 pucks an hour, works out to $1.50-$2/hr. Also, from looking at it in store, the build quality does seem vastly better, and it only comes in at $30 more than I spent on my Bradley. Also, we all know how good Costco's return policy is. Also, I live about 5 minutes from there, so it's an easy purchase.
The other option I'm looking at here is the Traeger Lil Tex Elite. They run $999 up here, but seems the going rate is $799 down in the states, and Cabellas has a $75 mail-in rebate. Would be no tax for me, as an Albertan shopping in Washington state.
I am open to other ideas as well, I know that the MES 40 is a very popular model online. I just won't go back to Bradley, too many problems.
....Just thought I better put in a few qualifiers: I specifically want a digital unit, I prefer the "set it and forget it" idea, I do live in a cold winter climate, and would like to smoke year round. It is just my wife and I so I don't need a huge set up, but, we entertain a lot. Last time I used my Bradley, was 2 racks of ribs, and 20 or so chicken thighs, and that about filled the thing up.
Thanks
Nathan
I had a Bradley 4-rack Digital Smoker, for about 6 weeks. I had many, many issues, and, finally when the puck burning element died, it was time to return it. I am looking at a couple different options. My wife and I live in Canada, but do have a trip planned down to the US for a week-long camping trip, the first week of July. I mention this, because I am a big cross-border shopper, and have no problems buying online and having shipped to a UPS, or buying from a store down there. My only real concern with that, is we'll be camping for a week, so we'll have all that stuff with us, plus trying to stick a nice new smoker in the back of my 2003 Jetta. As far as budget goes, I'm looking at $750 on the high end.
The easiest option for me, would be the Landmann 40" Electric smoker, at costco, for $449.99, and comes with a weather cover. It appears to be this model: http://www.landmann-usa.com/OnlineStore/tabid/90/ProductID/717/Default.aspx . A couple things that really stand out to me with this model vs the bradley, is the smoke box is in a seperate compartment, so I don't have to lose temp every time I want to check pucks/water. Also, the heating element is 1200W vs an underpowered 400W in the Bradley. The impression I'm under is that I can use any chips for this system, which will bring down lifetime cost considerably, those bradley pucks are expensive, 3 pucks an hour, works out to $1.50-$2/hr. Also, from looking at it in store, the build quality does seem vastly better, and it only comes in at $30 more than I spent on my Bradley. Also, we all know how good Costco's return policy is. Also, I live about 5 minutes from there, so it's an easy purchase.
The other option I'm looking at here is the Traeger Lil Tex Elite. They run $999 up here, but seems the going rate is $799 down in the states, and Cabellas has a $75 mail-in rebate. Would be no tax for me, as an Albertan shopping in Washington state.
I am open to other ideas as well, I know that the MES 40 is a very popular model online. I just won't go back to Bradley, too many problems.
....Just thought I better put in a few qualifiers: I specifically want a digital unit, I prefer the "set it and forget it" idea, I do live in a cold winter climate, and would like to smoke year round. It is just my wife and I so I don't need a huge set up, but, we entertain a lot. Last time I used my Bradley, was 2 racks of ribs, and 20 or so chicken thighs, and that about filled the thing up.
Thanks
Nathan
