New Smoker

[travelbilly]

I know there are a ton of these threads and I'm searching them, but still want suggestions. Here we go: My cajun injector shit the bed today....

I cook for a family of 4, but like to bring lots of meat to parties as well. I haven't been smoking all that long and have actually had ALOT of problems. The cajun was too small for a whole rack of ribs unless I cut them in half.

I live in NE Ohio, but refuse to quit smoking in the winter. That makes it pretty tough I had to shield even this smoker that is insulated, just wouldn't hold temp.

So even though I see alot of people loving on the wsm (I have friends thatcswear by weber but they don't smoke in winter)and side smokers, I'm skeptical about them. Propane looks like a good option, but I see alot of people complaining about holding consistent temps. I have almost $500 worth of cabelas points and nothing I really want from there so a smoker may be what I use them for, but not necessarily. I would by a good smoker with cash if it's gonna be the best option. BTW, I really don't wanna babysit this thing either... 

Thank you in advance, I wanna do this right the 2nd time...

 

[pineywoods]

Propane or another electric may be your best option if you don't want to tend it to much. I like my propane smokers personally

 

[travelbilly]

 Propane or another electric may be your best option if you don't want to tend it to much. I like my propane smokers personally

That being the case, maybe you're just the person to ask for help. If you don't mind....

I got this with my cabelas points http://www.cabelas.com/product/Masterbuilt-Sportsman-Elite-44-Propane-Window-Smoker/1934609.uts?

I put it together and seasoned it today. also decided to work with it to figure it out so I wouldn't be in panic mode with meat inside. Had a couple issues...

1. I couldn't keep my amnps smoking when it was on the bottom. I moved it all around and had to put it on the bottom meat rack, higher than the dampers to keep it going. You ever see that??

2. as for the dampers, they by design, don't close all the way. they stay open about 1/3. seems like they ought to close, don't you think?

 

[timtimmay]

Congrats on the mes! I have an electric also, I wish it was an mes, they seem a ton more reliable.

 

[travelbilly]

It's not electric, it's propane. I'm hoping this will allow winter smoking