New to the forum and want to purchase a smoker

[chrisgbo]

Hello all,

Chris from Canada here,New to this forum, and very happy to have found this site. Lots of useful information that I will definitely use in the future. I'm looking at purchasing my 1st smoker and I would like some recommendations. I don't want to spend a fortune. Maybe around $200. Ideally I would like something that needs minimal mods and  cooks well out of the box. I anticipate making mods in the future, but I would like to get comfortable cooking with a smoker 1st.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Chris

 

[chevytech77]

Welcome Chris. As a first timer you really need to decide on what type of fuel/heat source you would like to use to hear your smoker. Honestly though, if you want to keep it simple/easy, spend another $100 and buy yourself a Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5". I tried doing good smoke the "cheap" way for years but finally cracked and spent the money this year. I couldn't be happier with my WSM. Good luck!

 

[georgie porgie]

Welcome to SMF from another newbie, you will get all the advice you need here from the senior members, just have to ask :)

 

[chrisgbo]

Thanks Chevy,

I'm thinking of going the charcoal rout. Are many mods needed for the Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5"?

 

[chevytech77]

Mine smoked great out of the box so I have 0 mods planned for it other than the seal kit I already added and the lid hinge kit.

 

[joe black]

Welcome from SC, Chris. You will find lots of folks here with tons of knowledge who are always eager to share ideas, tips, recipes and anything else that you need. Regarding smokers, if there were 1000 smokers, you would get 1000 opinions. With your budget, the WSM is probably your best bet and is very user friendly. Good luck, Joe

 

[gary s]

  Good morning and welcome to the forum, from a cloudy and rainy looking day in East Texas. Lots of great people with tons of               information on just about  everything.  Looking forward to watching your build take shape

         Gary

 

[chrisgbo]

I've been searching a little and think I will go with the WSM. 14.5". Does it come with 1 single rack for food or is there 2? Does with come with any type of attachments  for food placement or does the meat get placed directly on the rack?

 

[chevytech77]

Two racks and no "attachments". I put the food either directly on the grates or in a pan, depending on what I'm cooking and how I want it done.