Propane or gas?

[old golfer guy]

The lovely bride said I could have a smoker for my birthday present--- so which one gas or electric?? Went to Amazing Ribs and Meathead says electric is the one he likes the least, not as much smoke flavor and not good at lower temps. Any thoughts form you long time smokers?
Dale

 

[SmokinAl]

It depends on what your going to use it for. If you want a smoker that you can make sausage with, I would go with electric. The gas smokers have trouble holding temps down around 120. But if your looking for a smoker that can get up to 325 for chicken then gas is the way to go. I'm sure down the road you will have one of each!

Al

 

[old golfer guy]

Thanks Al
MB makes a low temp attachment to do cold smokes, is that only for electris smokers?
Dale

 

[bregent]

>Meathead says electric is the one he likes the least,
>not as much smoke flavor and not good at lower temps.

That's ridiculous. The amount of smoke flavor depends on how much wood you burn and for how long. And electrics are probably the best option for low temps. I probably would not choose electric for my only smoker, but not for those reasons. Lots of folks don't care, but I like smoke ring which is harder to get with electric. And I also like to smoke some food at higher temps. I've got a gas smoker, electric smoker, pellet grill, and a Slow N' Sear smoker for my kettle . These days I use the pellet grill the most.


>MB makes a low temp attachment to do cold smokes, is that only for electris smokers?

You can use that smoker accessory in many different applications. Note that it needs some modifications to produce good quality smoke. You can also build a cold smoker from an AMNPS and cardboard box, and many folks here have done.

 

[browneyesvictim]

Propane is gas the last I checked... Glad you clarified you meant gas or electric, Lol!

So you have ruled out charcoal smokers and pellet smokers? Do you have it narrowed down to electric or gas because you desire a set-it-and forget-it kind of smoker? Another thing to consider is portability if you want to take it to the park, camping or tailgating and such. That kind of rules out electric for the most part. What's your budget like?

 

[old golfer guy]

Thanks guys. I already have a Kamando #7 that I use for my long low and slow smokes, plus a Weber kettle and a TEC gas grill. Want the MB for things like making sausage, chicken, poppers, maybe some smoked cheese and do pork and brisket if cooking for a large crowd and my Kamado is full. With all the other units on the deck I am trying to keep this at a reasonable cost for something that will not be used every week. As for portability we have a motorhome so I can make room in that or my towed Jeep if taking it on the road.