Smoking Newbie

[chileanflame]

Hi All, Really glad I found this site and forum. I am looking to buy my first smoker and there seems a lot to concider, so I am looking for help. My budget is $200 - $300. For a first timer should I be looking for something easy to control or go down the charcoal route. Could you give me some ideas and potentail models to look at.

 

[bama bbq]

I recommend the Weber Smokey Mountain to everyone who asks this question. It's the smallest footprint, easy to use, for premium results, at a competitive cost that influenced me. Add to that the best customer service in the industry and it's a winner for that price point ($299 on amazon).

 

[s2k9k]

:welcome1: to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 50,000 members who just love to share their experience and over 1,000,000 posts describing it! Yea that’s right over 1,000,000!

The search bar at the top can be your best friend when you are trying to find answers to your questions but you can still ask too if you want!

We have an ”Articles” section that is full of great information about smoking to include a lot of recipes and instructionals. Check it out there is a lot to learn in there!

Would you do us a favor and add your location to your profile, it helps others to know where you are when they offer advice, Thanks!

You might want to check out ”Jeff's Free 5 day E-Course”, it will teach you all the basics plus a whole lot more!

 

[ryboom]

Yes, the Weber Smokey Mountain is the way to go! I bought a new-in-box one (22.5") off Craigslist for $250. That price was pretty unique though.

The heat control is very simple. It can go a long time with very little tending. It adjusts as you adjust vents.

 

[kathrynn]

to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! If you want to go propane....I own a Camp Chef 24" Smoke Vault and can do anything I want in it.

We love to see pictures of what you are cooking (or what we call q-views here at SMF).  To "upload the q-views" just follow the directions here and it will be easier. If you are using a cell phone, an IPad or a kindle, go to the main SMF page and click the Mobile button. Will make the uploads a bit faster too.

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums and some guidelines of how to interact within the forums. Off site links are not allowed here at SMF per Jeff. Not that you have done anything wrong....just a little bit of FYI for new members!

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat

 

[jim p]

I have a Chargriller Smoking Pro.  I have had it for approx 7 yrs, and has been the only smoker I ever owned.  It takes a few modifications, I have only done 2 of the numerous ones that you can do to increase the efficiency, but it has been reliable for me.  I spend approx $130, including the offset fire box.  This smoker takes time to learn and needs to be baby sat more then many other smokers, but to me it is what smoking is all about.  Do your research, read the posts and take the time to understand what you want out of a smoker.  Good luck and enjoy.  

 

[seenred]

Welcome to the forums!  Looking forward to your input here, and just ask when you need anything...someone here will surely have the answer.  There are lots of different types of smokers out there that are in your price range...gas, electric, charcoal, and even some stick burners.  It mostly depends on what you want.  A WSM is certainly a very good charcoal smoker that is in the top end of your range.

Good Luck!

Red

 

[chileanflame]

Thanks everybody. Looking forward to that first smoke and sharing the resuts.