The right smoker for a beginner?

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cntrygrl123

Newbie
Original poster
Nov 17, 2015
2
10
Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase a smoker for my boyfriend for Christmas but need some help on what to get. After a lot of research I am leaning towards the MES 40. I just wanted to see if this would be a good choice for someone just starting out? My budget is around $350 and I am looking for something reliable, yet cost effective. I thought an electric smoker would be good place to start, but am open to other recommendations as well.

Also, is there anything else I should purchase in addition to the smoker to make the gift complete? All information is greatly appreciated, as I am absolutely clueless where to even begin.
 
i can't speak on the mes 40,i have a mes 30 my wife got about 2 years ago,i'm still happy with it,still running good,the only other thing you might think about getting is a amnps if he plans on doing long smokes or cold smokes it's not necessary but it does make things a little easier.  good luck
 
I've had several friends buy the MES 40, and they love it! It cooks well, and has a small learning curve.

Like the others have said, an AMAZEN tube or tray will help a lot, and a remote probe like the Maverick is a must.

Let us know what you decide.
 
I am sure no matter what you decide it will be the right choice and he will be very happy you thought of this As a gift, but I think the type may be based on his personality. I think any smoker takes some skill and patience to do "right" but where you spend the time and effort is a little different. The following is my general opinion and in no way intended to be disrespectful. I only have my perspective and limited experience:
- if your boyfriend is a traditionalist that likes to be "off the grid" hunting, fishing, etc, and is happy with late nights and early mornings watching temperatures and figuring out how his fire behavesI recomend going with a charcoal or wood offset smoker. Walmart has a horizontal Oklahoma joe highland smoker for 258 or a Dyna-glo vertical offset for 291. IMHO this is more where we learn the foundation of smoking and nuances of the tradition.
- if your boyfriend is more into just cooking/smoking good tasting meats and cheeses and not the type to be Interested in more traditional methods or doesn't have the time ( time away from you too!) I think the MES is a good choice. Smoking on anything takes time we have to be able and willing to give.

From what I've learned here on SMF every type and method requires tinkering and practice and this is where you send him to research what to do. If you are thinking of this as a gift he obviously has an interest and he will be happy with your choice.

Final note, I have always used Webber or horizontal offset with charcoal or wood. I have not "mastered" either! But I have an appreciation for the basics and difficulties and for my personality that is important, I love heritage and history. I now have a wife and kid and so I am getting into MES because my time and attention is limited. When I do it right, and it is always an effort for me, the food off any of them tastes amazing and that's what counts in the end!
 
All depends on the fuel type. If he wants electric the MES has a great following, there are some propane burners out there that folks like, or if he likes charcoal and wood then a 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) would be great.

I have the 22.5" WSM ($399), and love it! It is the set-it-and-forget-it of charcoal smokers and I use mine year around.
 
I am looking to buy an electric smoker. My reasoning for the electric is that the electricity will not run out, while propane easily can. When it comes to wood, i would love to smoke with wood, but it is hard to find where I am, and stores sell only little bags of wood chips, $7 for 3 lb. Not sure how much wood actually would the smoker use, though.

I am planning to smoke home made sausages, pork, ribs, chicken, etc.

Looking for something that is not too complicated to use and does not cost too much to keep it burning. Budget is about $500 or so Canadian. Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
 
Rima - For most foods, any smoker will be at least "OK"

Of course, other than any "cold" smoking.

BUT - for Sausage, you need tighter temp control.

As you may already know, generally you can't let it get over about 170f, or the fat bleeds out.

As for the NO chip dispensing drawer, (addressed in link below), I'm OK with that also.

So, that's why for under $500 I'm getting this - 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/254042/110-mes-analog-w-free-shipping#post_1628456

Marc
 
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