Thinking of a new smoker

[kajunkue]

I currently use the Big Green Egg and have used it for years. My food always turns out great but I am really wanting a new smoker and I would keep the Egg for use as a grill. What is the preference now a days? I've really been looking at the Lang pits. I do want a little larger cooking area and I think the Lang Patio would fit nice on my patio(hahaha). Please give some opinions.

 

[seenred]

There are lots of high quality smokers available these days.  First question to ask is, what kind of rig are you looking for?  Offset stickburner (like that Lang Patio)?  Vertical bullet charcoal smoker (like a WSM)?  Pellet Smoker?  Cabinet style electric or gas?  Cabinet style charcoal?...just to name a few.

Since you mentioned Lang, I'll assume you're only looking at offset stickburners.  Other Offest pitmakers (in the similar price range to Lang) that I've heard lots of good things about include: Horizon, Yoder, Klose, Jambo...there are many more.  I don't have personal experience/knowledge of any of those...only offset I ever cooked on was a cheapo New Braunfels Hondo.  

Personally I've really enjoyed cooking for the last couple years on my pellet smoker.  It turns out great 'Que, and it doesn't require babysitting like a stickburner does.

HTH...

Red

 

[sputnam]

sorry if this is hijacking but I also want a smoker. I want a vertical, electric in the neighborhood of $200. I was about to walk out the door to pick up an MES 30" digital...until I read some awful reviews. So what say ye....if you had $200 for a smoker what would you buy?

 

[jcbigler]

As always, budget is the biggest issue.

You can get an Old Country Pecos and Wrangler smokers for only $399 and $499 at Academy Sport. They get good reviews and the ones I have seen are built well.

 

[cats49er]

I have a Lang 60 deluxe and love it.It will do everything that Ben Lang Say's it will,and then some. Yes you do have to tend to an off set smoker but that's not all bad either.You will still have plenty of time for family and friends or make other side dishes, cut the grass , wash the car , or just sit around and have a few cold ones.There is several thing I would recommend if you get a stick burner.One is get the warmer box.It comes in handy to cook sides extra meat, and I use it to heat up my next few pieces of wood so they lite up easier with less smoke. Also I say get at least one size larger than what you originally wanted because next thing you know you wish you had a little more for some extra ribs,turkey breast, etc.Of coarse that is if you can afford it and have the space for it.What ever you get good smoking and if you have any question you know there is lots of folks here to help.

 

[chef jimmyj]

 
sorry if this is hijacking but I also want a smoker. I want a vertical, electric in the neighborhood of $200. I was about to walk out the door to pick up an MES 30" digital...until I read some awful reviews. So what say ye....if you had $200 for a smoker what would you buy?

There is no such thing as a $200 smoker that doesn't have problems or need modifications. Ok maybe the 14" Weber Smokey Mountain at $199, but that is kind of small. There is nothing seriously wrong with a MES30...As long as you get the Right One! The MES30, Gen1, Model Number 20070411 is good smoker. It's $275 from Amazon, all stainlesss steel and other than the typical actual temp being off from the set temp, few people have had issues with them, at least not on SMF...JJ

 

[mummel]

My vote goes for the new MES 40 BT.  There is a huge thread on it. 

 

[chewmeister]

One of the biggest issues with the low priced electrics is temperature swing. Temps can vary 50+ degrees with some of them.

 

[mummel]

 
One of the biggest issues with the low priced electrics is temperature swing. Temps can vary 50+ degrees with some of them.

Confirmed.  Mine has a 40F swing but gets the job done.

 

[kajunkue]

Wow I left so much out. I'm not sure I want just a stick burner. I have had great success learning how to use coals and am looking more toward them. I don't want something I need to babysit all night for a good over night smoke. Thanks for info and it tells me I have some more homework to do before deciding.

 

[deer hunters]

Look at the Old Country Brazos.  They run about $1,000.00 @ academy. If you go to Academy and find one with scratches or dents. A lot of them out there. They will discount the smoker. With me they started at 20% off and I ended up with 50% off. Any really only a few dents and scratches. None of the dents effect the cooking box.

Worth the effort. And by the way a super smoker. I also like the Oklahoma Joe products are good.

 

[hardcookin]

Wow I left so much out. I'm not sure I want just a stick burner. I have had great success learning how to use coals and am looking more toward them. I don't want something I need to babysit all night for a good over night smoke. Thanks for info and it tells me I have some more homework to do before deciding.

Pretty much all offsets require a lot of babysitting, but in my opinion put out some pretty great Q. Maybe something like a Humpery's pint or down east beast would be something that would work for you. As mentioned there are a lot of great smokers out there.
Good Luck with your search!

 

[joe black]

Kajunque, An excellent combination of quality and price is the Bell Fab in Tulsa, OK. Craig Bell is a great guy to work with. His smokers are a one off unit that is developed to match your needs and wants. His quality of material and workmanship really give you a smoker that you can really appreciate. Contact Craig at: [email protected]. Good luck, I really have enjoyed mine, Joe

 

[gr8day]

If you are interested in a Lang you ought to checkout Shirley Fabrication they are out of Tuscaloosa and can build anything you want, you can checkout their builds on youtube as well or even better give them a call, good people and you will get no pressure to order. 

 

[golfpro2301]

Do you have a budget in mind? Lang are great cookers but require more attention than a lot of smokers. I have owned and sold a lot of cookers over the last few years and after a few mods they all worked pretty well. Some better than others. Below are my votes depending on budget.

Pitmaker Vault (my current smoker and I will NEVER get rid of it)

Backwoods competitor

Pitmaker Sniper (insulated offset, You would be surprised at the little amount of wood you will use)

Memphis elite (Best pellet cooker on the market. I had smaller PRO model and absolutely loved it)

Stumps or Myron Mixon gravity feed

Assasin

GMG Jim Bowie

WSM

any electric smoker with plenty of space

Propane Smoker

*I know there are plenty others but these are the ones the I have cooked on or been next to teams that use them and watch how they operate*