Smoker Recommendations - NOT charcoal/wood

[saravi]

So we're in a weird situation, and I'm wondering if there are options or if we're just SOL until we get a house in a few years. My husband and I are moving in to a townhome complex and they allow gas grills, but no wood/charcoal grills. I asked about smokers, and it seems same rules apply. I would assume that includes pellet smokers? I'm mostly looking for recommendations for smoker options that we might be able to use. Electric maybe? Or a smoker box in a gas grill? I don't know enough about what is out there, since in the past I've only ever used traditional wood smokers growing up. TIA!

 

[Coreymacc]

What are you planning to smoke? If you used to offsets etc, im thinking ribs, brisket, chuck, not sausage? The desired use is gonna make a big difference in choices.

Corey

 

[Fueling Around]

Welcome to Smoking Meat Forum (SMF).

You're not SOL. There are options.
Is your smoking space limited to an attached patio or deck?
A gas grill can be a very good smoking platform. I use a pellet tube (OK that may be stretching the NO wood rule) in an indirect heating meaning meat over burner 3 and only running burner 1 for heat. I use a multi probe ThermoWorks Signals to monitor meat and ambient temperature

Sorry for the head twist, but I'm smoking a tri-tip in a 3 burner gas grill using the far left burner for heat. Most gas grills have lots of vents.



I use crinkled foil rolled in a tube to block the vents and direct the smoke to the meat and control the heat.
An electric smoke is another option. I have a Big Chief and I don't recommend it.
Many have a Masterbuilt that can offer advice.

Stop over at roll call and introduce your stay around to post. We are a friendly forum.
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forums/roll-call.133/

 

[dward51]

Look at the rules closely. It may be like a "outdoor grilling" ban we just had initiated due to the drought conditions. On it's face, "outdoor grilling ban" sounds like none, zip, nada.... The actual language prohibits fire pits, camp fires, burn barrels, burn piles, charcoal grills and all open flame devices. But the details matter.

This does not include gas grills, pellet grills (contained flame), offset smokers, vertical smokers or any others with enclosed fire boxes. They are trying to avoid an errant spark drifting into some tinder and starting a grass or other fire. Basically if it's an open flame it's no go around here. Otherwise a lot of businesses with "smokers" for meat would be hurting. But thanks to the enclosed fire box not being considered an " open flame" or grill, it does not apply.

 

[normanaj]

Another consideration is budget, what are you looking to spend?

 

[PolishDeli]

My three recomendation are below. But It really depends on the specifics of your situation, and your cooking goals:

1. Electrc cabinet smoker (eg. Masterbuilt). These are popular. I use one. For the type of smoking I do, its my tool of choice over offset, pellets, etc. This is a dedicated tool though, and it takes up space. Cost: a few hundred. Size: wine fridge.

2. Gas grill smoker box. Very effective, low cost ( $10 ~ $30), and small (about the size of a book). If you already have a gas grill, you're already good to go.

3. Cocktail smoker. These would best when outdoor cooking space is really limited (like someone in an apartment, who doesn't have have space for a grill). You can quickly cold smoke chees, nuts, spices, and whisky. Cost: ~ $150

 

[mneeley490]

The condo I moved into had a ban on charcoal and gas smokers. I circumvented that by buying a Reqtec pellet grill. I do miss my Weber kettle for some things, though.

 

[sandyut]

I would lean towards a pellet grill as @mneeley490 mentioned. I also have a Rec Teq and love it.

Definitely read over the townhouse rules close to make sure before you buy. Budget would also help narrow down the options.

Welcome to SMF

 

[schlotz]

Definitely ask while providing them details. People that make rules sometimes don't understand things as well as they should prior to laying down rules. If they do allow a pellet smoker I'd suggest looking at the Reqtec 400 or 340. Both are smaller in size but can do the job quite nicely.

 

[Parshooter]

I live in a condo with the "no grill" rules. When I decided I wanted to start smoking, I discovered pellet grills. I found one I wanted and emailed them the link when I asked if this was legal. They had all the information and made the correct decision.

 

[Elf@shore]

So we're in a weird situation, and I'm wondering if there are options or if we're just SOL until we get a house in a few years. My husband and I are moving in to a townhome complex and they allow gas grills, but no wood/charcoal grills. I asked about smokers, and it seems same rules apply. I would assume that includes pellet smokers? I'm mostly looking for recommendations for smoker options that we might be able to use. Electric maybe? Or a smoker box in a gas grill? I don't know enough about what is out there, since in the past I've only ever used traditional wood smokers growing up. TIA!

Hi Welcome!
If you go the pellets grill route?
Take a look at Grilla grills.
I just recently bought the Chimp .
Very well made and happy with it.
Grilla Grills has a nice sale on now!
Free shipping and no sales tax!
They ship directly, so no middleman markups.
I would recommend the Chimp or larger Silverback.
They offer some nice features that are an upgrade level.
Take a look!?
Reach out if you need more help or info.
Hope this helps!?
ELF
PS: BBQ Labs has some nice reviews and discounts codes on some of Grilla products.

 

[nomoreusmc]

I really appreciate the simplicity of my pellet smoker and I have a tiny one ,zgrills cruiser, and it's really simple, computer controlled, set it and forget it. We where hit by softball size hail and tornado warnings all Day and I am still making pulled pork for dinner right out of the freezer on the grill. Experiment with the pellets available to you and enjoy.