Cheap smoker?

[BasserJim]

Hey guys, I've been talking about trying to get a smoker one of these days, and the wife has taken that as a hint to get me one for Father's Day. I'd love to have a BGE but don't want to spend the coin if it's something I won't be into. Any cheap Kamados out there that are worth a look?

She also sent me links to these 2:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-18-...1001/100657680

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Masterbui...0910/100660191

Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

[fr8dog]

For an electric, it's tough to beat the Masterbuilt 40. I've had one for several years and am mucho happy with it. Set and forget. Good eats from that box. I have an egg, but have absolutely no problem plugging in the MB for good food.

[Walkabout7781]

Atz-Lee Kilcher made one from some sticks and an old tarp he found on the beach. Talk about cheap...

[Transom]

Get the Weber. When it comes to a backyard smoker it is without peer.

[bdog7198]

I second the Masterbuilt 40, have one and its been great.

[WVBullet]

I've got a Masterbuilt and does really good for what it is.

[ssntmd8r]

I third the MB, have had the same one for a couple of years and love it.

[Ryan]

I have used both gas and electric and electric is the best. Set and walk away come back a bit later and add wood chips and walk away. With my gas I have a hard time with temperature fluctuations.

[1781ccT]

+1 vote for the Masterbuilt.

If you buy one, skip the glass window option. Also, the model with a wireless controller is quite handy for monitoring temps, but you don't have to get one with Bluetooth. I think ours was about $200 or so at Academy

[Hammmerhead]

Lots of good ones out there. I like the

Smokey Mountain propane by Landmann.

Load it down with meat and it will get to temp and hold, unlike other methods where you fill the box with meat and only find that it will never get up to temperature. Also with propane you can actually make TBS with the cast iron box that sits above the brass burner without the wood catching fire. Do some digging before you figure what is best for you. The Electrics are very convenient and great for small loads. If you are feeding a party, go big.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TH1TWC...a-314285812960

[ameneddie]

Just got a traeger wood pellet grill that has been great so far, have only used it 3 times so far.

[Champ891]

If you want a cheap smoker then get a 55 gallon drum that's not been used for anything. Google ugly drum smoker.

[Cestratton]

I've got the Weber and love it, you won't find anyone that will badmouth the WSM.

[Bill2e]

Jim.....

two things.....
1) - if you think you want a BGE and have the $$$$$ - GET IT NOW! They really are that good. I almost gave up on getting one until my wife got me one for Christmas 3 years ago.

2) - if no BGE - just get a simple Weber Kettle Grill - you can set up indirect and smoke meat very good. The only issue is you have to add charcoal.

the Weber kettle will be better than the one in the link.

PM me with any questions

[RazorCat]

Either or.
The Weber is unmatched for a cheap (cost-wise only) simple to use smoker. Some of the best stuff I ever cooked came off one.
I don't know if there's a smoker at any price that cooks a better brisket.
The MB would probably win for overall ease of use. Only tried something cooked on an MB once. It was good. But, it wasn't as good as some good old charcoal and wood in a Weber.

[bilgerat]

A 22.5" Weber Kettle will smoke with the best of them, plus it's the world's greatest charcoal grill.

[slyz118c]

Check out the AKORN from char griller I think. Saw one at lowes looked nice ( cheep BGE) don't really know anything about them though

[Cestratton]

If you decide to go with a Weber kettle consider the 26". I have the 22 & 26 along with the 18 & 14 WSM, since I got the 26" kettle I find my self using the WSM less for butts or ribs because the 26" will accomplish that with ease. Briskets are on the WSM.

[LOSTTEXAN]

Propane smoker combines the best of both ends of the spectrum; the convenience of a steady heat source and the flavor that only a flame/stickburner can produce.

http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_gu...0-smokers.html

[LOSTTEXAN]

A 22.5" Weber Kettle will smoke with the best of them, plus it's the world's greatest charcoal grill.

Agree!!