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I want to buy a smoker (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter liftapint
- Start date
It looks tasty! Now a couple of days dehydrating and I’ll see what the fuss is all about.
do you have a dehydrator?, and you dry them out for days?
Yes, I dehydrate at 95 to preserve colour so it takes a bit longer.
do you just eat them like crisps or grind them up for seasoning?
I've looked through the thread a fair bit. Not knowing anything about smoking meats it seems like a pellet smoker is my best bet. I have a natural gas hookup as well so if there's a way to use that, great.
I'm in a condo with a pretty small patio so I'm only wanting a smoker or a grill, not both. Brisket, ribs, steaks, maybe chicken or a turkey are all things I'd like to cook with it. That green mountain pizza oven attachment looks like something I'd instantly buy after picking a smoker.
The camp chef PG24MZG is shown at almost $2000 on amazon in Canada. Probably because it was discontinued? If I absolutely knew it was what I wanted I could bump the budget up a bit, but that's too much and surely not worth it.
Haven't seen any new green mountain grills or recteq up here. If they really are a better option I could drive down to the US to buy one.
Other brand names I've come across locally are z grills, traeger, pit boss, lifetime, vida, vermont castings, probably a few more.
This one's a bit pricey but if there was a type like this that hooked up to natural gas... could be good
https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-91025-smoker-grill
I'm assuming he doesn't use it for grilling but this could definitely be an option for me. One of the Pro models would be around my budget.
I guess the main thing I'm asking is if one of the pellet smokers is actually decent at searing? From what I read none of them seem to do a great job at it. Most steaks I could do in a cast iron inside but I don't think tomahawks will fit.
Other criteria would be simplicity. I'd pay a bit more if the design was better (easier for cleaning, pellets feed properly without needing to check every few hours meaning I could start it late at night and be fine in the morning, etc.)
I could definitely wait until Black Friday and see if there are any deals.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
Cheroczech
Pair
I’ve been using pellet smokers for awhile. But I like my neighbor’s gravity fed smoker. He never uses his pellet smoker anymore. Check out this option. And yes, you can fill it up and it will smoke all night without you needing to refill.
Top of the line is Yoder, and I understand they can reach temps high enough for searing. Their webpage says 700 degrees. But they are big, and expensive. Over $2000 USD. They do have dealers in Canada.
https://www.yodersmokers.com/pellet/the-ys480s-pellet-grill/
I think this is their smallest model.
I have a Green Mountain, which I was very happy with until the pellet feeding device went out. It's supposed to be a relatively easy fix, but i just haven't gotten around to it. The Daniel Boone model I own was big enough for most of my needs - brisket, pork butts, ribs, and smoking steaks prior to reverse searing them on my gas grill. The GM design says you can get higher temps, but it requires some conversion work, so not something that can be done quickly, or while the unit is still hot. So can't smoke, then sear all on the same unit.
I may just replace it rather than repairing it. Or repair and give to one of my kids. I'm torn between getting another bigger pellet grill with more features, or going whole hog and getting an offset wood burner. I have a large yard, so space is not an issue. If I do stay with pellet, it will probably be either a RecTeq, or bite the bullet and get the Yoder.
I'm not personally a fan of Traeger. I feel like they are the most well known name brand, and are overpriced for what you get for the money. JMHO.
Spot on!
I've had a Yoder for over 10 years now, I season it every year and give it a good cleaning once a year typically. I've had to do maintenance on the paint a few times. I do also clean it out after every smoke.
The entry point 480 will be perfect for most people. For searing they have special grates for grilling, and you'll need the diffuser with the removable hatch, I have both of these and grilling works well.
Traeger's won't last from what I've seen.
Natural gas is typically considered the second to last fuel to use. Wood > Charcoal > Propane / Gas > Electric.
The thing about yoders is the smoke, most people can't get it right. White and yellow smoke carry too many toxins, you're looking for a faint blue smoke, and yoders deliver from the start to the finish. There is so much that goes into smoking, from the size of the stack to type of materials and shape of the box. If you have a flame you have soot and carcinogens, and you need that to hit the diffuser and stick to it or it will stick to your meat and make it bitter.
Pellet smokers do so much for you, the amount of skill that goes into a stick burner vs a pellet smoker is absurd.
The quality and easy of use of a Yoder is, so far, unbeatable imo.
Appreciate the post. Looks like a great option. I'll be considering it for sure.
I'm not sure if I've ever had any food cooked with charcoal however. Not that I've ever complained about eating smoked ribs/brisket/anything I just assume wood was the fuel used each time.
This is pretty much what I was inclined to assume. They just seem to be the most readily available around me. I will likely get something else.
Yeah, unfortunately it would appear they're even more expensive in Canada. Don't really want to drop thousands of dollars on something I've never even used before. There is a lightly used YS480 within 5-6 hours of me for around half price. I may consider it but that's a bit of a special trip. If I don't get one now, I'll definitely remember to check them out later on if I want to upgrade.
Not sure what my third option would be at this point but I appreciate the feedback!
Cheroczech
Pair
The hack is to add a few chunks of hardwood for added smoke flavor. Here’s a video showing a trial.
Here’s a video showing a sear.
Good luck with your search.
I’m biased but an electric smoker is so damn easy I can’t recommend them highly enough. If you’re only smoking occasionally and have other tools for grilling then you can’t beat the simplicity of electric. Just set the temp, add some wood and wait until your probe is at your set point. Maybe add a chunk or two every 3 hours but that may be too much smoke…
Cheroczech
Pair
Agreed. With kids and life, set it and go. I’ll graduate to off set in retirement.
yeah that's too much for a mid-grade camp chef. i haven't kept up with the new models, but i am sure there is a more recent model that is priced more reasonably.
Random Phish
Pair
Pellet smokers are the way to go IMHO. Just set the temp and walk away. I’ve smoked multiple pork butts overnight, just make sure the hopper is full, set your temp, go to bed and sleep soundly knowing everything will be fine. I’ve also smoked briskets, ribs, wings and used it for grilling chicken and burgers.
I have a recteq. I’ve had it for 7-8 years and use it on average of twice a week year around. I use it for both smoking and grilling. I bought optional grill grates (https://www.grillgrate.com/?gad_sou...u4WUM3d5FaLXBBGNlOm-SIbuTxocbqPRoC1J4QAvD_BwE) for grilling and use the standard racks for smoking.
I’ve had a couple parts wear out but Recteq customer service is unmatched in their helpfulness; sending replacement parts for free. I’m out of warranty but they recently sent a new auger motor for free. Didn’t even need to pay shipping.
I have a recteq. I’ve had it for 7-8 years and use it on average of twice a week year around. I use it for both smoking and grilling. I bought optional grill grates (https://www.grillgrate.com/?gad_sou...u4WUM3d5FaLXBBGNlOm-SIbuTxocbqPRoC1J4QAvD_BwE) for grilling and use the standard racks for smoking.
I’ve had a couple parts wear out but Recteq customer service is unmatched in their helpfulness; sending replacement parts for free. I’m out of warranty but they recently sent a new auger motor for free. Didn’t even need to pay shipping.
I have a GMG and like it fine. The pellet is by far the easiest, set and forget.
If you want a more traditional smoker that could also be used as a charcoal grill, you may want to consider a Weber Smokey Mountain, or a Big Green Egg (or other variant). People swear by the Green Eggs, I’ve never used one though.
Pretty much any non pellet is going to require maintenance during the cook. What’s most important is the ability to maintain the temp you want, pellets are the easiest in that regard.
Weber smokey mountains have a cult following, however my experience was unless you do a lot of mods, they require a LOT of babysitting.
My personal opinion is Traeger is over priced for what it is.
My GMG has been fine going on 4 years, I clean it after every couple of uses. Keep your pellets dry (very important) and vacuum the spent dust, etc, every couple uses or after a long cook and most good one’s will last a while.
One consideration, pellets put out a good deal of smoke. On a small balcony, the smoke could blow into your condo - lol. Also, do clean it regularly if in a condo. I have a few friend who’s smokers caught on fire. (Not the smokers fault, they never cleaned the damn things. Pork butts have a lot of grease, over time that can be a problem - lol)
If you want a more traditional smoker that could also be used as a charcoal grill, you may want to consider a Weber Smokey Mountain, or a Big Green Egg (or other variant). People swear by the Green Eggs, I’ve never used one though.
Pretty much any non pellet is going to require maintenance during the cook. What’s most important is the ability to maintain the temp you want, pellets are the easiest in that regard.
Weber smokey mountains have a cult following, however my experience was unless you do a lot of mods, they require a LOT of babysitting.
My personal opinion is Traeger is over priced for what it is.
My GMG has been fine going on 4 years, I clean it after every couple of uses. Keep your pellets dry (very important) and vacuum the spent dust, etc, every couple uses or after a long cook and most good one’s will last a while.
One consideration, pellets put out a good deal of smoke. On a small balcony, the smoke could blow into your condo - lol. Also, do clean it regularly if in a condo. I have a few friend who’s smokers caught on fire. (Not the smokers fault, they never cleaned the damn things. Pork butts have a lot of grease, over time that can be a problem - lol)
That's an excellent testimonial and good to know. RecTeq is probably my second choice if I decide not to spend the big bucks on a Yoder.
Random Phish
Pair
I’ve heard Yoders are pretty much the gold standard for pellet smokers. Also $$$.
Recteq does a scratch and dent sale every year, so if you’re anywhere near Augusta GA it might be worth it to check out.
Yes that is a consideration for sure. From what I can see I'm liking the Masterbuilt gravity series so far, probably in part because there's a lightly used one close by to me. No matter what, unless I get an electric one I feel like the smoke could be an issue for me or my neighbors lol.
Being on the ground floor my balcony is a tad bigger, but not big by any means. Building gets hot in the summer so lots of windows would be open.
I did ask and there's no rules against smokers in my building. All I heard was that about a year ago someone from another building thought the smoke coming from a smoker was an actual fire and called the fire department on us... lol.
Yeah, I do love the simplicity but I'm looking for more of an all-in-one type unit. Space is limited and would like to have options.
I'm not exactly sure how frequently I would use it just yet. Maybe I need to put a bit more thought into this. The Masterbuilt seems relatively convenient and can do it all it would seem.
I would recommend reading lots of reviews and watching YouTube videos on that older series Masterbuilt. (the 1050, 800, and one smaller one) I was also intrigued by the video posted above, so I went digging into it some. Apparently those models are first generation, and there were a lot of bugs. So Masterbuilt came out with a second gen that's called the XT which supposedly fixes a lot of the complaints 1st Gen customers had. But they also jacked the price to $1500 USD! I haven't been able to determine yet if there are also smaller, cheaper 2nd Gen models.
Cheroczech
Pair
If you are seriously considering the gravity fed masterbuilt, just factor in ongoing fuel costs in your overall budget. I really have no idea. Just saying it’s probably worth researching pellet cost vs charcoal lump/briquette. I think it’s an intriguing option for you since you said searing was important. But I’d hate for you to get sticker shock on the fuel. Great feedback from TXgolfNpoker!
And whatever you choose, you need to share a video of the start-up smoke puffing all over your neighbors. I will enjoy that.
And whatever you choose, you need to share a video of the start-up smoke puffing all over your neighbors. I will enjoy that.
Cheroczech
Pair
On the third trial of the gravity fed masterbilt, he did ribs with wood splits only (no charcoal). Worth skimming this video. He gets a lot more smoke flavor that is very close to the results of his offset. The hack is to smoke at 275° and no lower. And doesn’t fill the hopper in order to allow better combustion.
I’m going to give it a try with my neighbor and report back.
I’m going to give it a try with my neighbor and report back.
I'm sorry I can't trust someone who doesn't remove the membrane from the ribs, especially if they should know better.
that seems like a lot of work as the box is small, ribs would typically take 4 - 6 hours. that is going to be a lot of feeding the fire, and ribs are more temperamental than a pork butt. To get a longer smoke on ribs and due to the lack of density compared to other meats, I start off my ribs at an ambient temp of 190. I don't do baby backribs, I guess I'm more a purest with St. Louis style, and not into overly saucy ribs.
I also wouldn't spend the money on a charcoal smoker that I plan to hack into an offset, sure it can be done, but for longevity of the smoker I would try to use it as intended, this method seems likely to bypass the diffuser and overwhelm the process. In my opinion his ribs where darker than they should be, and that is typically due to heat or the wrong smoke profile. It could be due to sauce and or the amount of time the sauce has been on the meat.
I've use a lot of smokers, and I understand design.
I wouldn't be worried about using wood over charcoal. I would give it a priority score of 3.5/10, however I would give using wood or charcoal over other fuels something like 7.5/10. That said, using other fuels is typically not the issue, lots of good BBQ comes from propane and electric. The biggest issue I see using these other smoker fuels comes from the person not understanding enough about the process, you still see people soaking wood chips and putting in the smoker.
I've never seen the consistency of blue smoke that a Yoder puts out, by any other smoker. I spend about 8 to 10 years smoking before I bought my Yoder. I bought my Yoder with never having seen one in person. I own a 640 on a comp cart.
I've thought about this more and I just don't think I need something as big as that Masterbuilt smoker right now. For now I only have myself to feed and could occasionally host a small group.
I'm leaning more towards a smaller electric smoker for ease of use which would also encourage me to use it more. I could also get a small natural gas or propane grill for steaks (or just stick with a cast iron pan inside as most steaks would fit) and I'd love to be able to make nice pizza.
Depending on exactly what I get an added bonus is I could likely take it with me on camping trips.
I bet I'd love something like the Masterbuilt or Yoder if I lived on a bigger property and had more people to feed. That could definitely be a future option. For now it makes more sense to work with what I have and not take up a big chunk of my patio space with a smoker. It's rainy and windy today and there isn't really a dry spot out there either.
I'm leaning more towards a smaller electric smoker for ease of use which would also encourage me to use it more. I could also get a small natural gas or propane grill for steaks (or just stick with a cast iron pan inside as most steaks would fit) and I'd love to be able to make nice pizza.
Depending on exactly what I get an added bonus is I could likely take it with me on camping trips.
I bet I'd love something like the Masterbuilt or Yoder if I lived on a bigger property and had more people to feed. That could definitely be a future option. For now it makes more sense to work with what I have and not take up a big chunk of my patio space with a smoker. It's rainy and windy today and there isn't really a dry spot out there either.
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