Looking for advice on a new cooker

iahawgheaven · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 43

I would like to start off and say Hi to everyone as I am new to the ring. Very Happy

I am looking for some advice on getting a new cooker. All I have ever used is an electric. Which I feel serves it's purpose. Got me into smoking seriously. Or as seriously as one can be with electric. I am now wanting to get into the real essance of cooking charcol and wood.

I looked at a WSM but I think that I would prefer to have an offset. I was thinking of a horizon offset perhaps. But I also like the idea of building my own cooker. what do you think is best of someone new to this type of cooking?k

Jeff_From_VA · BBQ Pro Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 720

I have never owned a WSM, but I hear nothing but great things about them.

I am currently building an offset on a trailer. I have only been barbecuing 3-4 years now, and I have been using a cheap Chargriller offset, and it has served me well. My decision to build my own was based on a few things. I wanted to be more mobile, a huge steel tank fell into my hands, and I always wanted to get into burning sticks because I think that to be more "authentic" if there is such a thing in barbecue.

If you are somewhat handy, or have friends who are, I would say build your own. Not that there is anything wrong with buying one, and I have peeked at the horizons before, they look nice. As with everything else, when you build your own, you get exactly what you want.

Skidder · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 1720

Are you looking for something mobile or a backyard smoker? I have a Bar-b-chef from Babeque Galore and love it for a backyard smoker but am looking to go larger and am thinking the Lang 60 mobile. Good luck on your search.

iahawgheaven · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 43

Jeff any tips on what not to do if I build my own. It doesn't look that complicated but looks can be decieveing.

Skidder I am mainly looking for a backyarder that I may be able to take to a few small county fair type comps.

Jeff_From_VA · BBQ Pro Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 720

Teleking · Posted: Jul 08 2008 Post subject:

Here is some inspiration to build one!

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14575&highlight=bride

Cooks pretty good, still working the system out! Wink

_________________
�Franken Smoker�

�The Bride of Franken Smoker�

iahawgheaven · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 43

Thanks for the inspiration I absolutely love the idea of building my own but cautious that when I am done I will have a pile of scrap and that's it. Anyone think that it is better to buy a COS mod it first to get a better idea of what you want in a smoker? Just a thought. Maybe mod a cheapy this year and then build one over the winter or next year when I might have a better idea of what I want in a cooker.