New to smoker cooking

MikeB · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Woodstock, GA

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around here for awhile. I can only take so much before I start drooling. I really need to get that under control because I'm just venturing into using a smoker at home. I can handle the drooling while I'm grilling, but hours of drooling is gonna be a problem.

All kidding aside, I've got plenty of room but a limited budget. What should I look at re: smokers so I can enjoy having a small group of friends feast. Are the large smokey mountain smokers big enough to feed 6-8 ravenous adults? Or is there something better I should be looking at like an offset smoker?

I'd like to be an expert at smoking turkeys by next fall!

Don't let me website fool you. I'm not an expert. I rely on other folks to jump in and give reviews.
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BBQ Regards,

MikeB
http://www.gas-grill-review.com

Beertooth · Posted: Jan 05 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the ring MikeB! Glad you found your way here.

When I first got into smoking, I did not want to spend too much. I bought a Chargriller with the side fire box for under $200. It works great with a few mods and some patience.

Then a year later I bought a Weber Smokey Mountain because I wanted something a little more efficient on fuel, and something that would work better (for me) in the winter. If you look around you might be able to find a 2008 model for under $200, but the new model is just around the corner and they start at $299.
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Camp Chef Pro90 Stove w/ Griddle
1985 22" Weber Kettle
CharGriller
18.5" WSM (Stoked)
22.5" WSM
85 Gallon UDS
Weber Smokey Joe/Mini WSM
Cast Iron Cookware
24" Disc Cooker
Masterbuilt 40" Electric
Char-Griller Akorn

Gourmet-Gator · Posted: Jan 05 2009 Post subject:

Welcome Bro, glad your here! Very Happy

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In GOD We Trust... GOD Bless AMERICA

Gear...Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Offset
Brinkmans Gourmet Bullet
Char-Broil 6 Burner Stainless Gasser
2 Deep Fryers

Old Smoker · Posted: Jan 05 2009 Post subject:

Well Mike,as beertooth stated,you can try the Chargriller with firebox. The cost is low and the mods easy and pretty cheap to do and all the info you need to preform them can be found here. I have two Chargrillers and I like em myself,if I could upgrade to a heavier quality offset( like a KLOSE ) I would. The Chargriller is a good entry level smoker and great learning tool, you will probably encounter every type of problem imagineable with it,but once you learn how to use it your Q will be as good as any. It has flexabilty as both grill and smoker and will handle a small group as well as large. So if you like playing in the fire,staying awake all night and earning your bragging rights,I'd try it.
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WSM 22.5 - Chargriller Pro
I cook to eat not to compete
LIAR #29
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Wkdforit · Posted: Jan 05 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the Ring!! Smile

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Michael
Lang 60 Original

Canadian Bacon · Posted: Jan 06 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the ring MikeB.
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Horizon Offset (Marshall RD Special)
30 " Electric Masterbuilt(Digital)
Large BGE
Napoleon Legend Gasser
20"& 26" Discada
Two of the fastest Thermapens ever made ... Black& Blue
LIAR #25

k.a.m. · Posted: Jan 06 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the ring MikeB, looking forward to seeing some pics of your cooks. Smile

I would go with the WSM if you are more into entertaining and not tending a fire while the cooking is going on, with two racks you can load a lot of food on one. The Chargrillers are great from what I have heard and read about but as in most offsets I would think they require a fare amount of tending to.

MikeB · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Woodstock, GA

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.
_________________
BBQ Regards,

MikeB
http://www.gas-grill-review.com

JamesB · Posted: Jan 06 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the Ring Mike! I too vote for the WSM. It is very easy to learn and with out the fire tending needed on a chargiller type setup, you can focus more on the meat etc... You could also cobble together a UDS for little $... They perform very well too. There is plenty of room on the 18 1/2" WSM or a UDS to cook for a decent sized party... I have two large offsets, a couple of UDS drum smokers and a variety of other cooking paraphernalia and my WSM and drum cookers get the most attention when cooking for smaller crowds.
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jeepdad · Posted: Jan 07 2009 Post subject:

Welcome MikeB, you will find friendly and very helpful folks here. Glad you came aboard.

--Jeepdad

Get Your Rub On BBQ · Posted: Jan 07 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the ring!
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James Stephens
Extreme BBQ Trailers
www.extremebbqtrailers.com

Rub N Smoke · Posted: Jan 07 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to The Ring!! Happy Q-ing!! Twisted Evil

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Cookin' Wit' A Little Spit Aint Yo' MaMas Barbecue!!
My Toys Are:
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4320/ Tejas Cooker
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Fatrat · Posted: Jan 07 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the ring Mike. I use a large offset and love it, but you will need to tend the fire almost constantly and this can become trying with large cuts like a butt or brisket, T he bullet smokers or a UDS are great for the crowd of 10 people or so and very economical to use, a lot less tending the fire once you learn your tools,

Ray
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Only when humor is married with intelligence does it become wit, until then it's just another dumb assed thing better left unsaid...

Brinkmann Southfork Smoker
Weber One Touch gold
Weber Performer
UDS
Cast Hibachi

Jmac · BBQ Fan Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 206 Location: middle GA

Welcome to the ring, MikeB, from a fellow Georgian.
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-Hamlet

Brinnie · Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject:

Welcome to the Smoke Ring Forum, MikeB
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Cheers
Smoking
Down Under