Vertical or Horizontal

FLETCH · Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Ashland,NE

I am getting ready to purchase my first smoker and would like to here any comments on which would be better.Now, Go easy on me its my first time Laughing

mds2 · Posted: Sep 15 2006 Post subject:

I have one of each and I like them both. I know that doesnt help much, but any smoker you get you will need to practice with it and learn how it cooks.
i do like vertical ones because it seems they can hold more for the space that they occupy.
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StumpSmoker · Newbie Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 97

I have built both vertical and horizontal pits but I find myself going back to vertical wood burners. A vertical is usually more consistent in temperature from side to side and up and down for less money. They can be self basters by having several layers. On my vertical I let some of the juices go to the fire for a sweeter flavor. But then again, if you are talking charcoal then a horizontal is more versital and the grill area is larger. But either one makes great Q when you learn their secrets.
To me the more important parameter is size.

zrtsteve · Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 19 Location: washburn,maine

hello fletch,

who i cant believe it someone on here lives so close to me. i have a big drum smoker witch is a vertical over the coals smoker id be glad to show it to ya.

FLETCH · Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Ashland,NE

ProBBQ · Posted: Sep 15 2006 Post subject:

A vertical "water" smoker is a good one to start with... you have the Weber Smoky Mountain, or the Brinkmann Gourmet - both do the same thing, but the Weber is more expensive (it does have more control though).
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mrcustomsteel · Posted: Sep 16 2006 Post subject:

ME, NE what's a couple thousand miles between friends! Very Happy

I guess I'm old school but for smoking I think you just can't beat an offset. The Chargriller offset with Alien's mods is an inexpensive way to start. Lowes or HD is probably unloading them this time of year.
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Chris35 · Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

Fletch,

I have both but find myself using my horizontal more that the vertical. They are both great cookers. My horizontal is a char-griller and for the price I love it. My vertical is a BBQ grillware gasser that I use for those long overnight cooks. Both were purchased from Lowes.

Good Luck

BRONCOSTU · Posted: Sep 21 2006 Post subject:

Iwould suggest an inexpensive Vertical water smoker. I got mine at K-mart for $25.00. I still use it in tandem with my propane smoker. Don't invest much untill you are sure you are into it. Learn the basics, turn out some good Q, then UPGRADE! It's nice having the small 1 for a single chicken or a roast. I still fire up the small 1 for small stuff.
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FLETCH · Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Ashland,NE

Well,I have decided.I am going to buy a Chargriller Smokin Pro.After reading and deciding what type of smoker I want this is what I came up with.I should have it by this weekend and will most likely get it seasoned this weekend and smoke on it next weekend.Thanks for all the info.I also am looking at a vertical propane smoker to acompany this one.