What is the best set it and forget it smoker?

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

Lately I have been having trouble finding time to Q. So I am looking into building something that I can use to cook small amounts ( 2 butts, or 1 brisket ,etc...).I still love my home built offset but need something I can fire up and go to bed and it can run for 6 or 8 hrs. Sure I could run out and buy one,but that's no fun. However I am not above borrowing ideas from other builders or from retailers. Let the Ideas and opinions fly.
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Top Gun · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

I'm gonna guess, based on all that I have read here in the "Ring" that most of the experienced boys would suggest something along the lines of a Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) smoker.

"Bullet" shape, upright smoker... fuel in the bottom, water/sand pan above fuel, then two food grates above that.

Load it up with fresh fuel, use the Minion method and I hear tell it's a "set it and forget it" operation... burns for 8-10 hours, depending on fuel used.

I have inspected the WSM in a retail store... appears to be a very air-tight rig... understand how it would lend itself to excellent temperature control.

Weber has a specific website dedicated to the WSM, and if you use the search feature here, I'm satisfied you can find the site and learn all about it. If I were more better with this machine, I could put the link in this message!

Prices I have found range from $200, all the way up to the Weber List price of $249. Can be purchased online closer to the $200 price point, from my personal research.

Good luck on your duplication efforts.

Gun

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

I was just checking out the website (weber virtual bullet). I have heard that it is an awesome little smoker, but might be hard to duplicate. I have read something a while back about a backwoods that is insulated. I think a stumps would be a good idea but to much smoker for what i need.
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zilla · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

Look for a used pellet muncher. That is the ultimate set it and forget it smoker.

ETA: oh yeah, a gravity feed cabinet smoker would work too. like a Stumps G type.
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chileman · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Sarasota,FL

here you go http://www.bigdrumsmokers.com/

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

the big drum website doesn't show any pics of the guts of the smoker. Does anyone have any pics of the charcoal pan or anything under the cooking grate?
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napper · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

Not much in the BDS but a rack at the bottom with a ~15" expanded metal charcoal ring.

Another cooking rack at the top.

Do a search and you can see photos.

Bedlam BBQ · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

If you are wanting to build your own, I would suggest a Stumper clone. You can make it what ever size you want. I'm in the process of building one -- cook chamber will be 25"w x 25"d x 48"h. But that's so I can get 5 shelves spaced 7.5" apart with enough space under the bottom shelf to make it usable. I'm building this one large enough to be able to use it at competitions.

You could get by with one about half that height. In fact after I finish this larger version, I'm going to work on building a very small portable gravity fed version.
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Stumper clone with Stoker
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Robert & Keri C · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

Someone above mentioned, "Weber has a specific website dedicated to the WSM,". Just as a small point of order, the Virtual Weber Bullet is not related in any way, shape, or form to the Weber company. Chris Allingham started that site nearly 10 years ago now, I think, and it's been growing ever since. Weber reps are frequent visitors, but the website is all Chris. That's one of my frequent "hang-outs".

I've been using a couple of WSMs for some years now along with the various stick burners, and the WSMs are my workhorses. Butts and briskets go on around 7 or 8 pm, they get settled into their temps within an hour or so, and they'll chug along all night long holding temps within a few degrees. I keep Nu-Temp remote thermos in the lids and the receiver in the bedroom window so that I can check temps with the flashlight whenever I happen to wake up. My longest cook on a single load of charcoal was around 19 hours (perfect weather conditions), and 15-16 hours is common.

While I love my DPP Fat 50, and although DH Robert IS building a slightly larger Stumper clone (2' deep x 3' wide, 30sq' of cooking space), I'll DEFINITELY not part with my WSMs.

The website for the "Bullet Board" is www.virtualweberbullet.com .

Just my 2-cents - Keri C, stil smokin' on Tulsa Time

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

sstory have you got any construction pics?
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Notnutts · Posted: Feb 08 2007 Post subject:

BrianA59 · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 3

I've recently started building a Stump's type clone. You can find lots of pictures of projects here:

http://www.phpbbserver.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=smokinjim

DawgPhan · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 3444

I would suggest just picking up a WSM...I have a feeling that they are going to be on sale for $179 sometime in the near future...just wait and then pick one up when it drops below $200. You probably arent going to be able to put anything together for less money that is equal to the WSM.

Bedlam BBQ · Posted: Feb 09 2007 Post subject:

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

looks like you are well on your way. I will be following your progress and learning as you go. Laughing

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broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

I am trying to understand how the gravity feed works on a stumper, can anyone explain how this works?
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Bedlam BBQ · Posted: Feb 09 2007 Post subject:

Bedlam BBQ · Posted: Feb 09 2007 Post subject:

Check out this video to see how this gravity feed system works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n8AjmNU9hg
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Steve

Stumper clone with Stoker
Bedlam BBQ
Competition Team

broncstomper · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 148 Location: ga

Thanks story, If I can figure this gravity feed out I am leaning toward a stumper more and more.
Brian, you appear to be on the ball also.Thanks for the link, There are tons to read (this may take a while). If I have no references i can build something pretty quick, However if i can research then i will over analyze every detail.
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Slow down we're in a hurry.
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bigabyte · Posted: Feb 09 2007 Post subject:

I haven't heard anyone mention an FEC yet. That is about as easy as it could ever get. Not sure how hard it would be to build one though. Pretty tricky I'm sure! Cool

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