I'm looking to get myself a smoker finally and have been looking around. What suggestions do you have for someone on a $200-300 budget?
Should I get electric/propane?
Should I get electric/propane?
Smokers
- Thread starter bowhunter1023
- Start date
Neither electric or propane.
I prefer meat off of a fire. I myself would build a UDS. Easy, cheap and REALLY efficient.
If I were to recommend buying one it would be a Weber Smokey Mountain in the size of your choosing.
I recommend looking around www.bbq-bretheran.com and look for feed back.
Just for an idea of efficiency....
My UDS runs for over 20 hours on 16ish pounds of charcoal at 225 degrees. Set it and forget it and still has a true smoke flavor. No pooping of pellets or chip smokers for me.
This will be my next smoker just because it is pretty. Lol
http://www.humphreysbbq.com/smokers/testing
If you have a drum available you could order this kit instead of piecing it together yourself.
https://www.bigpoppasmokers.com/store/bbq-accessories/big-poppa-s-engineered-drum-smoker-kit
http://youtu.be/VuReRs-8pJs
I prefer meat off of a fire. I myself would build a UDS. Easy, cheap and REALLY efficient.
If I were to recommend buying one it would be a Weber Smokey Mountain in the size of your choosing.
I recommend looking around www.bbq-bretheran.com and look for feed back.
Just for an idea of efficiency....
My UDS runs for over 20 hours on 16ish pounds of charcoal at 225 degrees. Set it and forget it and still has a true smoke flavor. No pooping of pellets or chip smokers for me.
This will be my next smoker just because it is pretty. Lol
http://www.humphreysbbq.com/smokers/testing
If you have a drum available you could order this kit instead of piecing it together yourself.
https://www.bigpoppasmokers.com/store/bbq-accessories/big-poppa-s-engineered-drum-smoker-kit
http://youtu.be/VuReRs-8pJs
I'm not really educated on propane or electric smokers. We have a charcoal. When we do get a new one it will be propane just because I can take it anywhere. I don't want to be limited to an electric outlet.
I bought and electric and wish I would have bought a wood one. Just isn't the same IMO. Too much like an oven for me. I like the fact that I can set the temp and let it go, but just doesn't give me the smoke ring and bark that I'm looking for when I smoke meat.
Big_Holla
Senior Member
Some of the electric smokers don't get hot enough for things thicker than jerkey or fish fillets.
HA! Nothing like asking for a budget minded smoker and Beener tosses out the $1,500 version! lmao
Schu72
Well-Known Member
I have a Bradley electric smoker and have been pleased with its performance. Mostly just do ribs, but have done some brisket. Looking at trying some pork shoulder this weekend. I do wish it was a little wider and when its really cold outside it can be a challenge to get the temp up. You can also cold smoke with the Bradleys if you want to do cheese.
I am contemplating either an UDS or a Bradley. I will probably get both eventually for the reasons above for each.
The UDS for cooking and smoking bbq the basket for sausage, jerky and other things when I don't want to mess with the UDS.
The UDS for cooking and smoking bbq the basket for sausage, jerky and other things when I don't want to mess with the UDS.
I have a Bradley, a propane, UDS & another charcoal / firebox combo. The Bradley is convienent since I use a PID to control the temp, but the bricketts are too pricey anymore, & you have to clean up afterwards. Anything mechanical will, in time go wrong ... I had to replace the heating element a few months after I bought it. It's still a great smoker though. The propane was a dumbass thing to buy since I don't use it much. I really love the UDS & some of you guys have seen it in action 
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I am going to try and do a video (short and sweet) of my drum smoker tonight to show the simplicity.
If I built them how many would be interested at $200 a smoker? This would be for one that has adjustable cooking heights with the ability to use multiple racks.
If I built them how many would be interested at $200 a smoker? This would be for one that has adjustable cooking heights with the ability to use multiple racks.
Also, the Weber WSM 18.5 runs under $300 and is a great cooker. Just not as stable or large as a UDS but they are prettier.
Buckmaster
Senior Member
I've got the older model to this one.
I like it because its insulated and I don't need to open the door to see what's going on due to multiple thermometers.
http://www.sausagemaker.com/4115120lbdigitalstainlesssteelsmoker.aspx
I like it because its insulated and I don't need to open the door to see what's going on due to multiple thermometers.
http://www.sausagemaker.com/4115120lbdigitalstainlesssteelsmoker.aspx
I wish the get together was closer because I would bring mine and cook on it and let everyone see how it cooks.
and I wish I didn't have a wedding during the get together :tantrum: lol
I've always been interested in a smoker tho. Can't afford to spend money at the moment but definitely this fall.
Big_Holla
Senior Member
I'd sure like to see what you are working with Charles. Seems like I can't save a dime for the life of me but that sounds like a good price given all the good looking food you've shown us here!!
You could sell me one Beener. My dad would buy it for the river lot. Or I would for a future camp and special occasions. I enjoy catering family meals and that would be great for big gatherings.
I might be interested Charles! I'll wait on the video and see how big it first. Sounds like a great deal!
Charles I want to see the video also but I am sure I could come up with $200 by November when you come up.