Lets talk smokers....!

[HotJambalaya]

Big f-off shiney ones....

Now I'm sure there's plenty of people here that swear they cut their oil drums in half and weld themselves a smoker to the beat of Metallica... But I'm lazy, a bit chubby and did I mention lazy?

I've recently seen and been quite intrigued by these automatic pellet hot smokers. Wondered if anyone has one, any thoughts and recommendations...?

I was looking at things like this http://shop.americanbbq.co.uk/pellet-smokersgrills...

and the Red Tec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QlheGbuo2k

Love it, fill it with your choice of pellets, set the temperature, come back 6 hours later and eat. Perfect...

[scottri]

I like the GMG ones in your first link and i've only read good things about them (apart from people claiming its cheating). The only issues as far as i am concerned are 1) price 2) they are not water proof so they really need to be kept under cover/shelter. I too, am very lazy, so they do appeal a lot!

edit - Traeger range worth look as well

Edited by scottri on Sunday 4th September 19:47

[MyM2006]

I know my brother bought one recently as he loved the idea of the simplicity of load it up and away you go, no idea what make or model.
He has now learnt how to use a Weber properly and would rather use that than the more automated smoker, he would still recommend the automated one for someone who is lazier or doesn't want to learn how to setup a normal smoker.

[Pferdestarke]

Id like to invest in one. I think they're ideal if you want low maintenance long cooks but I wouldn't expect to be able to grill convincingly on one. If you're a low and slow fan then het one bought and show us the results.

[Output Flange]

I've had a Weber Smokey Mountain for a few years now. Once you get the hang of it, it's not much more effort than a pellet smoker - they can hold a temp for a looooooooooooong time, and more so if you go for a controller (I haven't).

[HotJambalaya]

Pferdestarke said:

Id like to invest in one. I think they're ideal if you want low maintenance long cooks but I wouldn't expect to be able to grill convincingly on one. If you're a low and slow fan then het one bought and show us the results.

From what I understand they don't do a bad job of grilling, there just doesn't seem to be a huge point in it since there's no particular smoke flavour at that heat, it's just like an oven

[Phud]

I have both a WSM and normal kettle, for grilling the WSM is really too far away from the heat source, mainly because above the heat you place the water bowl, to grill you need to remover that, then you are low down.

However I also do low and slow indirect on my kettle and think for a family or small group this is the single BBQ to buy.

WSM if you want a pure smoker good for both cold and hot smoking.

[Output Flange]

You can grill on the WSM without lowering the grill or removing the water pan. Take the front door off, get some coals up to temp, lob some wood on and you'll easily get it twice round the temp dial with massive flames.

[feef]

Costco recently had Bradley smokers in, I'm very tempted by one of those. Friend of mine has one, and the chicken we had at his bbq was beautiful

[Pferdestarke]

HotJambalaya said:

Pferdestarke said:

Id like to invest in one. I think they're ideal if you want low maintenance long cooks but I wouldn't expect to be able to grill convincingly on one. If you're a low and slow fan then het one bought and show us the results.

From what I understand they don't do a bad job of grilling, there just doesn't seem to be a huge point in it since there's no particular smoke flavour at that heat, it's just like an oven

It's just an indirect roast then, which sometimes just won't do. Hard to control heat penetration to avoid overcooking.

[Sway]

I'd go (and did!) for a Pro Q of appropriate size.

Removable smoker stacks, so it turns from a little travel grill up to a multi level smoker capable of feeding a horde. Rock solid temp control, ports for remote thermometer, hanging rail for ribs/fish.

They do a cold smoker for it too.

The premium quality one (elite iirc?) is as heavy duty and well enameled as the weber - I also have a weber kettle to compare.

[HotJambalaya]

feef said:

Costco recently had Bradley smokers in, I'm very tempted by one of those. Friend of mine has one, and the chicken we had at his bbq was beautiful

seems they're still selling them online. Turns out a family member has one, says its fantastic...