I'm thinking about getting a smoker. What kind do you have?

I have a Smokin Tex model 1400. I like it but it is the only one I have used so there is no basis for comparison. My daughter had a propane smoker and after seeing the Smokin Tex bought one to replace the propane unit.It is not very portable.Google Smokin Tex and go to their website for more info.

I have the no longer available Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain LP smoker. This thing is great, I love being able to dial in the temp and not have to mess with it again. It uses very little LP (12k burner) and all I have to do is keep refilling the smoke box with my favorite wood. You should consider the LP versions in your decision, there are plenty on the market and they work well.

At home, I have a Big Green Egg. We then freeze smoked meals and bring them with us when we camp. The Egg works wonderfully but it weighs a ton and is too fragile to bring on the road.

fla-gypsy wrote:I have the no longer available Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain LP smoker. This thing is great, I love being able to dial in the temp and not have to mess with it again. It uses very little LP (12k burner) and all I have to do is keep refilling the smoke box with my favorite wood. You should consider the LP versions in your decision, there are plenty on the market and they work well.I started with a Cabelas electric and replaced the electric element with a gas burner. I don't recommend electric unless you spend enough to get variable heat control. I now have the same GOSM that fla-gypsy uses with a few modifications. I think it is too easy to ruin good meat with a charcoal if you aren't an expert at heat control. Good smoked food boils down to getting in the right temperature range and keeping it there.

I have an electric MasterBuilt 30" smoker and my parents have the 40" model. It does a fine job of smoking. I set it a 225 degrees and it just runs. can be set between 100 and 275 degrees and is digitally controlled. I dont' want to have to tend to charcoal all day long in a charcoal one. Propane for me is out, more hassle and another bottle to keep around. I put my Boston Butt's in at around 5-6pm. Load wood chips every hour for the first 3-4 hours, then go to bed for the night. the next morning, it is almost done cooking and i have done hardly any work at all.I personally cannot taste the difference between stuff cooked on a charcoal, propane, or electric smoker. Just pick one that you like best.

Smokers - Electric or Charcoal? | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

ShutterStuff
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Even if you do not use a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, this web site has been the best source of information on smoking with charcoal:
The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board
jrstout89
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Ron3rd wrote:
Weber Smokey Mountain for me.

X2

Long burn time and great temp control
JoeH
Explorer III
Jun 09, 2013
Bluetruck11 wrote:
I have had just about every kind of smoker you can get.. I have got the most use out my Master built 40 inch electric model. I willjust set the temp and time fill the wood chips, water up a couple of times. We will just go do whatever and the cook keeps cruzing along till the meat is done...

Me too, I've had various different kinds and makes and find that I get the most use out of the masterbilt 40 electric.
ShutterStuff
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Ron3rd wrote:
Weber Smokey Mountain for me.

I have a WSM as well. I prefer charcoal for both grilling and smoking. I just did pulled pork on a 15 hour cook at 235 degrees yesterday. None left today...
Greytruck18
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
I have had just about every kind of smoker you can get.. I have got the most use out my Master built 40 inch electric model. I willjust set the temp and time fill the wood chips, water up a couple of times. We will just go do whatever and the cook keeps cruzing along till the meat is done...
Helmsey
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
We have a masterbuilt 30" electric smoker and love it. It fits nicely in front of the hitch in the bed and has made several trips when we have larger crowds. It is nice and easy to throw a pork butt on and feed everyone easily.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jun 07, 2013
Weber Smokey Mountain for me.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
He said the 'E' word.....

Well, off to confession....
tplife
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
I have a Meco Electric and it's easy to use, easy on temp control, and does a great job - which almost any smoker will if used correctly.
Pauljdav
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
I use electric when smoking fish and charcoal for smoking beef, chicken and ribs.

I have a big green egg at home and I also have a Weber performer. The weber is light and very easy to use so I take it camping with me.
I use a big chief smoker for my fish. MMMMmmm..

Paul