Bought a Smoker

[WildBill]

I've eschewed electric and gas fired smokers so far. I have a Big Green Egg, and it is a great smoker AND grill. I find that controlling temperature in it is pretty easy, and it doesn't need much watching either.

I have had my eye on a Big Green Egg for about a year, but can't convince myself to part with that much cash. People swear by them, but I don't know if I would get my money's worth. I usually don't cook for a lot of people.

[WildBill]

WB, I see in your picture you also have a gas grill and a classic Weber and now the smoker. You are serious about outdoor cooking. I used to have an electric smoker that was made here in Houston called a Redi-Smok. A guy I worked with quit and took over managing them back in the 70's. He made many improvements including a temperature control for the element. I think they've been out of business for a while, but not for sure. Years ago I made a charcoal smoker out of an old aluminum beer keg that worked great. It made the best country style ribs. Lost it in the moves somewhere along the way. From the looks of it your does a splendid job! Everything looks delicious. Yum!

I like to experiment and try different ways to prepare food. It is a hobby of mine. I got the gas grill because it heats up so quickly that I can grill a steak during the week and still eat at a decent hour. I used to cook the Thanksgiving turkey every year on the Weber Kettle, but don't have many family dinners since I moved to Texas. I do pretty good for a guy from California.

[VoiceofReason]

I seriously considered this same model, but went for the MES (Masterbuilt Electric Smoker) instead. Easy to add more smoking wood as needed, Glass door to see what is going on, electronic controls to set cooking temp and time. Comes with a wireless remote so you don't have to keep a very close eye on it.

Like you, I am trying out all types of BBQ, and am going to split and smoke some sweet potatoes later today.

If you haven't done so already, check out Smokingmeatsforums.com. Great resource. Like they say about all pork butts, smoke em if you got em.

You have a PM.

[WildBill]

Thanks to StewNTexas - Smoked Sweet Potatoes!



These are unbelievable!

[Blindref757]

I've eschewed electric and gas fired smokers so far. I have a Big Green Egg, and it is a great smoker AND grill. I find that controlling temperature in it is pretty easy, and it doesn't need much watching either.

You have the best piece of backyard cooking equipment money can buy! These things are easy to operate and they make bbq that will parallel any smokehouse in Texas. Not to mention, if you want to cook a 1.25" thick steak at 600F, you can do it in 6 minutes and it tastes like Tim Love cooked it!

I couldn't afford the BGE, so I bought a Vision Classic from Sams...I've used it at least once a week since April. My family begs me to cook and I love the creativity! Best thing so far was a 6lb Bone-In rib section that I was lucky enough to catch on sale for $5.49/lb. My wife has never liked Prime Rib...but she does now!

[RoyGBiv]

I have smoked meats for years. I switched exclusively to gas-fired; much easier to control the heat and it's all about the wood/smoke anyway. I bought my in-laws that exact model you have a couple of years ago and it works great.

Smoking is all about preparation and timing. Rubs, glazes and type of wood are the critical things. Then, don't rush it or let the meat dry out.

Your stuff looks fantastic!!

Here is a pork butt I smoked and then pulled 4th of July.

[ Image ]

[ Image ]

The Truly Wise know that Real BBQ is PORK. Beef is only for diversity and entertainment. And for grilling, of course.

Excellent bark, Mr B.

+1 for amazingribs.com. Much wisdom to be found there.

[anygunanywhere]

I have smoked meats for years. I switched exclusively to gas-fired; much easier to control the heat and it's all about the wood/smoke anyway. I bought my in-laws that exact model you have a couple of years ago and it works great.

Smoking is all about preparation and timing. Rubs, glazes and type of wood are the critical things. Then, don't rush it or let the meat dry out.

Your stuff looks fantastic!!

Here is a pork butt I smoked and then pulled 4th of July.

[ Image ]

[ Image ]

The Truly Wise know that Real BBQ is PORK. Beef is only for diversity and entertainment. And for grilling, of course.

Excellent bark, Mr B.

+1 for amazingribs.com. Much wisdom to be found there.

Fightin' words. You obviously are not from Texas and have not quite developed the correct mindset to call yourself a Texican.

Anygunanywhere

[KC5AV]

Okay... for those that use propane, how long does one of those bottles last with a smoker?

[TVGuy]

Okay... for those that use propane, how long does one of those bottles last with a smoker?

I can't give you an exact amount of time, because I don't smoke every weekend. Sometimes it's every week, sometimes once a month. When used in a smoker like the OP, it lasts a LOOOOOONG time. 6 Months or so maybe? It's only one burner and most of the time on a fairly low setting.

[anygunanywhere]

Okay... for those that use propane, how long does one of those bottles last with a smoker?

I have a cheapo Wally World propane burner smoker. My 5 gallon (25 lb?) tanks last for roughly 3 briskets or about 30-36 hours on high.

[bigity]

Yes, they last for a good while in my experience.

Brisket:


Smoked Ribeyes: (experiment - I loved them but my wife did not - she does not like pink in the meat at all)







I need to get something to smoke this weekend.

[C-dub]

I got an XL Big Green Egg (BGE) and before I did I showed it to my wife. I thought she was going to choke me out when she saw the price, but instead she said, "That's a good price!"
When I asked her she said she thought I was going to show her one of the $3k+ grills. Now, I do wish I had gotten a smaller one, maybe a medium or a large at the biggest, but it does smoke and grill pretty good. It is much like most of my guns, though, and is better than my capabilities.

[cheezit]

Built and have been cooking on a UDS for a few years. Smoking turkeys for thanksgiving has become a tradition for me.

[WildBill]

I've eschewed electric and gas fired smokers so far. I have a Big Green Egg, and it is a great smoker AND grill. I find that controlling temperature in it is pretty easy, and it doesn't need much watching either.

You have the best piece of backyard cooking equipment money can buy! These things are easy to operate and they make bbq that will parallel any smokehouse in Texas. Not to mention, if you want to cook a 1.25" thick steak at 600F, you can do it in 6 minutes and it tastes like Tim Love cooked it!

I couldn't afford the BGE, so I bought a Vision Classic from Sams...I've used it at least once a week since April. My family begs me to cook and I love the creativity! Best thing so far was a 6lb Bone-In rib section that I was lucky enough to catch on sale for $5.49/lb. My wife has never liked Prime Rib...but she does now!

To me it doesn't seem like the Vision Classic or a Komado Joe is much less the BGE, but I couldn't find a price on Sam's. If I bought one, I would not go for the XL size. Another thing that put me off is that they are so heavy. I would probably need some have it delivered and help with the assembly. I guess at good dinner could pay for the help with the assembly.

[FL450]

Welcome to the smoking world- Theirs an app for that.
I have a Master Built propane Smoker along with a offset wood smoker and gas grill.
One for every occasion and I use them all.