I'm pretty good at smoking with my grill but have decided to get a genuine smoker for me for Father's Day. Just want a family type, gas type (to keep a good temp). Rilly love the smoked flavors..... Y'all got any thoughts/suggestions?
Lots of variables to consider. I use an offset wood burning Lyfe Tyme smoker. There are some vertical smokers, but I have NO experience with them. I only use a gasser to grill. bbq-brethren.com may be a good resource for research.
If your budget allows, get a Traeger. Super simple to use(my wife uses it more than I do), flavor will compete with any other smoker, and you can cook, smoke, or grill on it. The only downside is that you have to have electricity to use it.
Got it...I grill outside year round & I'll do the same with the smoker.... I have a stone patio just off my deck so when I shovel snow that gets it, too....
Smoking's more fun when it's kinda cold out. I actually do a lot more in the fall/winter than I do in the summer when it's too damn hot to wanna be outside messing with it.
Best thing about doing it in the summer is that it REQUIRES a copious amount of barley pop to complete the process!
I have become a smoker addict. I love the prep work, getting up early to get the fire going, the smell, and yes, the several beers I have to drink during the process. I had a guy build me a vertical smoker out of an old propane tank. He did an awesome job with custom grills, plenty of adjustable air vents, high end hinges, etc. After about 4 uses, I figured out the perfect settings for the vents, wood, etc, and I can keep the temp between 220-240 without much effort. Of course, I still go out to check it every 30 minutes or so, and squirt the meat with a little apple juice every hour. I think the temp is adjusted easier in the vertical as opposed to the offset (have a buddy with an offest), but maybe it's just mine. Have fun..
