Good Smoker???

[John Gusmano]

I'm thinking about trying smoking my own meats, never done it before. Any advice on what kind of smoker I should get? Thanks!

[TRAPnHUNT]

I've used charcoal, propane, & electric. I've found that electric works best and is easier to regulate.

[tnbeaverman]

John,
I have been smoking meat for about 30 years to include, fish, fowl, deer, Caribou and Elk. One thing has remained the same
for me. I use the Big Chief smokers. My wife and I also own a BBQ restraunt and our industrial smoker is also an Big Chief.
These are made by lure Jenson. Just Goggle Indian Chief or Big Chief Smokers. I like them because they have an electrical circle heating element which sets under the pan of wood chips. Can produce large quantities of meat. I can never seem to keep enough deer jerky made to keep my family and friends satisfied. I have to hide me a bag for myself out in my furshed just to get some each season.
Best of luck and Welcome to the Swamp
JW

[John Gusmano]

Jul 30, 2013 10:54:17 GMT -5 tnbeaverman said:

John,
I have been smoking meat for about 30 years to include, fish, fowl, deer, Caribou and Elk. One thing has remained the same
for me. I use the Big Chief smokers. My wife and I also own a BBQ restraunt and our industrial smoker is also an Big Chief.
These are made by lure Jenson. Just Goggle Indian Chief or Big Chief Smokers. I like them because they have an electrical circle heating element which sets under the pan of wood chips. Can produce large quantities of meat. I can never seem to keep enough deer jerky made to keep my family and friends satisfied. I have to hide me a bag for myself out in my furshed just to get some each season.
Best of luck and Welcome to the Swamp
JW

Thank you!!! I will definitely look into them! ;D

[mrchicken]

Im a big fan of using natural wood and charcoal smokers.

That said, they can be a huge PITA when it raining, windy, or super cold.

The electric smokers are much more user friendly. Some of the models can be programmed for time and temp. A set it and forget it kind of rig.

Excellent for all kinds of smoking meat. Especially nice for doing smaller cookin's like a plate of smoked chicken wings, or a smaller roast.

When I have a large volume of meat to cook and plenty of time, its worth it to fire up the big smoker.

My electric smoker crapped out and I am going to look into a larger model electric for most of the day to day cookin. The big wood burner will be saved for special occasions.

[tinknocker1]

Brinkman electric is what i have pretty easy to use

[rhyla]

We've been checking into city by law's here about building our own smoker in the back yard. Plenty of information on the Internet for different designs. Haven't built it yet though, so I can't really let you know how it worked out yet.

[Brad H.]

I would go electric or propane. Charcoal is too much maintenance throughout the day. How much meat are you planning on doing?

[John Gusmano]

Not much, I just want to get one and learn how to smoke some meats. I'd like to smoke a lot of fish that I catch.

[Brad H.]

In that case I wouldn't buy anything too extravagant. A good starter would an an electric kettle smoker. You can find them fairly cheap online, but keep your eyes open on craigslist too. I just picked one up for $20 and it was used once. Good luck!

[mrchicken]

You can always build an Ugly Drum Smoker (google it)

I think I have $22 in mine. Works great and if you make a double decker rack with a couple carriage bolts and some washers, it will hold a LOT.

[ninedeer]

I have a weber electric smoker that I've had for way long time.Have no complaints .Last weekend I smoked a beef brisket and sirloin tip roast, way yummy.boiled some cabbage, too

[John Gusmano]

Thanks for all the great tips! I'll keep you guys posted on what I decide!