Topic: Information on Smoker Grills! (Read 11420 times)

SBB · « **on:** November 16, 2010, 04:43:53 PM »

I have been thinking about getting a smoker grill this year.
I read the comments on the Traeger Grills in the Ribfest thread.
http://www.traegergrills.com/grills/BBQ055
They seem to be fairly expensive. But very cool!
What is everyone's thoughts about gas versus electric versus charcoal?
It's looking a lot like Christmas and I figured now or the next month the best deals can be had.
I also have natural gas available to use.
Tell me the pro's and con's of smoker grills.
And tell me what brand you have and if you like it.
Thanks!

SBB

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2010, 05:22:07 PM »

How do you plan to use it? Big parties for 100s of people? Or family gatherings? If you don't already have a smoker I'd recommend starting with a weber smokey mountain. Its extremely versatile and can be used as a grill. I have a Tejas Smoker 1640 that only gets used when I'm cooking for more than 20 which is only once or twice a year. Every other time, I put the "BBQ Baffle". In my 22.5" weber kettle and make magic. Chicken and steak are fine with charcoal but anything taking longer than a couple hrs tastes sooty from the coal pressed into it. I use my propane grill as a smoker frequently too.

wxdude · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2010, 08:01:50 PM »

Have you looked at a Big Green Egg? http://www.biggreenegg.com/

I don't have one myself, live in an apartment so I can't have a grill, but I have been to many cookouts where they were used. They are awesome for everything from a burger burn to smoking a whole bird, racks of ribs or anything you can come up with to put in it.

pado · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2010, 08:57:36 PM »

It ain't the grill!! I have had expensive ones and cheap ones, gas, charcoal, and electric. It's all about the cook and TIME. I'm using a grill that I made myself in the shop from stainless and iron and when I got used to it was great and I'm still using it 'cause it works for me. Some of the best smokers come from 55 gal drums.

Jus sayin'

skippy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2010, 09:59:05 PM »

Chip are you kidding me , your fat a$$ need to be eating more vegetables not some smoked pork just look at me

fourstar · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:27:02 PM »

The Big Green Egg (http://www.biggreenegg.com) is a really great and versatile smoking grille. Pricey, but well worth it.

cvobiker · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2010, 01:01:53 AM »

My vote is an Oklahoma Joes Smoker. I've got the 20" Classic and it does the job for large groups. In fact, I'll be cramming four large birds in mine for a 14 hour smoke next Thursday. Got my brine and applewood ready to go... There ain't nothing better than an apple smoked turkey... It doesn't take long for your friends and neighbors to catch on to your masterpieces and they'll be putting there orders in... And ahh the smell of that smoker will drive the neighborhood nuts

www.horizonbbqsmokersstore.com/servlet/StoreFront

SBB · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:04:00 AM »

Great info guys!
Keep it coming!
I'm looking for a smoker for a small group. (2 to 10 people)

SBB

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:11:37 AM »

Quote from: fourstar on November 16, 2010, 10:27:02 PM

The Big Green Egg (http://www.biggreenegg.com) is a really great and versatile smoking grille. Pricey, but well worth it.

I looked hard at the Green Egg when I bought mine.

I went with Primo http://www.primogrill.com/home.html because I feel you can get more on the grill for similar size due to oval shape.

These ceramic grills use lump coal not charcoal. It is very easy to control temp from as low as 200 up to over 700. So at 700 it is great for a properly seared steak. At 200 it is great for slow cook/smoked ribs. Once adjusted you can slow cook for 6 or more hours with out ever touching the grill.

I have the oval JR, and can cook two to three racks of ribs or more, 14 hamburgers or more. I do stuffed grilled Jalapenos on it, vegetables, meats, sea foods and any thing else you can think of.

I am thinking about getting another to put out on my dock.

miker · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:25:13 AM »

I have had a turbo grill in all s/s for 10 years, great cooker, quality built.

It took a while to season but now the turbo is well seasoned and delivers a good flavor using propane. It can be used to smoke as well.

http://www.bbqgalore.com

wolfman · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:34:24 AM »

I hear great things about the Weber Smokey Mountain and the lil WSM. Stay away from gas, go coal.

naitram · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:56:33 AM »

a co-worker just made one from a 55gal drum

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:18:41 AM »

Big Green egg is awesome. You can cook for hrs with handful of lump charcoal. 2 big drawbacks (for me). It's very heavy and therefore not very portable. Depending on the weather my grills are frequently moved between the pool, patio, garage, or even a neighbors house. They've been known to crack when they get too hot, especially if it's getting rained on.

Seriously, get yourself a 22.5" weber kettle grill. Put bricks in it like this to act as a heat shield and coal holder. The upper and lower vents work to control temperature and you can do briskets and pork butts for a whole day on it. The accessories for that size weber are near limitless. I've got a rotissorie ring, several charcoal holders and a BBQ Baffle (heat shield like the bricks do). Once you know you're getting good at it, expand the arsenal.

FNGw/08SERK · « **Reply #13 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:20:13 AM »

Rumor has it member Hogbreath is considering a new line of smokers built right in Clinton KY

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #14 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:24:08 AM »

This is the smoker I have. It weighs as much as my wife's motorcycle. I use the weber kettle MUCH more.

http://www.tejassmokers.com/products/2040.htm

BTW, Howie, Ken took the new smoker on a maiden run last week and I heard good things!

miker · « **Reply #15 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:25:01 AM »

Should, it is an awfully fancy cooker....

Ghost Rider · « **Reply #16 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:25:21 AM »

Quote from: naitram on November 17, 2010, 08:56:33 AM

a co-worker just made one from a 55gal drum

I won one of these in a raffle a few years ago and I love it. Works great for small or large gatherings. Plus you can custom decorate it.

Say for example orange and black colors, chrome barrel rings, and some bar and shield logos.

http://barrelofsmoke.com/

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #17 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:26:20 AM »

Oh my a question with so many answers.

Cooker 1 - The big pipe smoker. Custom built by myself. Should you decide this is for you need to make sure the pipe is clean or new and has no product residue inside it could make your food taste funny and harm your health.

Cooker 2 - The Trager works as a smoker, a grill, an oven can cook just about whatever you want when you want.

Cooker 3 - Propane fueled grill for when you are really in a hurry and want to git er done right now also has a conventional type burner on the side and a convection type burner as well as a conventional gas grill burner.

The Trager (or trager type pellet grill) has the widest range of uses it can be set as a smoker (165 degrees), a grill for 7 - 10 minute steaks, chops or burgers, or used as an oven for things like meatloaf, brownies, baked beans etc.

Just Sayin this is my opinion and like a lot of other things everyone has one.

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #18 on:** November 17, 2010, 09:31:44 AM »

Here's the Tejas 2040 in action........

HogBreath · « **Reply #19 on:** November 17, 2010, 10:08:05 AM »

I'd swap you this smoker for the Silver Blue and Black CVO Ultra..

SBB · « **Reply #20 on:** November 17, 2010, 10:36:09 AM »

Quote from: HogBreath on November 17, 2010, 10:08:05 AM

I'd swap you this smoker for the Silver Blue and Black CVO Ultra..

OK, if you throw in Big Ed as the operator!

SBB

Twolanerider · « **Reply #21 on:** November 17, 2010, 11:13:55 AM »

Quote from: SBB on November 17, 2010, 10:36:09 AM

OK, if you throw in Big Ed as the operator!

SBB

If Neal allows human trafficking on this site can I swap someone for one of 103's bikes?

HogBreath · « **Reply #22 on:** November 17, 2010, 11:15:46 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 17, 2010, 11:13:55 AM

If Neal allows human trafficking on this site can I swap someone for one of 103's bikes?

It depends...does she have big hooters?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #23 on:** November 17, 2010, 11:50:54 AM »

Quote from: HogBreath on November 17, 2010, 11:15:46 AM

It depends...does she have big hooters?

Gawd I hope so!

VRODDAVE · « **Reply #24 on:** November 19, 2010, 03:19:58 PM »

dont know much about grills, is this a smoker? very cool one way or another.

SBB · « **Reply #25 on:** November 19, 2010, 03:30:05 PM »

Quote from: VRODDAVE on November 19, 2010, 03:19:58 PM

dont know much about grills, is this a smoker? very cool one way or another.

^^^
NOPE

Can't be, it's red.
Smokers cook slow.
Red and slow do not fit together.

SBB

RJ749 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 19, 2010, 06:27:40 PM »

I've used a Traeger a fair amount and now am working on a Louisiana grill.

I like the Louisiana for the short time to fire it up and it smokes great.

Not sure how they compare in cost. Using the whole hog model currently http://www.dansons.com/products-barbecues-country-whole-hog.html

Warhawk · « **Reply #27 on:** November 19, 2010, 07:35:02 PM »

It is indeed much more about the cook and the method than the smoker itself. Except that you definitely want to go with charcoal or wood over gas. I like to use fruit wood when available, up in Kansas we could get mulberry wood that is great for smoking ... but charcoal is easier and works fine.

Mine is "The Good One" made up in Kansas, it has a separate fire box which is a very good thing. Mainly because you can tend the fire, add charcoal or wood, etc without disturbing the meat in the smoke box. My wife's family was involved with these in the beginning, but now they have been bought out by someone in Kansas City.

This is the brochure for my smoker ... http://www.aceofheartsbbq.com/Good-One_Brochure.pdf

The key to good BBQ is cooking low and slow. I have a basic method to cook brisket or pork butts that varies only in cooking time.

Baste meat with BBQ sauce of your choice.

Apply rub spices liberally all over meat.

Smoker should be regulated to 250-350 degrees

Place meat in smoker fat side up

Smoke for 3-4 hours, add charcoal or wood as necessary to maintain temperature.

Remove meat from smoker, place in an aluminum pan.

Add half a can of beer, coke or juice to pan and cover with aluminum foil.

Put in a 225 degree oven to finish

8-10 hours total cook time for a brisket, depending on size and thickness

10-12 hours total cook time for a pork butt, depending on size and thickness.

Remove from oven, drain off juices, recover and allow to "rest" for about 30-45 minutes.

Brisket ... Slice against the grain, an electric knife works best as the meat will be too tender for conventional knives.

Pork Butt ... You will know it's finished when the bone is loose and can be pulled out easily. Use a couple of forks to tear the meat apart for pulled pork sandwiches, chop it up a little ona cutting board as needed. Discard anything that doesn't look good.

EDIT: All this BBQ talk made me hungry and I'm getting a small brisket ready to go on the smoker for lunch tomorrow.

DDavidson · « **Reply #28 on:** November 19, 2010, 09:46:36 PM »

Kingsford Charcoal and fruit wood chips or mesquite chips.

Depends on what you're cooking. Lot of ideas in books and on the net.

Don't remove skin before smoking as sometimes it can be tar like.

Use foil, marinades, cavity stuffing with fruits, veggies, herbs.

I cook a turkey in about 2.5 hours on Weber indirect with Kingsford in containers. I put turkey in cakepan and cover top with foil. I put wet soaked chips on charcoal only once. I cook at a high temp making sure coals don't run out. Very moist and flavorful.

A friend has lots of success with Egg. Had few errors in the beginning.

Wanna ride · « **Reply #29 on:** November 19, 2010, 10:38:02 PM »

Didn't realize smokin' cooking was so popular. I found this guy who's pretty decent to deal with and has great smokin' pellets. Made specifically for smokin'

http://www.cookinpellets.com/cscart/

110tHunDer · « **Reply #30 on:** November 20, 2010, 06:35:28 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 17, 2010, 11:13:55 AM

If Neal allows human trafficking on this site can I swap someone for one of 103's bikes?

Who ya got in mind??

Gettinold · « **Reply #31 on:** November 20, 2010, 06:38:41 AM »

Quote from: 103tHunDer on November 20, 2010, 06:35:28 AM

Who ya got in mind??

Good one Brian.

Fired00d · « **Reply #32 on:** November 20, 2010, 07:28:03 AM »

Quote from: 103tHunDer on November 20, 2010, 06:35:28 AM

Who ya got in mind??

Hell I might throw in one of Chip's bike for her too... just sayin'

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Dash Riprock · « **Reply #33 on:** November 20, 2010, 09:50:47 AM »

Got a Weber Charcoal Kettle with a gas fire starter I love for burgers, dogs etc....

Also have a BGE size Large. Put a pork butt on the thing...set the temp and cook for about 16 hours. Best thing you ever ate! You can really control the temp with an Egg...the ceramic holds the heat and allows you to cook very slow.

SBB · « **Reply #34 on:** November 24, 2010, 06:28:31 PM »

OK the deal is done!

I bought the Traeger Lil Tex Elite (BBQ07E)

http://www.traegergrills.com/grills/BBQ07E

Thanks to everyone for the information.

It's on the patio smoking chicken as I type.

SBB

RJ749 · « **Reply #35 on:** November 24, 2010, 06:47:05 PM »

Sweet! You'll love it.

SBB · « **Reply #36 on:** November 24, 2010, 07:06:18 PM »

Quote from: RJ749 on November 24, 2010, 06:47:05 PM

Sweet! You'll love it.

I figured you, BLM777, Cobb and many others can't be wrong.
Thanks!

SBB

SBB · « **Reply #37 on:** November 25, 2010, 09:14:44 AM »

We will do the Turkey on Saturday so it's ribs for today.
These will be ready around 3:00.
May even ride the bike while their cooking.

SBB

Fired00d · « **Reply #38 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:20:24 PM »

Quote from: SBB on November 25, 2010, 09:14:44 AM

We will do the Turkey on Saturday so it's ribs for today.
These will be ready around 2:00.
May even ride the bike while their cooking.

SBB

Ain't it about time for a picture update?

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

SBB · « **Reply #39 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:30:53 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on November 25, 2010, 01:20:24 PM

Ain't it about time for a picture update?

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Here tis,

Another 1.5 hours and we eating ribs!

SBB

Fired00d · « **Reply #40 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:39:34 PM »

Yummy!!!!

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Twolanerider · « **Reply #41 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:41:03 PM »

I just heard a rumor that Chip is inviting 137 site members to his place on the first Saturday of May for a smoked meat buffet. Anyone else hear this rumor too?

Fired00d · « **Reply #42 on:** November 25, 2010, 01:54:24 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 25, 2010, 01:41:03 PM

I just heard a rumor that Chip is inviting 137 site members to his place on the first Saturday of May for a smoked meat buffet. Anyone else hear this rumor too?

Well damn... I heard that too.. but being that makes two that have heard it... it's no longer a rumor.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

hdbrad03 · « **Reply #43 on:** November 25, 2010, 02:49:31 PM »

RIBS UM SO GOOD Smoke them RIBS and a Get Together !!

Can't wait!!

Brad

cvobiker · « **Reply #44 on:** November 25, 2010, 05:26:18 PM »

Quote from: SBB on November 24, 2010, 07:06:18 PM

I figured you, BLM777, Cobb and many others can't be wrong.
Thanks!

SBB

Good Choice

You, your family and ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS will enjoy all the delicious meat you create on that gril.... I'm just about ready to pull four Turkeys out of my Oklahoma Joes.. These nice brine soaked birds got a nice slow twelve hour smoke over fresh cut apple wood

SIMPLY DELICIOUS...

HogBreath · « **Reply #45 on:** April 18, 2011, 12:30:55 PM »

So Chip,

I'm wondering, what's your take on the Traegor?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #46 on:** April 18, 2011, 12:40:03 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on April 18, 2011, 12:30:55 PM

So Chip,

I'm wondering, what's your take on the Traegor?

Only thing I know for sure is; Ken's is bigger

!

CVOJOE · « **Reply #47 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:04:58 PM »

Quote from: SBB on November 24, 2010, 06:28:31 PM

OK the deal is done!

I bought the Traeger Lil Tex Elite (BBQ07E)

http://www.traegergrills.com/grills/BBQ07E

Thanks to everyone for the information.

It's on the patio smoking chicken as I type.

SBB

And it comes in pink, but not SBB ?

HogBreath · « **Reply #48 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:51:04 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on April 18, 2011, 12:40:03 PM

Only thing I know for sure is; Ken's is bigger !

I've got a big deck too.

fresh oil and pipes · « **Reply #49 on:** September 02, 2011, 05:45:58 PM »

Free shipping, no interest, 3 EZ payments for limited time when buying a grill direct. Just go to their website for information.

2k · « **Reply #50 on:** September 02, 2011, 08:29:40 PM »

Was lurking around, stumbled on Cobb talking 'bout the "T". Got one after becomming a member over a year ago.......never look back. Hands down the best tasting food I have ever cooked. Use mine 2/3 times a week. WELL worth the price!!

Lever · « **Reply #51 on:** September 05, 2011, 04:40:04 AM »

i have a green mountain grill its a pellet grill love mine Daniel Boone model however if i was going to upgrade to another grill i think i would buy a mak grill
http://www.makgrills.com/

2k · « **Reply #52 on:** September 05, 2011, 08:24:02 AM »

Does look like a superior unit......if I could afford one!!

Author Topic: Information on Smoker Grills! (Read 11420 times)

Wanna ride