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[SBB]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[fourstar]

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

[cvobiker]

 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]

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

SBB

[FLSTFI Dave]

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]

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]

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

[naitram]

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

[Hugh Janis]

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]

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

[Hugh Janis]

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!