The Best Smoker?

[tearl42]

Greetings to all,

I don't want to start a holy war because I know that there are a number of forum members that sell smokers, but what should one look for in a good competition smoker? What should I avoid?

I have seen some nice things, but I would like to get the opinion of the experts.

I would say that the budget for the sake of this discussion would be <= $2k.

... and to the admins, if this turns in to a cyber fist fight, I'm sorry. :)

Thanks,

tom

[Rich Parker]

Greetings to all,

I don't want to start a holy war because I know that there are a number of forum members that sell smokers, but what should one look for in a good competition smoker? What should I avoid?

I have seen some nice things, but I would like to get the opinion of the experts.

I would say that the budget for the sake of this discussion would be <= $2k.

... and to the admins, if this turns in to a cyber fist fight, I'm sorry. :)

Thanks,

tom

I don't compete so I am going to sit back and watch this thread.....

But it sounds like someone wants to start competing and take a shot at the GLBBQA Rookie of the year award. ;)

[Bbq Bubba]

Greetings to all,

I don't want to start a holy war because I know that there are a number of forum members that sell smokers, but what should one look for in a good competition smoker? What should I avoid?

I have seen some nice things, but I would like to get the opinion of the experts.

I would say that the budget for the sake of this discussion would be <= $2k.

... and to the admins, if this turns in to a cyber fist fight, I'm sorry. :)

Thanks,

tom

No fighting here assured but you'll get a lot of different views! ;)

If i had 2 grand and a lil experience, a cabinet smoker would be my choice.
Easy fire/heat management. Long burns. Consistent temps. GREAT product.

Have you heard of Backwoods Smokers? :cool:

[CORYS CUSTOM COOKERS]

All I know is not to try to cover all the bases at once .
One size doesn’t fit all .
there is a lot of good cookers out there and you need to take a look at how you can handle the cooker and transporting and filling ?
all cookers take time to learn how they all work
one cooker could work great for you and the same cook would burn everything for me
I think that you will find the one just right for you .
If can be any help let me know

[sfisch]

Tom,
lots of variables to look at first before picking a cooker, specifically what are your intentions with it? :)
Are you going to cater, competitions or do side jobs for lots of people, size come into play then.
Stick burners like Lang's are really nice but need alot of attention, That can be a inconveinence if you want to take a nap in the middle of the night during long cooks. You also need a vehicle capable of towing it.
Ceramic's like the Eggs can cook anything for super hot high temp for pizza's to low and slow for butts and briskets. Amounts you are able to cook are limited due to size. They are also really heavy so you don't just pick them up and put them in the back of your truck by yourself.
W.S.M.'s come in two sizes now, they are pretty much "set it and forget it" once you
get the hang of them. They come apart and re-assemble really easy and you can take them anywhere you want. They can be used with or without water. Volume amounts again can be limited due to the cookers size.
Cabinet smokers like the Backwoods come in several sizes. I think they are all water smokers meaning there is a water pan between the heat source and the product cooking. You do have to attend the water pan so it doesnt dry which causes temps to spike. They are pretty easy to transport and have several removable shelves so you can cook anything in there.
They also look really pretty all painted up in your garage.

One thing for sure, if you are looking at getting something on the larger size, once you decide on it, get the next sized bigger one.
Unless you are in a super big hurry to get something new, Since you live in Waterford, I would suggest that you come on over to the Auburn Hills competiton in June, there will a good variety of cooker types there for you to look at and see in action.

That kinda sounded like I knew what I was talking about.

Scott

[spydermike72]

The Best Smoker is the one that I am using!!! It is the cook and not the cooker!!

[jmeds75]

Great Question-it really does come down to personal preference-you can get a good or bad bbq product out of any of them...New or used?

Also comes down to what is available or most common in your local market...Seems like you can find Backwoods, Langs, Klose, BGE, WSMs,-some of the bigger brand names, along with a few regional or local builders...If you are set on a brand that is not readily available-how many states away are you willing to drive to pick one up???

I am happy with my Diamond Plate Fat 50-biggest advantages are:

Volume-~4,000sq inches-can fit a lot of food!!
Towing-pulls very easy
Black/Chrome Stacks has a nice appearance
Steamer System/Propane Side Burners are nice options

Disadvantages:
Stick Burner-Not a set it and forget it smoker
Not easily found in MI

[tearl42]

I don't compete so I am going to sit back and watch this thread.....

But it sounds like someone wants to start competing and take a shot at the GLBBQA Rookie of the year award. ;)

Mmmm... That wasn't my intention, but now that you mention it... :D

Tom