Thinking of buying a smoker - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

spence · 09-21-2013, 04:26 PM

Have a really nice gas grill. Probably use it monthly.

Discuss.

PRBuzz · 09-21-2013, 06:24 PM

Got one via MacoJoe, gave it to my son. He loves cooking on it and smoked everything is very good.

Lots of work, stuff goes in the smoker 10-12hrs before meal so lots of planning and watching.
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WESTPORTMAFIA · 09-21-2013, 06:28 PM

Get a vaporizer
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WESTPORTMAFIA · 09-21-2013, 06:31 PM

Jeff if you get one ill be in for some lessons. Always wanted try smoking after trying smoked bluefish. But I get turned away as there is way too much info on smoking that my brain can handle. I'd like to see it done and learn how to do it.
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derf · 09-22-2013, 05:36 AM

hummm...
i've got a brinkman 3in1 . propane .yea i know ,but i dislike charcoal ...
put wood chips in , fill the water pan ,fire it up .
quick & easy

check the temp every so often .
chicken breasts (boneless)@45 minutes
pork tenderloin @ 1 hour
pork butt 3 hours in the smoker finish in the oven

JamesJet · 09-22-2013, 06:42 AM

Lots of choices, I have a webber smoky mountain often called wsm or bullet. Bit of a learning curve, but get a book called low and slow. Trust me on that one. If you are used to charcoal now it's really easy.
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RIROCKHOUND · 09-22-2013, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesJet

Lots of choices, I have a webber smoky mountain often called wsm or bullet. Bit of a learning curve, but get a book called low and slow. Trust me on that one. If you are used to charcoal now it's really easy.
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PM Tautog. He got a nice on two years ago he likes.

Sea Dangles · 09-22-2013, 07:57 AM

Jeff,you like nice things. Get the WSM in the smaller size. I replaced my WSM of 10 years last spring with the same product. These are used in competition frequently and are affordable when compared with the alternatives. Best thing is they are black, which as you know goes with everything. Order from Amazon for free shipping. Great for smoked bluefish pate'.

JackK · 10-01-2013, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

Jeff,you like nice things. Get the WSM in the smaller size. I replaced my WSM of 10 years last spring with the same product. These are used in competition frequently and are affordable when compared with the alternatives. Best thing is they are black, which as you know goes with everything. Order from Amazon for free shipping. Great for smoked bluefish pate'.

Dangles do you ever regret not getting the larger size?

spence · 10-01-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackK

Dangles do you ever regret not getting the larger size?

So much fun could be had here

-spence

Sea Dangles · 10-01-2013, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackK

Dangles do you ever regret not getting the larger size?

A friend got it and goes through a lot of charcoal.The size I have is generally more than adequate.

Fly Rod · 10-03-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackK

Dangles do you ever regret not getting the larger size?

get the larger one ...ribs take up space

spence · 09-22-2013, 08:59 AM

The WSM seems like a good value. Having a good gas grill I doubt I would use this for much besides smoking, which would diminish the benefit from a Kamado style cooker at a much higher price point. They do sure look cool though and would be great for pizza.

300 bucks delivered for the small WSM is pretty cheap.

I've done 3 hour smokes for ribs on the gas grill but I can't get it to make enough smoke to really impart good flavor, texture is there though.

-spence

Sea Dangles · 09-22-2013, 09:40 AM

I have the kamado but I really don't want to gunk it up by doing smokes on it (although there is a ribeye roast on deck for Sunday dinner). I have not touched my gas grill in months due to the FLAVOR natural wood imparts. Thighs,porkbutts,ribs and most of all brisket are fantastic on the WSM.Homemade brines,mops and rubs make it fun to experiment. This fall I will try to smoke a turkey which I hear is awesome.Pull the trigger and never look back.

Fly Rod · 09-22-2013, 09:41 AM

here is the best buy for your money.... $150.00 - $200.00 ...U can have two levels of cooking with 22 1/2 inch racks bought at a weber store....can smoke 6-10 ribs at a time or one or two....once U buy the parts would take a day to build...I suggest buying a new open ended barrel and just wash out...cost about 68 dollars....3 weber 22 1/2 grills @ 16 -20 bucks each...do not need black iron pipe if U like bending down...pipe plus stainless bolts to hold racks about 30 bucks

Fly Rod · 09-22-2013, 10:07 AM

Do not use a grill thermometer...most R in accurate....for about 69 bucks U can buy a wireless barbecue Maverick ET-732 from Ebay...follow directions U should have no problems.

http://wyntk.us/smoking-times-and-temperatures

spence · 09-23-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly Rod

Do not use a grill thermometer...most R in accurate....for about 69 bucks U can buy a wireless barbecue Maverick ET-732 from Ebay...follow directions U should have no problems.

http://wyntk.us/smoking-times-and-temperatures

Yes, even having a good electric would help on the gas grill.

-spence

The Dad Fisherman · 09-23-2013, 12:37 PM

I got a Brinkman Side Barrell Smoker...love it but not great for the winter.....takes a lot of charcoal to maintain temperature in the winter.

spence · 09-23-2013, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

I got a Brinkman Side Barrell Smoker...love it but not great for the winter.....takes a lot of charcoal to maintain temperature in the winter.

That's a good point. Right now I grill year round. Hard to do pizza in the winter but most things are fine once it's gets cranking.

-spence

fishsmith · 09-23-2013, 03:33 PM

I have a chargriller, it has a propane grill and charcoal grill w/smoker hopper (lowes special) So far the pork ribs have come out the best. I made brisket Saturday, but it didn't come out as good as I hoped, or maybe I'm not a brisket fan ( but I love corned beef). Anywho, I'm hooked and really enjoy the slow cooking. I use oak ... It's mild and I've got an oak tree in my yard. Good luck
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Mr. Sandman · 09-24-2013, 08:54 AM

I am not a fan of the BBQ type smokers...you can not really control the heat accurately without constant tinkering. You want an electric smoker not one where you build a fire esp for fish. The the basic key to a good smoke (esp with fish) is brine, DRY, smoke at a low temp. You do not want to cook it you want to smoke it.

For this reason, I did a lot of research on these things and have had several smokers over the years. There are lots to choose from. My first one was a little chief from LL bean. I made a lot of good stuff with that thing but it rusts out and it is hard to control the heat.

I eventually went with the Bradley smoker in all SS. The model I have is not made any more and they have gone to an all digital generator that controls temp and smoke precisely.
http://www.bradleysmoker.com/product...ectric-smoker/

I have had mine for about 8 years now and only had one minor problem in year 2 and I called them and they replaced the entire smoking unit for free. Excellent customer service and very good equipment.
If I were buying one now...I would buy the newest digital one they have, you will not be sorry. This is what you want... http://www.bradleysmoker.com/product...igital-smoker/

They look like a small refrigerators, are insulated and it controls the heat and smoke better than anything I have seen in a non-commercial machine. Some of the big commercial smokers are incredible but they cost 8-10K+

You have to buy the wood pucks from them. They come in a lot of different types of wood for different flavors. I like alder with fish. I thought that would be a pain but it works so well and is so slick and controlled and there are no screw ups when doing it. I like the system.

Sea Dangles · 09-24-2013, 02:16 PM

To me it is the tinkering that is fun. It only takes a couple of smokes to learn how to regulate the temp and a cold bev of choice makes it more than tolerable. My brother has the brinkman and my Dad has a gas smoker but seeing that I just replaced my WSM,you can tell I am satisfied. If you ever tried my smoked jerk chicken thighs you would understand.

The Dad Fisherman · 09-24-2013, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

To me it is the tinkering that is fun.

yep...same here. I like to spend the day in the yard putting around and smoking up some ribs, or a whole Turkey

Rockport24 · 09-24-2013, 02:23 PM

Ok, sounds like we need to have an S-B smoke off! I'll be a judge!

Rockport24 · 09-24-2013, 03:58 PM

And then I don't get an invite?

Saltheart · 09-24-2013, 04:13 PM

I'm amazed at some of the short times reported for smoking. We used to put bluefish on and it took all day.

I think if you are a purist requiring charcoal its going to be a long day of baby sitting. If you can go for other sources of heat , I think the electric ones are the most automatic in terms of temp control. My heart leans towards gas fired but the all day long temp control feedback loop is not there as it is with an electric one.

Anyway ,I love the taste.

Fly Rod · 09-26-2013, 09:14 AM

I too am amazed at the short times...Saltheart U were probably cold smoking them fish at 60-70 degrees...I do believe it is illegal to cold smoke for retail sales in Mass....plus cold smoking does not kill all the bacteria from what I have read....I smoke Alaskan salmon till it reaches 140 degrees depending on thickness

babybacks or ST. louis ribs take me about 4-5 hours at 250 degrees ...pork butt 9 hrs. or longer at higher temperture ....same with brisket....brisket is hard to get tender....rule of thumb with brisket is when U take a butter knife and slide it in easy in middle of brisket it is done....need to inject brisket with juices.

Some have said U have to watch the smoker all the time....once to desired temp I leave for an hour or so and recheck temp....go cut the grass etc:....sometimes my problem is not letting coals get hot enough at beginning ....once ya learn the nack of it it becomes simple.

Just bought a fresh 13 lb. porkbellie from market basket will brine today for 5 days and then smoke it....hope I do not mess it up....

This could be a good read for some.

www.amazingribs.com

Sea Dangles · 09-28-2013, 12:55 AM

In the WSM I cook the butts overnight.Check it before sleep and it is done when I wake up. Absolutely killer!

spence · 09-28-2013, 08:30 AM

I'm a bit of a purist but definitely see the practicality of a unit like a bradley. For some things like this I find it better to go natural, make a ton of mistakes and get a good understanding of how things really work. If you stick with it and are going to smoke a lot then upgrade.

That digital unit is nice though and the price looks pretty good for what you're getting.

This will require some more thinking. Thanks for all the input.

-spence

basswipe · 09-28-2013, 08:45 AM

I'm still using my cheapo Brinkman smoke 'n grill,slightly modified for easier use.I've never gone wrong with it so far,I've had some really good stuff come off of it.You are limited to the size of what you can smoke though.I keep telling myself that I'm going to step up but this one works great for me.

With the new Weber gas grill I recently bought I found a v-shaped smoker box that sits between the "flavorizor" bars just above the burner works much better than the square ones that are off to the side.