New guy from PA (and new to smoking)

[88rxna]

Hey everyone! Been lurking for about a week off and on. I want to get into smoking. I'm new to all of it so I apologize if a newb question appears more than once.
Thinking of an electric smoker. A masterbuilt off of Amazon. I'm worried of spending more than 200 and not really getting into it. What's your opinion on these?
It's a masterbuilt 20070910

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[88rxna]

I'd like to start off simple and learn the secrets before jumping into charcoal or pellets if that makes sense?

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[bsooner75]

Welcome 88. My first smoker was electric and I hated it. Probably more to do with me than the smoker. I just never really took the time to learn it. Young and impatient. Well, at least I got older since then :)

In general $200 won't get you much for a smoker and I'm afraid will lead to frustration.

I'd recommend an Old Country Pecos (Academy) or a Weber Smokey Mountain but both run $399. Although they turn up used from time to time on Craigslist.

You could also consider building an Ugly Drum for cheap. There is a very informative UDS thread on this site.

Best of luck to you!


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[OldUsedParts]

My $0.02 I am sure there are Members here that can create Gourmet results with electric smokers BUT, as for myself, I sure do like the advantage of being able to end up with various wood smoke flavors such as Mesquite, Hickory, Apple and various stick burners options. Don't get in a hurry and let some of the other members here offer you their experience and ideas.

[woodenvisions]

Welcome NEIGHBOR !

What part of ( oneplateville ) do u live in ?
Now I don't feel so left out lol !!

Look for smoke in the Poconos, that would be me..


As for Electric smokers, I don't have any experience with them so my thoughts are pretty much useless unfortunately.

Lots of Different types of smokers used on here so I'm sure you will be steered in the right direction.

[CaptJack]

howdy

[Down_South]

Welcome 88. Once you take a bite of that first smoked rib you won't look back...you'll be hooked for life.

[TX1911]

Welcome!

[88rxna]

Thanks all!
I live south of Erie just below the snow belt...wee!
If I were to buy a charcoal smoker, how hard is it (really) to maintain/babysit? I guess I was looking at electric for the "set it and forget it", hang out with the family while it cooks.
If guys say charcoal is the way to go, then I'll look into one.
I looked at the 2 suggested from bsooner (thanks) and I'm curious how the egg shaped one functions. Is it harder to cook on than traditional grill style smokers?


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[OldUsedParts]

The Pellet Grill MIGHT BE your happy medium, if you're thinking set and forget I love mine BUT I love my Charcoal Grills also.

[woodenvisions]

You can smoke at 250, bake at 350/400 sear steaks at 500/550 and make imho the best pizza u will ever taste at 650 with one of these all under 300 $.

Reviews will tell you ALOT.

Best versatile investment I've made

Search Chargriller Akorn on Amazon.
Got mine at Lowe's for 249.99$
Lots of info

[88rxna]

That thing is slick!
I just found a used weber smokey mountain near me for 150. Has only a few smokes done on it. I think if I can pick it up for 100 I'm gonna snag it!
I just watched a few videos on the smokey mountain and it looks like something I'd like to try.

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[CaptJack]

88, i'm in Houston, where they make the OldSmokey, since 1923, 2nd Houston family
i have a nephew in Richmond, VA with his OS, but his wife won't let him cook with it on the porch
i just sent him his granddad's serious sausage stuffer, and his buddy just bought a good grinder
i told nephew to build a decent smoker shed to hold the OS and to smoke the sausage
about the size of an outhouse
he can keep the OS in the shed all seasons and will make his cooks very consistent = no wind
out of the snow and the cold
and when they make sausage they can use the OS to build the smoker fire for the sausage
2 birds with one shed

nephew's OldSmokey out in the snow
because wife said it couldn't be used on the porch

[woodenvisions]

That thing is slick!
I just found a used weber smokey mountain near me for 150. Has only a few smokes done on it. I think if I can pick it up for 100 I'm gonna snag it!
I just watched a few videos on the smokey mountain and it looks like something I'd like to try.

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Dude, if u can score that at that price, JUMP ON IT !!

I've never heard anything bad about the WSM.

[Russ]

You get snow in Houston? That's blown me away, I thought it was hot there all the time?

Russ