Electric smoker question

[66chevelle]

I am thinking about buying one. Which one do you like and why? Which ones do you dislike? Any tips or info that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Rookie]

REC tec. Traeger used to be great, but they've gotten too proud of their products. I've had a Traeger for years and I love how easy it is to use. Set the temp, make sure the hopper is full, and relax until the temp thermometer goes off.

 

[EvilElmo]

I use this one. It works well enough and is very simple to use. No complaints at all after 2 years.

http://www.amazon.com/Masterbuilt-20070910-30-Inch-Electric-Controller/

 

[Lumpy76]

Are you looking for just an electric or electric fed pellet smoker? I just got a Camp Chef DLX pellet smoker. Just fill the hopper with pellets, set it and forget it. Can get pellets at menards. Have only used it once but it is pretty cool. Good smoke flavor. Cost about $500 shipped.

 

[Colt]

I bought this electric smoker less than a year ago and have used it 25 times. The purists don't like it, but I have smoked chickens, turkeys, trout, venison roast (butterflied with bacon), beef brisket, and pork shoulders with great results. It is very portable so I sometimes put it in the trunk of the car and treat my relatives to smoked dinners at their house. One of my brothers has bought one for himself because he can bring it with him when he goes RVing. At $49, you can't beat the price. The only problem I have with it is that sometimes I can't keep the wood chips lit when set at a low temperature like 225 F and I have to turn it up for a few minutes. Other times the wood chips stay lit without a problem. Haven't figured out the reason.

For the best price:

Oster® Smoker Roaster Oven, 16-Quart at Oster.com.

For more reviews:

Amazon.com: Oster CKSTROSMK18 Smoker Roaster Oven, 16-Quart: Electric Roasters: Kitchen & Dining

 

[EyeCarry]

Do you, or have you had a smoker before? Will you ever be using the electric smoker while it is raining? Or in freezing temperatures?
I had electric years ago but moved to gas. No cords, no low smoker temps in sub-freezing weather. The newer electrics may not have this problem though as others may attest to.
Either way I really like a front door style as opposed to a barrel style that you lift the top off of to check/water. I have noticed a lot of smokers now have a upper door for food and a separate, lower door for wood and water. If I was buying one now I would get that style.

 

[Super Bee]

I have had this Masterbuilt 40 inch smoker a year now and love it. I use it at least twice a week and I use it year round. We have a large covered rear porch so it never sees rain and even the coldest outside temperatures do not affect the performance.

Masterbuilt 40" Electric Smoker with Window - Sam's Club

 

[CZB1962]

I have had this Masterbuilt 40 inch smoker a year now and love it. I use it at least twice a week and I use it year round. We have a large covered rear porch so it never sees rain and even the coldest outside temperatures do not affect the performance.

Masterbuilt 40" Electric Smoker with Window - Sam's Club

I second this one. I have the older version and love it. I would never go back to charcoal.

 

[66chevelle]

Are you looking for just an electric or electric fed pellet smoker?.

i want a feed one but I'm not sure on pellets, chips, or a disk one.

 

[66chevelle]

I have a homemade smoker now that uses wood. I made it from 2 old hot water heaters. The problem with it is it takes a long time to get it going and you have to watch it constantly. I want one that I can do some stuff will it's cooking and check on it every hour or so. I never really thought about propane. How much cooking do you get out of a 20lb tank? I've looked at the master built ones but wasn't sure if I wanted the front glass door or not. Does anyone have any experience with the 30"? I usually only cook food for the 3 of us.

 

[Lumpy76]

I have a friend at work with just a straight electric. He said it works good. Has done briskets but does not get the bark or smoke flavor of a wood fed one. He compares it to cooking in the oven. He has tried putting chips in it also. Can't say how much wood chips he used or if he even used enough. Just did chicken on my pellet cooker and it was great. Really happy so far with it. Spent about $18 for 40# of pellets at Menards. Used about a pound an hour for my first two cooks. Let us know what you get.