I Need A New Smoker

[MrHank]

I need to find a new smoker/grill, I can't afford a BGE. I have looked at the Akorn, Char Griller and just a Weber Performer Series grill. I want to be able to grill and smoke on the same unit.

 

[Rookie]

What's your budget?

 

[SkullDaddy.45]

View attachment 29583 How many smokers ya need?

 

[MrHank]

What's your budget?

Around $400

 

[Hexlobular]

If you're only wanting to do a couple rack of ribs or one butt, a Weber would be my best advice. In my experience, the Char-Griller type smoker/grills aren't very efficient, and don't do either very well without modifications.

 

[steveh_131]

I've been working from a small budget for my outdoor cooking as well. No BGE's to be found on my deck.

I picked up a Weber Performer at a yard sale last year. It is a fantastic grill. Any Weber kettle is, really.

It also does a great job smoking small amounts of meat, if you use the right techniques.

I also built a drum smoker, which is similar to a Weber smokey mountain, but cheaper and better: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/break-room/300269-ugly-drum-smoker.html

I use my Weber kettles when I'm grilling or smoking just for the four of us. I use the smoker for larger get-togethers or when I'm doing ribs or pork butts.

 

[BravoMike]

If you're only wanting to do a couple rack of ribs or one butt, a Weber would be my best advice. In my experience, the Char-Griller type smoker/grills aren't very efficient, and don't do either very well without modifications.

I agree with Hex. I'm in the same boat as the OP and currently have a Char-Griller horizontal offset that is modified.
1. They are cheaply made and is showing its age at only 3 years old.
2. With my mods, it is better, but still not terribly efficient.

I would rather buy something more efficient next time. I am not sure what, but have been looking at the Weber Rocky Mountain Smoker. I have also been considering going propane for less hassle and would consider electric if I had indoor storage.

 

[phylodog]

Weber all the way

 

[BravoMike]

Weber all the way

What size would you recommend? Also, what temp can you get it down to?

 

[phylodog]

I'd go for a 26.75", that'll give you room for a brisket or ribs without too much trouble. Temps kind of depend on how well it'll seal up. The one I sold to Bunnykid sealed up really well and I could hold 250* easily, the one I have now doesn't seal as well so it's a little more difficult to hold the temps down. In all fairness though, they get better with time especially if you use them for low & slow smoking. The fats tend to work their way onto the inner surfaces and they seal up better. I never cleaned mine other than scraping off the grates and I haven't used the new one for smoking since I had a BGE also.

 

[femurphy77]

We've been using a char-griller duo for two years now. We've made a few of the common internet mods to it and have been fairly successful. I've actually had quite a bit of fun working thru the deficiencies and improving its "smokability".

 

[mcolford]

Have you looked at Traegers? I got a buddy that has 2, Im buying 1, as I like how simple they are...

Might have to squeeze out a few more pennies, but dang are they nice.

 

[chezuki]

 

[Yeah]

Digital Bradley, you'll thank me later.

The 4 rack fits your price range and the 6 is just above it. I have 1 of the pre-digital models and 2 digital 6 racks. There are 50 things I'd rather do than tend a smoke box, thus wouldn't go back to anything that wasn't 'set and forget'.

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

This is the grill/smoker that I bought earlier this year. Fits your budget, and personally I couldn't be happier with it.
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill - Sam's Club

 

[Lumpy76]

You can go kamado style and get an Akorn. Like a green egg but steel. Very happy with mine at $260 from Menards. Can do low and slow or 700 degrees sears. Very fuel efficient. Have about 75 hours into one bag of charcoal with a 1/4 still left.