Meat Smokers

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m8man

Moderator
Well I'm looking at getting a new one. I have used a nice one and it finally gave out, a nice electric one from Mezz. I must have used it a hundred times if not once. The bottom pan rusted out and the heating element dial was getting tricky to keep adjusted.

I am looking to get a pretty nice one, but not a commercial one. I have a nice charcoal grill with a side firebox that I can use periodically but it requires to much attention for my liking. I was thinking of a propane or electric one.

I have spent a bunch of time reviewing them and it looks like I'm leaning towards the cookshack brand but not sold on it.

I'd like to be able to do say 10 racks of ribs or a brisket here and there or whatever. I am thinking I'd like to set it and forget it. I've seen the wally world ones for cheap but I'm looking to get a stainless model for easy cleanup.

I think I'd like to add chips and not into the pellet type ones but who knows at this point.

I would appreciate any advice, good or bad smoker experience etc.

I'd say I would spend a fair amount but I don't want to go over the 4 digit mark. I love smoking meats, and I can say I'd use it in the summer 2-3 x per week. we have people over quite a bit and would love to turn out some good ole food.

I've thought about building my own, not sure what to do. I'm driving myself nutzo reading reviews on this stuff.

Yum and help.

m8man
 
M

mtb1115

New member
I purchased a Rec Tec brand pellet grill this summer and I love it. You get a lighter smoke flavor than a wood chip type but with the thermostat controlled temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees, I love the "set it and forget it" approach. The fuel pellets come in many wood species from oak, apple to pecan etc. and run about a $1 per pound. The grill maintains a constant temp even in cooler weather so cooking a perfect brisket is a piece of cake. Other than brisket I also have cooked boston butt, baby back ribs, chicken & wings, turkey, leg of lamb, pork chops (On-A-stick) and various beef roasts along with making my own bacon with nothing but the highest praises from my family, friends and co-workers... They always say "Marty's meat can't be beat" LOL... Yes the grills are a bit expensive at $1000 but worth every penny... I still use my Weber kettle and gas grill for cooking but the Rec Tec is my favorite especially when I can throw a 10# beef brisket on it before I go to bed and take it to work in the morning cooked perfect. They say my grill will hold a 75# whole hog and I have cooked 50# of brisket & Boston butt's at once with no trouble.
 
S

skutr

New member
Take a look at "AmazingRibs.com". The guy's got reviews on dozens of smokers, grills and stuff. His recipes are also great.
 
S

skidooking

New member
Traegergrills.com makes a great pellet smoker! I havE had it for a year, did 12 slabs of ribs at one with the optional rib rack they offer. I have the lil tex elite, it is awesome. I buy my pellets at hyvee or you can purchase them online from traeger. Ilove this thing, it comes with a digital temp where you can set it and forget it. Their cookbook is right on for salmon, pork, beef, pizza, pies, cakes cookies etc you will not be disappointed.
 
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polarisrider1

New member
Oh that reminds me. for those boys heading north this weekend, the 131 gentlemens club started on fire tonight. Eleven (11) fire depts. showed up. (Go figure). Never knew it was there. located just south of Big Rapids.
 
C

cwl611

Member
I have a Mastercraft and it works beyond belief. I have done turkeys, ribs ,sausage and even a beer can chicken in it. -10 yesterday and I smoked pork chops and ribs with out a problem. 4 hours at 220 degrees. It is amazing how little wood chips you need to use and the ease of loading them. Worth considering and will not empty the wallet to purchase.
just my 2 cents worth.....
 
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lenny

Guest
Dang it,,,I want some ribs now. I have to look into a contraption to "cookem up" smoke style.
 
S

snocrazy

Active member
Another note - Look at the consumable prices for those disks?
The Mastercraft = wood chips (free)

Just some thing else to consider. I dont see any one making their own hockey pucks. Chips are cheap if not free with a little effort.
 
B

boardin

Member
m8man-

We have the original model that can have up to 4 racks(depending on what your smoking). Have never maxed it out so not sure on total amount of ribs, but here are the dimensions. You won't be dissapointed

Exterior Dimensions 17"W x 14"D x 31"HT - 24"W with Generator on side
Interior Dimensions 15"W x 11.5"D x 25.5"HT
Smoking Area 19" HT useable smoking area above drip tray
Rack Area 572sq" (4 x 11 x 13)
 
M

mtb1115

New member
I love my Rec Tec, sure the pellets have a cost but so does propane and charcoal.
 

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M

m8man

Moderator
Ok, now I'm still hungry.

I will make up my mind soon. I'm doing some reading on reviews. I can't say enough about how man neat responses there were.

wow, all of these look great.

seriously thanks,

m8man
 
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98panther

New member
I tried out a new remote thermometer last night on my Treager grill.
Didn't even need to open the grill to check the temp.

Stayed inside and waited for the chicken to get to 170. Don't know how I managed without it.
 
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