Looking for a wallet friendly smoker…

[dscl]

There's been a few of these threads, but the last one is about 2 years old so let's get it going again!

I'm looking for a good quality smoker that's easy to use, but won't break the bank either. Ideally it would be big enough to do a few racks of ribs at a time or a whole turkey. Anything bigger would probably be overkill unless you can convince me otherwise.

So back to that ease of use thing… While I don't want to have have a Doctorate in BBQ & Smoking I also don't want to sacrifice flavor for simplicity. From what I've read that means I should probably stay away from electric models. One recommendation I've continually received elsewhere is to do something like a Weber Smokey Mountain and use a 3rd party temp control system with it.

With all that said let me hear it, what all would you recommend?

 

[egledhill]

I love my Weber smokey mountain. I have the 18.5" and it's served me well for the last 5 years. You get a little extra cooking surface with the 22.5 but it also isn't as efficient with the charcoal as the smaller version.
That said, I also run it with a BBQ guru digi-q and a Maverick 732 thermometer that way I can lay on the couch and monitor the temp. It literally makes it a lazy mans set it and forget it

 

[teamrandr]

Weber smokey mountain

 

[Highlander]

I've used one of these for several years now. You can put a lot of meat in it as several racks to use. I've done a 15 - 20 pound turkey several times as well as beer can chicken, ribs, boston butts - you name it.
It is gas, but I've found that good for maintaining temp. Get it set and for get about it. 8 to 10 hours uses about a half a tank.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Broil-20-lb-Cylinder-Piezo-Ignition-Gas-Vertical-Smoker-Common-46-46-in-Actual-46-46-in/50329729

 

[JG358]

I've been running a Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24" for several years now... No complaints. They make an 18" too.

Can't have a smoker thread with out pics of smoked goodness

 

[redneck_toy]

Google Ugly Drum Smoker, or UDS smoker. These work great, and are pretty cheap to build.

 

[Boudie]

Lang 36 if you want a great wood burner

 

[MyFathersKeeper]

I think @nic has some plans for one of the ugly smokers that you can make pretty easily. He's built one and can give you some tips.

 

[nic]

I've built 2 UDS (ugly drum smokers) and they have both performed excellent. The 55gal I keep at a friends lake house, and the 20gal I use at home.

Howto here:
http://howtobbqright.com/udssmoker.html

 

[Jesse]

I use a Weber Performer 22 inch and a Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe is my neighbors. All are great for certain types of cooks, I use both of mine at least once a week.

 

[jkittle99]

Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5 here. Love it. Can't recommend enough.

 

[StuffedSloth]

If you wait till black Friday or Cyber week you can save big. I got a 42 Masterbuilt with the remote control for like 160 during the sale. They are usually 260 - 300. I bought the cold smoker attachment for it and is a smoke machine. Sometimes I do use a pit to smoke low for the first 3 hours. But 18 hour brisket comes out better in the Masterbuilt than babysitting temp and fire in a regular smoker.

 

[sofc]

We have an electric Masterbuilt and have had it for a few months.

Works great and was under $150 shipped.

 

[Mossome]

I've used one of these for several years now. You can put a lot of meat in it as several racks to use. I've done a 15 - 20 pound turkey several times as well as beer can chicken, ribs, boston butts - you name it.
It is gas, but I've found that good for maintaining temp. Get it set and for get about it. 8 to 10 hours uses about a half a tank.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Broil-20-lb-Cylinder-Piezo-Ignition-Gas-Vertical-Smoker-Common-46-46-in-Actual-46-46-in/50329729

Yep. I use two of these.

 

[rowdy]

I've been running a Weber Performer for quite some time. I love it. So versatile. I also really like the rotisserie attachment.

 

[Almi]

I've been running a Weber Performer for quite some time. I love it. So versatile. I also really like the rotisserie attachment.

The rotisserie attachment is so awesome. Every Thanksgiving it is the only way I make my bird. I put a tray under the bird and fill with chicken stock to make a nice smoky gravy. The leftovers are used to make pot pies.