Where do y'all stand on propane smokers?

[gmotoman]

I am liking the looks of this. But I am concerned on the price of fuel, and how efficient it would be in cooler months.

http://www.campchef.com/smoke-vault-24.html

Anyone use a propane smoker?

[minnbill]

I usually stand on top of mine but sometimes I''ll lay it on its side and stand there

[Texas-Hunter]

I do not have a Gasser ... I have no problem with them.. But if you do go with gas I would suggest adding a needle valve on the gas line.. This way you can control your temps better.. They really help at lower temps..

[Richtee]

Somewhere generally outside of them.

I have a hybrid that has a firebox and propane assist. I COULD fire it with wood only, but it's nowhere near as efficient.

I'm just sayin'.

[gmotoman]

I usually stand on top of mine but sometimes I''ll lay it on its side and stand there

SMARTASS! LOL!

[DDave]

I can't speak about that particular model, but my SnP has a propane converson. I love it. I use the UDS more but I'll use the SnP for jerky or Canadian bacon. Love the control of gas.

And as far as efficiency goes, it don't get much worse than a side fire box. But I can still get, I would guess, 30= hours of smoking out of a tank of propane.

The model you show should be much more efficient since it is a vertical. Looks kind of like Bassman's I believe.

Dave

[Richtee]

SMARTASS! LOL!

Yanno- my Momma told me I was an ass... so ya might better be a smart one than a dumb one.

[Fishawn]

I don't have one, but my FIL has a big 4'x4'x8' (I think) wood smokehouse that they build a fire in the bottom and use a propane burner in for heat assist. They do SS and Salmon/Steelhead. He says it works great.Where you @ in the Pacific NW?

[gmotoman]

Where you @ in the Pacific NW?

Portland.

[Fishawn]

Sorry to hear that... Just kiddin..... Just up I-5 in Oly.

[gmotoman]

A few of us around here in the NW. Not a traditional BBQ hot spot, but we hold our own. Pacific NW never been a traditional kind of place in my opinion. And that makes for some good cooking. I mean let's look at it. We have great agriculture from which to get meat, veggies, and fruit. We have access to great seafood(both salt and freshwater). And finally because of all the days of rain we get our heads are moldy, but I believe that it makes us more creative.

[Fishawn]

Yep, an amazing variety of foods we have around here. Just wish it rained a little less and was a little warmer,. But then, everyone would move here....:)

[nickelmore]

Good start

That would be a great start smoker that you prob won't outgrow for a long time.

You can always add an electric plate if you need something for lower temps.

I would get the larger unit and discard the therm on the door and replace it with something more accurate.

Looks like a nice unit.

[gmotoman]

I would get the larger unit and discard the therm on the door and replace it with something more accurate.

I see that is a MOD a lot of people make despite the source of heat. How crappy are the thermometers that come with units?

[WALLE]

Well... since me and da' Bassman are friends... I'll speak for him!

Keith has a Smoke Vault that is one hell of a good smoker... LP fired and I don't believe it has given him a lick of problems. I've been on the receiving end of many a smokes outta the Vault and haven't complained....

RE: the "efficiency" of LP... I've had lots a esssperience with propane...cuz "I love propane and propane accessories"... mainly my WOK and with the burner size, there is NO WAY you could find a more effiecent fuel. I'm sure Keith will chim in here on what he can get out of a tank... but I usually pull my "empties" off of my BBQ and can run my WOK for a LONG time on what's left.

My $.02