i'm new to smokin food and have had good results on my gas grill (2 zone indirect heat) but i'm thinking i want to get a real smoker with a offset smoker/fire box.

any recommendations on some that won't break the bank? i'm not set on the offset firebox so i'm open to all suggestions. i'm usually cooking for 4-8 people. i'm in north Los angeles so if it was local it would be a plus (cuz i'm cheap)


thanks,

Welcome to Smoked-Meat! Take a look at the Chargriller W/side firebox... under $300 I think... there's a couple mods to make on it, but even a lady can do those (Heh- just teasin' StickAn!)

Enjoy your time here!

oops on edit- was just talking stickburner... that's SmokeAN LOL!

okay heres a site to get you started.
http://bbq.about.com/od/smokers/tp/aatp081004a.htm

Check out craigslist. You never know what you'll find there. Here's an example and if I didn't already own one, I'd grab this up.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/1474475671.html

Good luck on your search.

Man...I got a side fire box, SmokeNPit....I like it. I just did a jr. UDS, & i'm really likin it, I burn charcoal or lump in both. Working on a full size UDS. Plus I got more other stuff than I need. All the cat's here will lead ya in the right direction so ya won't break the bank but get the best for yer money. Appreciate ya joining.....now get after it!

[QUOTE=Richtee;75078]Welcome to Smoked-Meat! Take a look at the Chargriller W/side firebox... under $300 I think... there's a couple mods to make on it, but even a lady can do those (Heh- just teasin' StickAn)


Rich is right about the Chargriller.. its working very nice for me.... and the mods can be done by a lady.... Rich is a Funny guy :pot:......

This has been a Great site.... Good luck and have fun

It kind of depends on what you are looking for, how you want to spend your time. I have an offset w/ firebox and like it. And there is something to be said for tending the fire all day with a cold beverage in your hand. However...I just don't use that smoker as much since I built a UDS. It is nice to be able to walk away from it and get other stuff done for hours at a time and know that it will be fine. The drum is also quite a bit more fuel efficient.

Your going from a gas grill to a.......

I have a offset stick burner that I use mainly for Butt's and Briskets.

I have a Masterbuilt electric that I like for Canadian Bacon (CB), Ribs and Sausage.

I have a Weber for grilling, all my chicken and some times using the Smokenator setup but I haven't mastered it yet.

I also have a WSM knockoff who is still a virgin but is waiting it's turn when weather or attitude permits.

So your options are open from a gas grill to a.....:welcome:

depends on how much money you want to spend. You can get a verticle......ECB Gourmet with mods which is what i use. Or build a Drum if you are handy. Under a 100 bux easy. and the learning curve will not be as steep as you will find with a side fire box. Specailly if you have to do baffles, and tuning plates.

[QUOTE=Richtee;75078]Welcome to Smoked-Meat! Take a look at the Chargriller W/side firebox... under $300 I think... there's a couple mods to make on it, but even a lady can do those (Heh- just teasin' StickAn)


Rich is right about the Chargriller.. its working very nice for me.... and the mods can be done by a lady.... Rich is a Funny guy :pot:......

This has been a Great site.... Good luck and have fun

Ditto I love my old Evelyn!

this is a charcoal (LUMP user)
http://www.biggreenegg.com/

they have a big following and seem to be very efficent on lump consumption. and hold temps very well. I beleive several members here have them. and thier Q is pretty darn good looking.
and no mods need to be made on them just smoke away.
worth taking a look at.:noidea: