how much LP do you use?

[bigun94]

i'd really like the ease and simplicity of a propane smoker but i'm concerned about the amount of propane one would use and the cost associated with it.

i've smoked a few things on my propane grill and it generally uses an entire tank and at roughly $ 20 a refill that's an expensive dinner. i guess not in the grand scheme of things but i can burn charcoal and spend only $ 5 - 8 worth.

i'm just wondering before i buy a propane smoker what to expect in terms of propane use. can i get 20 - 30 hrs from a tank or just 6 - 8?

[ptt49er]

UDS Bud!

[smokemania]

UDS Bud!

I 2nd that

[Slanted88]

Something ain't right if yer grill uses a whole bottle...I got a GOSM big block & I get numerous uses out of it...Got a UDS as well...

[smokemania]

i'd really like the ease and simplicity of a propane smoker but i'm concerned about the amount of propane one would use and the cost associated with it.

i've smoked a few things on my propane grill and it generally uses an entire tank and at roughly $ 20 a refill that's an expensive dinner. i guess not in the grand scheme of things but i can burn charcoal and spend only $ 5 - 8 worth.

i'm just wondering before i buy a propane smoker what to expect in terms of propane use. can i get 20 - 30 hrs from a tank or just 6 - 8?

if natural gas is available to you -- you might try to convert it over just a thought

[minnbill]

I can easily get 8-10 smokes out of a 20lb tank with my vault.
If yer going to smoking regular meats and meals I'd go with the ugly drum and charcoal.If yer going to be smoking sausages and lower temp meats I'd go with the gas.
but thats just my thoughts

[ptt49er]

if natural gas is available to you -- you might try to convert it over just a thought

I converted my older Weber gaser grill over to LP. Not only do I not have to worry about running out of LP, but I didn't notice any increase in our gas bill. I keep thinking about converting my turkey fryer burner.

[bigun94]

i've got a gas line at the house. that's something to consider.

[ptt49er]

If you can find the supplies for a UDS pretty cheap and don't mind modding your gas line or a new propane smoker (You'd probably have to replace/ream out the orifices and ditch the regulator) I might consider going that way.

The UDS's are very easy to use and almost set it and forget it. But the propane might be nice to have if you didn't want to mess with charcoal.

The shop's open and you wanna check out my raised beds anyways ;-)

[HawgHeaven]

i've got a gas line at the house. that's something to consider.

That's right neighborly of you... how far away do you guys live from each other?

I'm not a gas fan, but go with both the UDS and a gasser... that way you have all your bases covered.

[DDave]

Something ain't right if yer grill uses a whole bottle

What he said. Something is amiss there for sure.

I converted my Smoke N Pit to propane. Side fire box smokers aren't the most efficient in the world by a long shot and I can get probably 30 hours + out of a tank of propane at around 250°.

I have a UDS too but it is nice to have the gasser from time to time depending on what I'm smoking.

Dave

[Jimh]

I have a (membersmark professional series) from sam's I bought it used in late summer August i think.I know for sure i have 80 hours of smoking on it and when i brought the 20# in to fill it there was still 5# of propane left in it,which amazed me it is a very efficient smoker

[ijusthvit]

I have a Master Forge gas smoker and I would say it is quite efficient. The more I use it and figure it out the better it gets. I have never counted hours but I would say any less than 20 and you're doing something wrong. I think 30 hours is a fair average amount of time.

[THE__DRIFTER]

Have a GOSM and ran it about 35 - 40 hours on the current tank. Still have a fair amount left. I do want a UDS some day soon...

[SmokeAndGrill]

I've gotten 50+ hours out of a full tank on my Master Forge propane smoker. Mostly keeping the cooking temp around 230 to 250.