Hello from central Indiana!

[redneckbuckeye]

Hello all, I am going to be new to smoking and have no idea what smoker to get. Think maybe propane or pellet would be what I am looking for. Budget is 1500.00 or under. I am open to all advice.


Thanks,
Nate

[Bearcarver]

Wow----You don't need my help.
You could buy 4 Smokers like mine for $1500.

There's a bunch of guys on here who can help you---They'll be around.

Also "Welcome to the Island"

Bear

[barkonbutts]

Heck Welcome from Dayton!! Now go smoke some meat!!

Get yourself a kettle!! great place to start and get the feel of things!! Prob. looking at 125 or less on craigslist....

Go buy this for 100 bucks.... that is a steal!!
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/for/4888465410.html

And this one for 225...
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/grd/4887999742.html

and you will have all you need to start for 325.... good luck!

[Richtee]

Get yourself a kettle!! great place to start and get the feel of things!!

And a Vortex... yep... no need to DIVE in... check out the water first :{)

http://madhunkymeats.com/opencart/in...&product_id=65

Welcome to Smoked-Meat!

[Ryan]

from Nebraska! First question is what do you plan on smoking? Do you have a big family you're cooking for?

The weber performer barkonbutts linked to is a really really good deal. If closer I'd be calling.

I ask what you plan to cook, cause if you're into homemade sausage a kettle isn't the best option.

[MossyMO]

Great to have you join us Nate, from North Dakota!
If you go the pellet direction I can tell you my wife and I have had a Yoder YS640 for 3 years that we are very happy with.

[SmokinOutBack]

from New Jersey.

For half of what your budget is you could own a brand new WSM and a Weber kettle, best of both worlds. There's not much you can't do with that pairing.

[Doug S.]

from Utah

I'd say go with a couple of Weber's I have a few
you won't be disappointed

[SMOKE FREAK]

from New Jersey.

For half of what your budget is you could own a brand new WSM and a Weber kettle, best of both worlds. There's not much you can't do with that pairing.

Good advice here...
Welcome to Smoked-Meat

[bwerth42]

Welcome from Kansas! Do you want to actively tend a fire or do you want set and forget convenience? If you go the pellet route, the Yoder is the cream of the crop but for half the price you can make some great food on a Green Mountain or Traeger pellet grill.

[Slanted88]

Glad bad ya up in this cooking gig! Welcome!

[sweet_magnolia]

from Kentucky!

[redneckbuckeye]

Thanks for all the feedback. As for what I want to smoke, that would be everything, but most frequently Pork butt, brisket, and trail bologna. I am wanting to start with something I can set and forget for now, I am prone to make hobbies out of things like this. I love smoked meat, and buy it regularly local, but want to do it myself for family and friends. Since I am wanting to set it and go I think a propane, electric or pellet smoker would best suit what I am looking for. My brother uses a treager, but not sure that is the best option, cost/quality for a pellet smoker. Also maybe a gas or electric is a better option. The weber smoker looks like something I may get into later after I have somewhat perfect a skill/process. Also read that pellet smokers have a diminished smoke flavor, so that is a concern about going that route.

Thanks,
Nate

[barkonbutts]

For set it and forget it... Yoder 640 is very nice! Love mine and get plenty of smoke flavor on the meat!! Good luck!

[HawgHeaven]

from New Jersey.

For half of what your budget is you could own a brand new WSM and a Weber kettle, best of both worlds. There's not much you can't do with that pairing.

There you have it... and add a Vortex to the kettle!