Smoking meat

[Kevin_Wadsworth]

A few years back, my wife got me a cheap electric water smoker. Basically it's a small electric heating element inside a trash can with a bowl for water over the element. Cheap, but it makes good meat.

Well, today the electric smoker died (I'm now trying to finish a 7-lb shoulder and 6-lb brisket on the gas grill over idirect heat). Any recommendations for a replacement? I could go with another cheapie electric, or a slightly more expensive offset charcoal. Or would I get better results if spend more money for a hgier end model?

The afore-mentioned gas grill has also seen much better days (average life is supposedly 3.5 years and I think ours is at 13-14). Should I kill two birds with one stone and get something like a BGE?

[Kevin R]

Good topic.

Have you been watching BBQ Pitmasters on TLC? I've always wanted to smoke my meat but just recently have really started researching. I would obviously consider myself a novice and have been looking at this one. From what I've been reading it's pretty easy to use so I might go with that one. If you wanna go all out check out Tejas Smokers That said, if you wanna go DIY here's a good link. I've also heard the green big egg is a damn good smoker too but it's pricey.

[Monkeypimp]

A few years back, my wife got me a cheap electric water smoker. Basically it's a small electric heating element inside a trash can with a bowl for water over the element. Cheap, but it makes good meat.

Well, today the electric smoker died (I'm now trying to finish a 7-lb shoulder and 6-lb brisket on the gas grill over idirect heat). Any recommendations for a replacement? I could go with another cheapie electric, or a slightly more expensive offset charcoal. Or would I get better results if spend more money for a hgier end model?

The afore-mentioned gas grill has also seen much better days (average life is supposedly 3.5 years and I think ours is at 13-14). Should I kill two birds with one stone and get something like a BGE?

I have a Grill Dome..... It took me from Grilling about once a week on my gas grill, to grilling on average 5 nights a week. It makes the food taste that freaking good! Check it out here http://www.grilldome.com/...I use there forums for recipes all the time. I built the table for mine for about $80. It is truly worth it to have a grill that makes food taste this good and has a lifetime warranty.

[Mike4AU]

http://store.cookshack.com/p-113-smokette-sm009-2.aspx

[Putz]

http://www.smokenator.com/

Requires a 22.5" Weber Kettle grill, charcoal and Wood Chunks (chunks last longer than chips and are much cheaper). Plus it's called the Smokenator 1000. Sounds like something Al Bundy would buy.

Make sure you use a Weber charcoal starter for your charcoal. Lights quicker than using lighter fluid and no lighter fluid taste. Sarah Palin was going to buy one until she found out you need newspaper to ignite it.

[Cujobob]

"Basically it's a small electric heating element inside a trash can with a bowl for water over the element. Cheap..."

Man, if I had a nickel for every time I've called a woman that....

[LoudandClear]

I've been using a Smokin Tex for about 5 years now. Excellent reliability and it's so easy. I use all kinds of wood whether it's the small chips or large chunks, they all work fine. I have an older version of their model 1400. It was before they went 100% stainless. https://www.smokintex.com/

I have placed a glass/pyrex dish on the bottom next to the wood box (house) with a little water in it for things I cook overnight like brisket.

I have had nothing but excellent results and with the thermostat control it's a no-brainer to smoke meats and anything you put inside.

[Ray3]

WHOA !!!!!!

I must apologize.

I saw the title of this thread and came in fully expecting to have to do some major moderation. Thankfully, I read through it and realized my mistake. :peekaboo:

On the other hand, Jack picked up a copy of the movie "Free Willy" because he made a similar incorrect conclusion.

[1BionicEar]

A good friend of mine raves about his Smokin Tex.

[Kevin_Wadsworth]

Thanks for the replies! I have a lot of research to do, it seems. But I pobably can't go to wrong - at the end of the day, smoking meat is pretty easy.

FWIW, in spite of having to finish the brisket and pork in shortened time on the gas grill (~300F) they tasted excellent. Pretty good smoke penetration.

[carpediem]

If you were to find your way anywhere near central Indiana, I am considering selling my Grill Dome smoker. Also have a BBQ guru controller w/Pit Viper fan that goes with it.

Everything in pretty decent condition.

[dawgfan]

I got a BGE for combo Bday/Fathers Day. Been wanting one for a while after seeing them in action at a local weekend festival (http://www.rocketcitybbq.com/). They were everywhere!

Bottom line:
BGE is expensive, but will last a lifetime. It is a smoker, grill, oven all in one. Best steaks so far on this thing compared to years of grills both charcoal and gas. Still have a nice Weber gas grill for quick n dirty use or doing the veggies while meat is on BGE. Highly recommended. Good luck.

[Kevin_Wadsworth]

Are grill dome and BGE similar versions of the same thing?

[dawgfan]

Are grill dome and BGE similar versions of the same thing?

Yep. Both based on centuries old Komado designs.

[Monkeypimp]

Are grill dome and BGE similar versions of the same thing?

Yes they are the same thing for the most part. There are some small differences such as thickness of the ceramic. I liked Grilldome because of Price and service. It was the best grilling decision I have ever made.... Spatchcocked chicken, steaks seared at 700deg, Turkey breast smoked for 5 hours at 250deg, Pizza at 700deg(one of my favorites), I have baked cookies and brownies......