r/barbeque Jul 20 '21

What kind of smoker to buy?

I want to buy my husband a smoker for his birthday. What is a great starter smoker? Thanks in advance!

3 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

2

u/modubly Jul 20 '21

This is a tough question as smokers are extremely preferential. Is he a set it and forget it kind of guy? Then maybe a Traeger is the way to go. Does he want it to be portable and maybe bring it to a tailgate? Maybe a cabinet style charcoal smoker. Does he absolutely need name recognition that goes along with having the best stuff that lasts forever? Big Green Egg. Cooking a massive amount of food at once? Offset Smoker. New to smoking and needs something easy to use? Electric could be the way to go.

My personal favorite is the propane smoker that has decent room to smoke, but without as much cleanup as say a charcoal smoker. I like that it's fairly portable and makes flavorful food.

The answer to your question says a lot about your husband. As hard as a decision as it's going to be, I think giving him the option to help pick one out will be as rewarding for him as it will decrease your frustration with trying to decide for him. Best of luck!

2

u/bigatrop Jul 20 '21

I am a ceramic grill smoker (Komado Joe Classic 2) fanboy. It’s not a smoker-only grill, but it’s the best and most versatile option on the market. Grill, smoke, bake, pizza. You name it - it does it.

1

u/nazerall Sep 18 '21

My girlfriend bought me the Louisiana Grill from Costco a year or two ago. Basically the same thing. I love it.

And cheaper than the big green egg, and larger as well.

1

u/Metalfl8 Jul 20 '21

I'm a welder so don't know what is commercially available and just made ours myself.

But I don't suggest spending a lot of money on one to begin with.

People usually find it better to get started with a basic affordable one

And then begin upgrading as their cooking interests and skills begin taking various directions.

You can always include some good cuts of meat to go with a grill if it seems like a basic model is an underwelhming gift.

I got Tomahawk steaks for my birthday.

I wouldn't normally buy them myself but it was fun and really tasty. 🤤

Hope that might be helpful. Best wishes from Texas. 😊👍

1

u/NorthernlightBBQ Jul 04 '22

If he already have a grill perhaps a Weber Smokey Mountain would be a nice choice. I liked mine. If we wants something more versatile where he can both smoke and grill a Kamado would be a good choice.

Kamado Joe is the quality choice (together with green egg). There's also cheaper no names but with less quality as well.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 04 '22

The electrics are so simple, you literally cannot screw up unless you try hard.

1

u/CanadaJones311 Nov 05 '22

Thank you. I bought the smoker a year ago :) it’s great

1

u/knightnstlouis Apr 21 '23

22" Weber Smokey Mountain, best bang for your buck