I know @vBlake has an impressive setup. I can do some good stuff, even a whole turkey in my weber kettle grill but only if I babysit it which I rarely have time to do these days. Any of you guys have some recommendations for something a little more automated? I know they have electric and pellet smokers these days that you can control with a phone app.
I have very little experience with the electronic smokers. For what I can tell I'm not a huge fan of the flavors that come out of those things. Some reason I don't feel like The pellets do a great job. Now for a easy smoker for "sometimers" I do recommend a vertical smoker. Even the cheaper ($55-75) ones do great! Just load up the charcoal pan with briquettes place wood chunks all around and light 4-5 briquettes and let her rip for 8+ hrs!! Some of the best ribs I've had came off a cheap brinkman vertical smoker.
Something that has a propane hook up many work well for you too. It's more of a set it and forget it. I think the real key is to use chunks or logs when you cook.
Yeah... I have an unlimited supply of apple wood. Been looking at the Weber for years now, maybe it's time.
Yeah if you got good smoking wood, I'd lean more towards a non pellet version. I feel you'd be much happier in the end.
When I saw this picture I actually weeped for a second on how awesome this is... that is one awesome way to cook!
My good buddy I work with just got one of these today. Maybe a little more than what I'm looking for / willing to pay for. Although this is what I'd really like to have.
I had a $50 master built vertical smoker that I really liked. It was kind of hard to control the temp, but it did make some good food. I actually liked using it better than my big home made smoker unless I needed the extra room. The bottom rusted out after a couple years from leaving ashes in it and the lid off.
I use a Kamado Joe which does require you to watch it a little at least until the temp stabilizes then I can usually let it go unless the wind kicks up. My buddy went from a Green Egg to a pellet grill, Trager I think, because he thinks it puts smokier flavor on meat which I don't necessarily agree with but he turns out good food with his. He does however inject pretty much all the meat he does. I personally don't want to fuss with injectors. In total I have four buddies with pellet smokers and they all seem to really like the automation of them.
I bought one of these a year ago and I think it's one of the best purchases I've made for outdoor cooking. I haven't had one bad cooking experience with it. https://www.pitbarrelcooker.com/
Trying a brisket today....brisket seems to be an art where I am unable to gain much ground learning to master...but I still like trying.
Season, smoke 5-6 hours, put in aluminum pan or wrap in butcher paper until the point is 202 Rest, slice, drool!!
Ol' Malcom reed with How to BBQ right used Yoder Smokers for a while. his stuff is always gold standard Que!
These drum smokers are killing it right now. Seems you can build your own for around $150 but they work so well due to that vertical configuration. Plus a Weber Kettle lid fits right on the top! Probably my next smoker.
