Author Topic: BBQ Smokers (Read 533 times)

Toad · « **on:** August 02, 2004, 03:01:48 PM »

OK, in my experience:

IF you have the bucks (it takes ~$650 to get into the game with the cheapest Goodone smoker), THIS is the brand I'd get.

Goodone - The Ultimate in Smoking

IF you do a LOT of smoking for large crowds, it's worth it. They are well made, work amazingly well and have the "water pan" option which I like.

But they are pricey.

If you are just cooking for the family and on a budget, you can make AMAZINGLY good BBQ with the famous "El Cheapo Brinkmann". In fact, some folks have won various categories at the Jack Daniel's Nationals using the Brinkmann.

You can get the basic one for $25 and "tune it up" for about another $10 using the ideas on this site:

Brinkmann Smoke & Grill

Or you can buy the one Brinkmann "updated" after they realized a lot of folks were improving their basic model. This will set you back about $45 and has most of the "good stuff" from the ECB tune-up site already incorporated.

Me? I use the old $25 Brinkmann with the tune-up. No complaints from many satisfied diners.

Curval · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:06:48 PM »

When are you coming here for a visit and bringing one of them with you?

Toad · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:07:52 PM »

I thought you were only coming to the con so you could pick up a Brinkmann???

Curval · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:09:29 PM »

I might be...but that is September. Come on Toad...pack a bag and come down for a weekend. Ribs will be smoked and beers chilled.

Raubvogel · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:36:21 PM »

Hey Toad, good timing. I was just talking about buying a smoker yesterday, but wasn't sure how much $$ I needed to sink into one to make some decent BBQ. I was looking at the green Brinkman, think I'll go with that.

Toad · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:42:53 PM »

You really can't miss Raub.

I'd still a good temp gauge; I think Brinkmann is still weak on that but you can get by with the one that's on there. Take a look at the Polder models. $35 buys a great one that gives both internal and external temp simultaneously.

Lizking · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:48:09 PM »

I used to use the small uprights; they work great. Now I have a little better rig, although this company was just bought by Char-Broil, so I am sure they will quit using 1/4" mild steel. I have 2 temp guages, one on the firebox and one on the smoker itself.

New Braunfels Smoker:

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 02, 2004, 03:57:52 PM »

Hmm well the Brinkman I have been using is my brother in laws, I bought it for him for Xmas a few years back.

He had never used it tell I convinced him to and we did the mods from that page Toad.

It works well, and for Tri tips you do not have to change the coals.

I am going to have to guy buy my own now, I do not want to have to go to their house everytime I want BBQ! lol.

still, not like they cost that much.

Thanks for the tips Toad! Thanks again for picking up all the rubs for me as well.

rpm · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:29:31 PM »

If you are serious about owning a GOOD bbq pit find a welder and have him build one to your specs. My bro-in-law owns a fabrication shop and builds them regularly for customers. You will be much happier. They last longer and are much cheaper. The last custom smoker he built was trailer mounted. It included a seperate external propane burner for fish fry's, ect. I think it cost the guy about $1200, but he will be able to give it to his grandson in 30 years. I saw a similar smoker built from much lighter metal at Bass Pro Shop priced around $3000.

Toad · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:32:21 PM »

It's not just welding up a couple of boxes with various holes in them.

Curval · « **Reply #10 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:36:27 PM »

You haven't booked your ticket yet?

Lizking · « **Reply #11 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:39:56 PM »

It isn't. I can control the smoke box temp within 10 degrees using the vents alone over a peroid of hours.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:46:48 PM »

Toad
In the pics above, what is the diference between the green brinkman and the el cheapo?

Does the green one allow you to just lift the whole think off the coals for changes?

Is it worth the few extra bucks or is moding the elcheapo still the better way to go?

Rude · « **Reply #13 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:46:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Lizking
I used to use the small uprights; they work great. Now I have a little better rig, although this company was just bought by Char-Broil, so I am sure they will quit using 1/4" mild steel. I have 2 temp guages, one on the firebox and one on the smoker itself.

New Braunfels Smoker:

When I lived in Austin, I owned that smoker:)

The Good One Toad mentioned above is my current one....it really is superior to the side box smokers in design....even heat to the smoke box makes for better cooked goodies.

Still...each smoker, no matter which you choose to buy, can produce great BBQ if you take the time to learn the charms of your own rig and keep good notes regarding temp, etc.

Kinda like a hobby that taste good isn't it?

Toad · « **Reply #14 on:** August 02, 2004, 04:55:31 PM »

Booked a ticket? Nah, don't need to. They throw me in the bag bin if there's room.