Looking at getting a smoker. Just got
back from Abitibi and brought home a dozen goldeneyes. They were meh but smoked they are supposed to be great. I figure my fuel cost alone on that trip was more than most smokers. Could have brought a 100 goldeneyes home if I had known better and had a smoker.
The wilderness is not a stadium where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, it is the cathedral where I worship.
Joe there’s a thread on the excal site about smokers started by Boo if you have not been over there in a bit. I will be watching both but think it will be a while before I take the plunge
I would agree with Rick, under normal conditions, BUT,,,,
I personally have a trager. its now 12 years old, it is 12 years old and I love it. Unfortunately will probably have to replace it in the next 2 years and for 14 years I dont think you can complain .. I use mine alot, and for the first 4 years it was outside with a cover, but now I keep in garage and in a cover
NOW in saying that, my son recently purchased a Pit Bos, and it is is extremely similar to the Traeger. I actually now purchase their pellets as it is cheaper....
I have had many meals with his and I am impressed with it,
If you watch Cabelas will have them on sale and he got his for $649 https://pitboss-grills.ca/collection...d-pellet-grill https://www.cabelas.ca/product/14482...d-pellet-grill
There's a couple trains of thought to consider prior to making a decision on what and which one to buy. Do you want one that you have to baby sit and depending on what you cook be watching over it for 8 - 10 hrs, or one that you can load and go, either pellets or electric. I have one that you have to watch over. I just love the taste of whatever I'm smoking thats comes out of it. I don't smoke all that opten anymore but when I do I load it up and don't mind doing it when the weather is good and a cold beer in my hand.
A site to check out is BBQ Talk.ca I found it very helpful when I first started out.
Last edited by Bo D; April 10th, 2022 at 09:26 PM.
First off what is your budget and secondly how high a temperature do you want to be able to go to? I have a Bradley original and it will get up to 200-225 in the summer. For most of my smoking ( fish, bacon and sausage) I don't need high temps. Also I can cold smoke if I want. My son has had one for many years, I've owned this one for a year and I'm very pleased with it. I've never owned a pellet grill but if they are in the budget they sound like good units as they are a little more versatile than a basic Bradley. I would avoid a propane unit mostly due to the "baby-sitter" syndrome. I had one and you have to really watch them as the temps can vary widely depending on the wind and outside temperature. TC
First off what is your budget and secondly how high a temperature do you want to be able to go to? I have a Bradley original and it will get up to 200-225 in the summer. For most of my smoking ( fish, bacon and sausage) I don't need high temps. Also I can cold smoke if I want. My son has had one for many years, I've owned this one for a year and I'm very pleased with it. I've never owned a pellet grill but if they are in the budget they sound like good units as they are a little more versatile than a basic Bradley. I would avoid a propane unit mostly due to the "baby-sitter" syndrome. I had one and you have to really watch them as the temps can vary widely depending on the wind and outside temperature. TC
Thanks all for the responses so far.
So primarily i want to smoke sausage and pepperettes (bear, deer, turkey) plus make jerky (bear and deer) and smoke fish. Budget wise i am willing to pay whatever is necessary to ensure quality, reliability, decent capacity and ease of use - if that means $500 or $1,500 so be it. Not a fan of buying junk but also don't want to spend foolishly.
The wilderness is not a stadium where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, it is the cathedral where I worship.