Smoking Meat Questions and Discussion
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This 100 times over!! I have two in my GMG. This allows me to move the heat shield left or right to balance the temp.
Just put on a 3.5 lb pork loin. Will leave at 150 for about an hour or so then crank it up to around 230. Added a water bath to the smoker to help accentuate the smoke ring and keep it from drying out.
Bought some fuses to see if that was the issue (hopefully that’s all it is) but haven’t tried switching them out yet. If that fails, I’ll buy a new motherboard thing for it which is like $40 off Amazon. If THAT fails, screw it. Daddy’s getting a new smoker for FB season.
Pork loin in 3.5 hours. IT was 150 when I pulled it. Added some of Jimmy’s BBQ pit sauce and it was like I was sitting in Battle’s BBQ again. Simply awesome!!
As always pork belly burnt ends were a hit. Only had two from a 3.5 lb belly. Probably a little over 4.5 hours on the smoker. I did keep the drippings/fat/butter before I glazed them with a combo of baby rays, apple juice, maple syrup and a touch of Frank’s hot sauce. I forgot a pic until they were half gone already.
I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
Here's a list from a decent site if you're stuck on an offset smoker.I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
View attachment 115741
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
The 5 Best Offset Smokers in [currentyear]
If you want to cook like the pitmasters you see on TV, or you dream of winning serious cash at a barbecue competition, then you've probably lusted after an offset smoker. Buying an offset smoker
www.smokedbbqsource.com
Best Offset Smoker: A Review Of The Top Giants [2026 Update]
Are you wondering what the best offset smoker that money can buy is? The article below is a comprehensive review of the best offset smokers in the market.
catheadsbbq.com
Personally, I love my Traeger. I can get the same smoke ring and flavor as my neighbor's offset Yoder. The key is to keep it low and slow as you get maximum smoke around that 220-225 range on a pellet. If you're cooking in the 325-350 range, an offset is probably going to be better.
To me, it comes down to this... Do you want to smoke to get amazing food or do you want smoking to be your hobby? The amount of babysitting you have to do with an offset negates the purpose of a smoker for me personally. I like that I can control mine from my phone and have the Signals take all the readings I need.
Yes, maybe I should just be happy with what I have because buying a pellet grill (traeger,yoder, etc.) isn't going to improve over the gravity charcoal smoker that I have today.Here's a list from a decent site if you're stuck on an offset smoker.
The 5 Best Offset Smokers in [currentyear]
If you want to cook like the pitmasters you see on TV, or you dream of winning serious cash at a barbecue competition, then you've probably lusted after an offset smoker. Buying an offset smoker
Personally, I love my Traeger. I can get the same smoke ring and flavor as my neighbor's offset Yoder. The key is to keep it low and slow as you get maximum smoke around that 220-225 range on a pellet. If you're cooking in the 325-350 range, an offset is probably going to be better.
To me, it comes down to this... Do you want to smoke to get amazing food or do you want smoking to be your hobby? The amount of babysitting you have to do with an offset negates the purpose of a smoker for me personally. I like that I can control mine from my phone and have the Signals take all the readings I need.
Talk about a good problem to have, lol.I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
View attachment 115741
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
Have you used a non-pellet smoker with an offset box before? I got one about 3 years ago after my beloved Brinkmann charcoal grill died on me. I put in serious effort and used it more times than I could count, and ultimately I got rid of it in favor of another big, bruiser charcoal grill where I just set it up for indirect heat under the main hood for smoking.
With the offset box, I found it really, really hard to regulate my smoking temp. Many factors were probably involved. The back of our house where the deck and grill/smoker lives opens up to a big field and it's windy back there on a pretty regular basis. That makes it tough using anything to keep the temp regulated. But for me, it was a lot harder with the fire/heat in an offset box. I also got a relatively cheap one, $200-$300 if memory serves, so there were definitely leaks/gaps in there that affected the internal temp, especially when windy.
I guess my only thought is that, if I were spending upwards of $3k, I'd be very very sure that I am comfortable and competent using an offset box rig.
I haven't and I've thought long and hard about this type of situation, which seems to be common. On the other hand, you have people that would say that the reason it didn't work for you was due to the quality of the smoker. I'm trending to your side because it seems to be common.
You won't regret it. I've got a couple Thermapens (one for the garage, one for the kitchen) and a Signals unit with a Billows fan for my WSM. Outstanding accuracy all around, though I plan to get a Smoke unit eventually because it'll be easier to monitor the cook from my apartment (garage is too far for the Signals to get consistent WiFi connection).
Anyone have a good poor mans burnt ends recipe you would like to share.
What about something to spice up some Sirloin streaks.
What about something to spice up some Sirloin streaks.
I have problems with the Oklahoma Joes maintains a good draft. It needs a longer stack to draw better or something. I had a cheap one from Cabelas that worked much better but my kids have it.I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
View attachment 115741
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
If you are doing an offset spend the money it makes a big difference. I love my Yoder and glad I spent the money. A lower cost smoker is considerably more difficult to maintain, especially in colder weather.I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
View attachment 115741
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
Themopop for $12.60, all proceeds to Hawaii.
www.thermoworks.com
ThermoPop® 2
ThermoPop® 2 is a compact, easy-to-use instant-read thermometer designed and priced for everyday cooking. Its slim, pocket-friendly shape and large, auto-rotating backlit display with bold numbers make temperatures easy to read at a glance. Affordable and straightforward, it delivers ThermoWorks...
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I've been wrestling with the same thing. I would like to up my game to an offset, but not sure how much I would actually use it. My plan right now is to just look on Facebook Marketplace. About a month ago a Lonestar offset showed up that would be $3K new and I had him talked down to $1,700 and still couldn't pull the trigger but now I regret it that I should have. So just going to keep looking.I'm wanting to treat myself to a new smoker. I've had an electric (sold) and a Masterbuilt 560 Gravity, which I like and plan on keeping. IMO, buying a pellet grill isn't going to give me a better result than what I can produce with the Masterbuilt. I could get a better quality unit that looks cooler like the Yoder 640 but the end result wouldn't be any better. So it looks like I need to go the stick burner route. I'm aware that these things will be a lot more hands on.
With that out of the way, I have a few concerns.
#1 Should I splurge and spend $3k for something like this
#2 Should I go a cheaper route and get something like this for $1,500.
#3 Cheap option less than $500.
View attachment 115741
The thing that really throws a wrench into the decision is storage. #1 weighs 700+lbs and once I put it on the cement in the backyard, it's not going anywhere. So then do I want to leave a $3k smoker exposed to the 4 seasons? It's funny because the more research you do, the more you find about these custom fabricators that do amazing work. #1 will take 6-9 months because they can only make so many.
Thoughts?
Prepping for tailgating. Bacon wrapped peppers (green, purple, and poblanos). Stuffed with an Italian sausage/BBQ rub/cheddar cheese mixture. Added some additional BBQ rub to the top of it, then topped with more cheddar cheese. Will take up to when the sausage is 160 degrees. I did brisket/cream cheese and bacon wrapped jalapenos last year. Probably drizzle with some BBQ sauce when finished.
