Propane Smoker Recommendations

[defiant1]

My propane cabinet smoker decided to end its life over Thanksgiving (pics below). So, I am in the market for a new one. I still may build one, but figured I would ask the masses what their opinions are based on some of the manufactured ones that are out on the market.

I am specifically looking at a split door model, so I can add wood chunks, etc. without letting out too much heat in the cooking chamber.

Any advice/recommendations are appreciated.

d1

 

[DirtyMike]

Alright, I want to hear the story

 

[Rizzo]

^^^^ X2. Hope dinner wasn't in there....

 

[defiant1]

Alright, I want to hear the story

^^^^ X2. Hope dinner wasn't in there....

Thankfully, no turkey was destroyed during the "event". Short story: Propane regulator diaphragm had a crack in it. Suspected this caused a flame out condition on one of the burners and filled cabinet with propane. Gas ignited and boom. Fire commenced. Fire suppressed. Now looking for new propane smoker.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

d1

 

[stalker]

I'm thinking I'm glad I have an electric!

 

[eyexer]

I have the 30" masterbuilt digital unit and it's awesome.

 

[defiant1]

I have the 30" masterbuilt digital unit and it's awesome.

Do you have a model number handy?

 

[ItemB]

camp chef smoke vault, it isn't insulated or anything though so getting the temp dialed in consistent in cold weather takes some tinkering

 

[defiant1]

camp chef smoke vault, it isn't insulated or anything though so getting the temp dialed in consistent in cold weather takes some tinkering

I betcha a guy could insulate easy enough to help maintain temp.
Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[eyexer]

This is what I have. It's awesome on the cold. I've smoked in single digits without any issues at all. They make this in a 40" too. Cabelas has some awesome deals right now on Masterbuilt smokers. Mine has the digital readout on the top plus a remote that you program with. Time/Temp and can see the unit temp and meat probe temp when your sitting on the couch lol.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ow-Smoker-with-Value-Kit/2013130.uts?slotId=4

 

[defiant1]

This is what I have. It's awesome on the cold. I've smoked in single digits without any issues at all. They make this in a 40" too. Cabelas has some awesome deals right now on Masterbuilt smokers. Mine has the digital readout on the top plus a remote that you program with. Time/Temp and can see the unit temp and meat probe temp when your sitting on the couch lol.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mast...ow-Smoker-with-Value-Kit/2013130.uts?slotId=4

Are you happy with the size smoker you have, or should you have got the 40"?

 

[ShootnBlanks]

That should buff out. sw

 

[ItemB]

I betcha a guy could insulate easy enough to help maintain temp.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Yep or get a welding blanket and throw of the the top of it.

 

[eyexer]

Are you happy with the size smoker you have, or should you have got the 40"?

Basically I am. Twice I had to smoke 50 lbs of brisket at a time. And the 40 wouldn't have handled that either. I bought a cheapo smoker to use as a second one when I do big stuff like that. It is a bitch to keep up with during the smoking and the bottom on gets over done when the top one is right where it needs to be. So I will be replacing the cheapo. Should have grabbed the masterbuilt cabelas had on black friday. Same as mine minus the remote and glass door. $119. You can't see in the door after the first smoke anyway. But the remote is handy as hell. The 30" is just fine for anybody that isn't doing large amounts. I might want a 40 if I'm smoking a lot of deer sausage it's hard to tell. I'll know when that happens. But I don't think another 10" will do much in that regard

- - - Updated - - -

I'm thinking of making a walk in smoker out of concrete block for doing multiple deer