Once again

[wstnodak]

Well I know this has been talked about many times on the other site but the other site's search bar sucks. So once again, what's everyone's opinion on the best smoker out there? I am leaning towards a Bradley but am wondering if I am missing a better one.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dust in the wind]

The only thing negative I have heard about with the bradley is that the wood pucks can stick if they get moisture and swell up.

I have a masterbuilt electric that I have been happy with. It has worked well except when it got real cold. It wouldn't turn on when plugged in. Apparently the control board doesn't work so well when it gets colder than 10 degrees.

At the time I got that, I lived in an area where we couldn't have an open fire/flame so no charcoal or wood type of cookers. That has changed and am looking at adding something along those lines at some point.

 

[Fracman]

One word traeger

 

[coyotetrapper]

I have heard good things about masterbuilt

 

[MuskyManiac]

I have a masterbuilt electric that I have been happy with. It has worked well except when it got real cold. It wouldn't turn on when plugged in. Apparently the control board doesn't work so well when it gets colder than 10 degrees.

This ^.

Very happy with mine and didn't cost a ton either. Don't know why it doesn't like to turn on in the winter, but if I bring it in the garage for a bit and warm it up first there are no issues.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

Well I know this has been talked about many times on the other site but the other site's search bar sucks. So once again, what's everyone's opinion on the best smoker out there? I am leaning towards a Bradley but am wondering if I am missing a better one.

Thanks in advance!

There is no "other site!" Just NDA. I have been impressed with a buddies Traeger a bunch of times.

 

[eklindworth]

I really like my electric Masterbuilt Sportsman elite. Have not had "cold weather start" issues with it.

 

[ItemB]

I have the 4 rack original Bradley and wouldn't recommend. It is very easy to use with the pucks but the pucks can get spendy. But mine quit automatically feeding pucks after about a year of use(other reports of this online if you search). The other thing is that it sucks big time in colder weather doesn't get up to temp and doesn't recover if you have to open the door. I still use it though with the Amazen pellet smoker for the smoke source now. I think for a set and forget electric a cookshack is the way to go but you pay for them.

 

[huntorride365]

People that have Traeger are always happy. Same with Bradley. I like the Traeger. I have a big propane Masterbuilt. Works well for me. I've had close to 60 pounds of meat in there at one time. Temp control is not nearly as precise as the other two mentioned.

 

[nxtgeneration]

Great topic. I've been looking around some lately. I just can't decide if i should go with something a little more basic for my first smoker or if i should just spend the money and get a larger/more dependable one.

 

[Frosty....]

If you think you will like it I would spend the money up front. I have bradley, it works, but I am not satisfied with it. Pucks are expensive, I can't get temps over 225, takes forever to recover if you open it.

Great topic. I've been looking around some lately. I just can't decide if i should go with something a little more basic for my first smoker or if i should just spend the money and get a larger/more dependable one.

 

[KDM]

Not knockin' any of the products mentioned. They all produce great finished products, but I prefer a home built smoker. Once a wood smoker gets "seasoned" I think it adds an indescribable flavor quality to smoked meats and other items that metal products have yet to match. Maybe its' just me.

 

[You]

Can one rig a temperature controlled feed mechanism for a home built unit?

 

[FishReaper]

I run an old wood fired smoker. I think that the flavor from a real smoker can not be beat. I've never seen a tracer at the big BBQ championships. Gotta be a reason for that. I have gauges wired into mine so I can keep track of firebox temp. Chamber temp. Meat temp and 1 spare if I want to use. The meat temp and chamber temp are wireless so I carry them on me. When I hit 190 I add wood if I hit 230 I play with the vents.
Electronic smokers are very convenient. But for me. Wood fired is where its at

 

[Hamm's]

My first smoker was a Bradley and I was happy to sell it. Never could get it over 190 degrees unless it was hot out, and the puck feeder tends to make you over smoke your meat. Also you're limited on types of wood for smoking. I now have two different Masterbuilt smokers, a small one and a large one. Definitely happier with these. Can easily get up to 230 degrees with either one, and I like the option of using whatever wood I want for smoke.

 

[raider]

got a 6# meatloaf on the traeger right now...

maybe not top shelf smoker or grill, but always good vittles...

 

[Whisky]

Bradleys suck!!! I've been saying that for years.

 

[Kickemup]

After having a homemade smoker I think it would tough to go to a store bought one again. I have a easier time keeping temp it always works even in 20 below and wind and I can get a couple hundred pounds of meat in it at one time.

 

[riverfisher]

i use master built smoker love it

- - - Updated - - -

Can one rig a temperature controlled feed mechanism for a home built unit?

i am not sure what you mean buy feed mechanism but to control the temp i used
i only goes up to 220 degrees but works for smoking
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...cI8b7Q&ved=0CAwQpis&ei=1aFaVZm_McKPyATau4DoCg

 

[NDHick]

I just bought a Tranger and love it. Not sure if it is what a hardcore smoker would be looking for but to have the option to smoke or grill on the same unit is awesome. Just put on a pork butt for some pulled pork tonight. Crossing my fingers that it turns out. A guy I work with has a Green Mountain and he loves the wifi controls on it. Can start it or change the temp from Bismarck if he wants and he lives in hazen. I would recommend going with the bigger one though. I went with the middle one and immediately wished I had bought the big one.