Camp Chef 18" Smoke Vault --have one?

[pikestabber]

Looking for reviews of the Camp Chef 18" Smoke Vault. Does anyone have this propane smoker, and if so, how do you like it? Pros? Cons? Buy? Avoid?

Thanks!

[thirdeye]

Camp Chef sponsors one of my buddies that is a BBQ competition cook and although I have no experience with the model you asked about, I have seen some of their stuff and it's quality is above average.

I checked out the CC site and looked at the Smoke Vault. When I opened the owners manual the door says "Browning". I noticed that the burner has a hi and lo setting and the instructions imply that the fine tuning of the temperature is controlled by the dampers. I'm guessing the propane is responsible for the bulk of the heat and the flavor wood adds some heat, but the airflow will help carry some heat out, or keep it in.

It seems very roomy and I like the fact it advertises cooking stuff from jerky to ribs and brisket. For what it's worth I have an electric box smoker which is my preferred smoker for things like nuts, cheese and fish... but it can't handle ribs, chicken or roasts.

[pikestabber]

Thanks, Thirdeye. I was finally able to get some reviews online (amazon.com), and it looks like it scores very high with everyone. I have contemplated so many units, pros and cons, etc., and while I love the flavor of charcoal and the convenience of electric, I think I will give this propane unit a shot. If for no other reason, than for its ability to cook at higher temps when needed on colder days. I have a Big Chief electric smoker, and I love it when it is ideal temp out for smoking, but it just doesn't get hot enough for certain applications.

[pikestabber]

UPDATE: Bought the Camp Chef smoker, tried it out last night, and it was wonderful. Not so much as a pinprick of smoke leaked out from the door or any other seam, save the vents it has for that purpose. Very well made unit with a solid build. Heat was a breeze to control. I apple wood smoked some marinated chicken breasts and also smoked some Jalapenos for homemade chipotle mayo. With melted pepper jack over toasted ciabatta, those were some darn fine sandwiches!