Help me buy a smoker!

[mainbutter]

The situation:

- I want to buy my parents (in Anchorage AK) a smoker, with the intention they could make smoked salmon.

- I know nothing about smokers, if there are different types, or if there are ones that are used for ribs versus ones used for salmon or other stuff.

- I'm trying to be frugal, but I don't want a product that is crappy and they wouldn't bother using it.

If I can give them the option to try new homemade foods, such as ribs, hot smoked salmon, cold smoked salmon, smoked turkey breast, and homemade jerky, I'm sure they'd have fun with it.

I've used a cheap gas smoker to make jerky, and that seemed to work fine, but I don't know how you could fit ribs into that thing or how it would fare with making smoked salmon. Mostly it's been used as an oven, but lets us put smoke on pork chops for a half hour or so.

I'd love any suggestions for what to look for in a smoker, ideas on price points, and maybe even specific suggestions for something that should be carried anywhere in the country.

[leechlake]

I got a Masterbuilt electric a few years ago. They go for about $150 when on sale. It has a digital setting for temp and a digital timer. I believe it's 30" about the size of a home bar fridge. It has four racks and a tube for putting wood chips on on the side so you don't have to open the door. It's also nice to be able to set it and forget it basically. The inital smoke is at least an hour which is normally enough. Only problem is that when it's cold (20 degrees or less)I need to run a blowdryer in it to get the temp up so I don't get an "error" message when trying to heat it up, it basically won't kick on but once the internal temp gets up to about 40 via the blow dryer it works just like in the Summer.

I can fit 4 racks of ribs in it which fits the bill for anything I'd want. You may be limited to the amount of salmon but should be enough.

Best part is that it's fun. A little trial and error and searching on the web and you've got a new hobby which comes in handy especially in the Winter for me.

[DonBo]

All I can say is, if they live in Alaska, get one that is insulated. It will drasticly extend the time they can use it. Anything uninsulated doesn't work all that well when the weather turns cold.

[eyeguy 54]

masterbuilt 30 incher should be just fine. 163, free shipping on AM A ZON right now.

[OnAFly]

I'll vote for the MB30" as well.

[mainbutter]

hah awesome guys, I was literally looking at that one right now and decided to check back on this thread.

Thanks for making xmas purchases easy, I'll be sure to share about the fruits of their labors next time I visit

[LightningBG]

I put a MB 30" on my list a couple weeks ago. Gets good reviews from the people on the smoking sites.

[eyeguy 54]

I order smokehouse woodchips thru them also. good stuff.

[otterman91105]

The masterbuilt 30" is a great smoker for the money. I have no problem with it holding heat in the cold.

[MNHunter65]

Has anyone tried the cold smoker attachment for the Masterbuilt? Is it necessary to get lower temperatures or is it more or less for keeping a 3 hour supply of wood chips going without checking the smoker?

[eyeguy 54]

did not know they had one. looked it up and it looks like it hooks up to the spot where you put the wood in the 30 incher. Interesting! 100 to 120 degrees. Might need to look into it. Love smoking eggs and would like to do cheese. melted the last batch I tried... LOL

[huntnfish]

I've got the low end Bradley. I "borrowed" it from my father in law a couple years ago after he won it. It works good in the warmer months for smoking ribs and other things but in the winter I have a tough time getting up into that 220 range or even close to that. When its cold I have to finish them on the grill after some smoke. I like that I can just turn on the smoke and not the main heating element to do some cold smoking for cheese. I don't really like that I have to buy the ridiculously priced Bradley briquettes but the price was right on the smoker. Eggs are on my list as well as some more cheese for Christmas.

[eyeguy 54]

cherry eggs...