Time to get a smoker...

[Dave]

So I went ahead and grabbed one. Free shipping on orders over $100. I'm thinking about a wireless thermometer as the reviews on most cheaper smokers' temp gauge have been crap. Probably get the Grill Right one since it has better reviews over the net.

[Gman]

Made a whole brisket and 6 racks of pork loin ribs over the weekend on the Traeger. I even have leftovers.

[BigDee]

So I went ahead and grabbed one. Free shipping on orders over $100. I'm thinking about a wireless thermometer as the reviews on most cheaper smokers' temp gauge have been crap. Probably get the Grill Right one since it has better reviews over the net.

I've got 5 different wireless thermometers and I have not had any luck with the wireless monitor on any of them. One of them is a Maverick which is supposed to be the best of the best and I don't use it at all because its a POS.

I've now gotten to the point that I have a pretty good idea of how much time it takes to cook something depending the meat and its weight so I just use one of these when I think it might be done http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001U5...sr=1-7&pi=SL75

I know a lot of folks that swear by the thermapen but they cost $80+ the thermometer above gives you a solid temp in 10 seconds or less.

[Dave]

I already have probe thermometers, I am looking for one to monitor the air temp inside more accurately.

[Scogin]

Damn, looks like I am ordering an MES and the AMNPS when I get paid next week. I really wanted to get a Big Green Egg and the DigiQ fan setup but for the price that will have to wait. Is anyone using a wired meat thermometer and air thermometer and running the wire through the door seal. The DigiQ (http://www.biggreenegg.com/eggcessories/bbq-guru/) regulates the temp of the Egg with an air probe and fan and monitors the temp of the meat to tell you when it is done and lower the temp. I would be looking to get as close to this with the MES as well. Also, does anyone have an awesome recipe for smoking a pork butt for pulled pork. I studied the first season of BBQ Pitmasters and have some ideas as far as rubs and injecting with apple juice but will be experimenting to get it right.

[Scogin]

Looks like the MES is $200 at Sportmans and they are running a $20 off online coupon right now. Just ordered it.

[twitchyfinger]

A good write up on thermometers although after reading BigDee's post i'm not sure I want to trust any wireless thermometer.

http://www.amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyer...ing_guide.html

[CO Hugh]

Costco Park Meadows has their imitation Big Green Egg Style smoker marked down to $399. Not sure how many there are, looked like 2, or if at other locations.

Here is the link it has good reviews: Vision Grills Classic Kamado Charcoal Grill http://www.costco.com/.product.11760...uctsInCategory

Also put it in Buyer Intel

[BigDee]

Costco Park Meadows has their imitation Big Green Egg Style smoker marked down to $399. Not sure how many there are, looked like 2, or if at other locations.

Here is the link it has good reviews: Vision Grills Classic Kamado Charcoal Grill http://www.costco.com/.product.11760...uctsInCategory

Also put it in Buyer Intel

The Kamado is actually a higher quality smoker than the Green Egg. If you're looking for an egg style smoker you're going to have a hard time beating that Costco deal.

[223kev]

I'm a little late in joining the party here but I enjoy using my Bradley Smoker. It is a puck type smoker and probably the most expensive for wood options but not terrible (kind of like the difference between reloading partitions vs. ballistic tips or shooting .380's instead of 9mm's and such). They have two basic models which are analog and digital and a couple of different sizes. They do pretty well at holding temps in the winter although they will struggle in the cold wind but do much better than the uninsulated steel gauge types. I cured that by using it in an outdoor storage bin that keeps the wind and snow/rain off. They also have a great forum with recepies and how to's that you can use with any type of smoker.

I also picked up a Traegar Jr. this winter but wanted it more for a grill. I really didn't care for it as a grill but it did do a great job at smoking a briskett this spring. Something about flames and grilling that I can't go without. Since I didn't care for it as a grill though, it's currently listed on CL so that I can finance a chainsaw that I'm looking at .