What's the best smoker for the money?
Summary
Finding the best smoker for your money involves considering construction, capacity, and personal preferences. Our forum users have different opinions on which smoker is the best, with some prioritizing durability while others value affordability and specific features. Ultimately, the best smoker depends on individual needs and priorities. Let's explore what our forum users are saying to help you make an informed decision.
Some users highlight specific brands and features:
- "I like the Mann Lake ones that Enjambres describes...Get the tallest smoker; they seem to stay lit better than a shorter one. Maybe the added chimney effect." -- crofter, Beesource
- "I feel like I've spent a good part of my life with a smoker in my hand and I only use a smoker with a leather bellows...Dadant smokers have been the standard since they took over the Woodman line years ago and while ML has a competitive product I still feel the Dadant is the best out there." -- jim lyon, Beesource
Other users suggest considering these factors:
- "Do you want/need a surrounding heat sheild? -Do you want one with new space age synthetic bellows? Is that really better than "old school" leather? -Do you need a status symbol? -Do you want to spend gobs of money on a smoker? -Do you want some form of hanging hook? -Do you want a simple bellows,can/tube without the extra accoutrements?" -- jnqpblk, Beesource
As for smoker fuel, these options are mentioned:
- "Wood stove pellets here as well. $5.00 for a 40# bag. A coulpe of handfuls in the smoker, start it with the propane torch....lasts for hours." -- jasontatro, Beesource
- "I cut cardboard boxes in to 5 inch wide strips and roll it up until it fits snugly in to the smoker..." -- Luke, Beesource
- "How's about a wad of paper (like a ripped up fast food bag from the floor of the truck), a handful of dried sticks, some larger sticks (hard wood) broken up and then a sumac bob (one of those red berry clusters)? Net price = FREE, which is ALMOST the best price, isn't it?" -- BigDaddyDS, Beesource
Post Mentions
- Wood stove pellets here as well. $5.00 for a 40# bag. A coulpe of handfuls in the smoker, start it with the propane torch....lasts for hours. JT
- Mann Lake has made some big strides in competing with Dadant. I feel like I've spent a good part of my life with a smoker in my hand and I only use a smoker with a leather bellows. I like the larger openings on the ML bellows and firebox and also the additional capacity of the standard sized ML...
- I like the Mann Lake ones that Enjambres describes. I discovered though that they will not stand up to a Kubota Tractor!:o Get the tallest smoker; they seem to stay lit better than a shorter one. Maybe the added chimney effect.
- Just saying, the life of a smoker can be extended by slipping a slightly smaller can in the smoker can for the burn chamber. And yes, some holes need to be made in the bottom of the new can for the bellows air flow. And as for your question. "who makes the best one? i dont want to have to go...
- im still using my dads smoker that at least 30 years old. its finely getting tired. need to buy a new smoker.who makes the best one? i dont want to have to go though a bunch of them to find out.thanks a for your help.
- I cut cardboard boxes in to 5 inch wide strips and roll it up until it fits snugly in to the smoker. I bought some of those wood pellets a while back but always have trouble getting them lit so I went back to the cardboard.
- How's about a wad of paper (like a ripped up fast food bag from the floor of the truck), a handful of dried sticks, some larger sticks (hard wood) broken up and then a sumac bob (one of those red berry clusters)? Net price = FREE, which is ALMOST the best price, isn't it? DS
- Quick answer is with Fire. Unlike in Survivor we can use matches or a lighter. :) I would use burlap or a bag of ped bedding. We use it first with our bird cage them I use it in the smoker. Then you can add grass and stuff after it lights. Burlap works when it lights sometimes that takes a...
- I really need some tips right away as I plan on inspecting the girls today. What is the best way to light the smoker so it stays lit and gives off cool smoke? I have sawdust and some wood pellets that came with it. Also I have plenty of newspaper too. Thanks!
- What is the best smoker fuel for a really good price?...Do they vary that much in effectiveness?...An oldtimer I helped work hives with 45 years ago just busted well-dried cowpatties up into chunks---anybody still doing that? Any friendly input would be appreciated.
Related Threads
- What is the best smoker fuel for a really good price?...Do they vary that much in effectiveness?...An oldtimer I helped work hives with 45 years ago just busted well-dried cowpatties up into chunks---anybody still doing that? Any friendly input would be appreciated.
- I really need some tips right away as I plan on inspecting the girls today. What is the best way to light the smoker so it stays lit and gives off cool smoke? I have sawdust and some wood pellets that came with it. Also I have plenty of newspaper too. Thanks!
- im still using my dads smoker that at least 30 years old. its finely getting tired. need to buy a new smoker.who makes the best one? i dont want to have to go though a bunch of them to find out.thanks a for your help.