Considering a smoker

[Burbot Sherbet]

I’ve been thinking about getting a used smoker this winter, but I’ve had zero experience with them, other than with my uncle’s giant homemade smokehouse and I live in town, so that’s not really an option. Thinking about doing small batches of trout and Jack.

Any advice of what to look out for or avoid would be very helpful!

[pinelakeperch]

Originally Posted by Burbot Sherbet

I’ve been thinking about getting a used smoker this winter, but I’ve had zero experience with them, other than with my uncle’s giant homemade smokehouse and I live in town, so that’s not really an option. Thinking about doing small batches of trout and Jack.

Any advice of what to look out for or avoid would be very helpful!

I have a Bradley 4 rack digital smoker, and I love it. I'm certainly no smoking professional, but I've made some great snacks with it.

[aulrich]

I ended up with a Masterbuild electric, The one thing I like over the bradley is it can use regular chips vs the pucks. Though it does have trouble holding smoke at low temp sub 150, but there is a mod for that so low temp smoking is dialed in for me now.

And I do need to circle back to the chips since the mod for low temp smoke needs to use wood pellets, I got a bag of wood pellets and they work great in both the regular smoke generator and the mod and a bag is a year or two worth of smoke so a win all round.

[teledogs]

I use a Masterbuilt propane smoker. It is about 20"x20"x48"tall and it has 5 shelves. Lots of space for what I do. I improved it a bit by putting insulation strips around door edges, a more heavy duty flame/heat disperser & I put my chips in a 10" cast iron pan. I also use a much larger water & drip pan.
The set up works great but it burns a bit hot even at lowest flame setting. Typically running between 200-240F. Cool weather smoking for lower temps. It does not burn much propane but I keep extra around just in case. Quite happy with it!
I don't know why they put glass windows on the doors of smokers...

[deschambault]

I have the cheapest smoker ever made - no longer made by Thompson Pallister baits. I bought it to try smoking and didn't like the results until I found better brines and did a few trout in BC. I am now a fan and will likely upgrade next summer to something with programmable temperatures.

[SNAPFisher]

Originally Posted by pinelakeperch

I have a Bradley 4 rack digital smoker, and I love it. I'm certainly no smoking professional, but I've made some great snacks with it.

Agree 100% with this choice. I got one for free from a family member that was on its last legs. A little fix up and 8 years going strong.

My wife got me a full sized Cabelas brand pellet grill / smoker. Don't go for this one. A better griller than smoker...more like grill with a hint of smoke. Also customized it to make it work better but still doesn't hold a candle to the Bradley.

[Burbot Sherbet]

Thanks! I’ve seen a few of the combination smoker/grills, but I already have a decent barbecue- good to know that the standalone smokers are preferable. Looks like I’ll be keeping my eye out for a Bradley

[Deep]

Agreed with the Bradley.....does a great job.

[gordfishing]

we got a Tragear at Costco $450.00 its outstanding

[sellingforaliving]

I have used the Little Chief for smoking fish. Did so many batches that I wore one out and had to buy a replacement. Simple to use and the price is right. Sometimes you can even find a unused one on Kijiji for a really good price. They are not good for everything as they have a fixed temperature but I have found it to work real well for fish.

[hawk-i]

Bradley here as well...done lots of fish and peperoni.

Smoked deer or moose roast is also fantastic!

[58thecat]

Bradley Smoker Original 4 Rack Electric Smoker, 31″, Black.....been running this beauty since they rolled off the shelf....man it has done a lot of meat over the years...approx 400 bucks now but they do go on sale too

https://www.bradleysmoker.com/ca/pro...v=3e8d115eb4b3

[pinelakeperch]

Originally Posted by Burbot Sherbet

Thanks! I’ve seen a few of the combination smoker/grills, but I already have a decent barbecue- good to know that the standalone smokers are preferable. Looks like I’ll be keeping my eye out for a Bradley

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/b...bradley+smoker

This seems like a good deal. I have the digital version, but I'm sure this will do the trick just as well.

[The Fisherman Guy]

Digital smokers are the best choice for product consistency, and take very little skill to operate - Popeil fresh.

We have two Bradley digital 4 rack smokers, which we use for smoking sausages. The pucks get expensive, and the digital cluster has a knack for kicking the bucket in the middle of a smoke, but can be purchased online.

Been using my Weber charcoal grill more than anything, as it provides a flavor that can only be produced with fire.

We also use the small Weber kettle for camping trips, but the Weber Stainless Performer gets the most use. Absolutely 10/10 for quality, and product performance. Just made Poor Man's Burnt Ends for supper yesterday!

[pikeman06]

Gotta place a vote for my beloved master built propane. Owned em all and he's my fav. Burn whatever you want for wood. Great rig.