Buying a Smoker | Smoker Buying Guide with Pitmaster Malcom Reed
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- Things to Consider when Buying a Smoker
For more barbecue and grilling recipes visit: howtobbqright.com/
Tips for Buying a Smoker
I get countless questions looking for information about purchasing a new Smoker, so I thought it would be cool to shoot a quick video talking about a few important ideas to consider before buying that new pit.
1. What’s your Budget?
Smokers come in all price ranges but ultimately how much you are willing to spend determines where you start. There are lower end pits in the $100-$400 range. This is where most people start out, and there are good options here.
For me I’d go with a drum smoker or Weber Smoker Mountain. In the midrange $400-$1000 you’ll find a little more quality. Stick Burners, ceramic smokers, and even pellet grills can all be found in this range. The high end smokers are typically over $1000 and this range is for serious pit masters.
2. What are you using it for?
Do you just want a pit for the backyard? Are you planning on getting into competition bbq? Or do you plan to make money with this smoker? These are all important questions to decide the use of the smoker and will determine what type of pit you need.
3. How much capacity do you need?
Capacity is how much meat can fit on the grate. If you’re just cooking at home for family and friends you probably don’t need a huge smoker. If you’re doing comps or catering gigs then smoker capacity is an issue; and you want to make sure that the pit can handle the job.
4. What is your smoking style?
This is your personal preference, whether its stick burning, pellet smoking, or a combo of coal and wood, your style is important when it comes to deciding on a pit.
There’s plenty more to consider when buying a new smoker like accessories, durability, versatility, and even fuel choices these are just a few of the ideas you should be considering.
The main point to thing about is do some research first; don’t make a blind buying decision. There’s plenty of good info out there if you just look for it. Videos and websites are valuable sources and I would also talk to people who actually own the type of pit you’re leaning towards. Learn all there is to know about the smoker before dropping money on it and you won’t regret the purchase.
Hope this helps a little when you’re deciding to buy your next smoker; and Welcome to the Addiction!
For Killer Hogs BBQ Sauce, Rub and Competition BBQ equipment, visit: h2qshop.com/ - Розваги
Malcolm Reed is the gift we never deserved. Sir, you're incredible. Keep up the excellent content.
Amen
I’ve learned so much from him over the past 2 years. He could sell his knowledge and make millions!
Here here!
Perfectly stated. The absolute best BBQ channel around
Very informative. Love the calming voice.
Malcolm gets to the point and I feel a genuine desire by him to simply teach. He's so comfortable and confident in his approach.
This man and the BBQ pit boys has the most informational videos about bbqing on UA-cam.
T-Roys cook and smokey ribs are also great
Malcom eats the bbq pitt boys for breakfast. Those guys are not even in this guys league.
Try Cooking with Ry - EXCELLENT
@@Theorcman2008 I like them. I think they've just run out of ideas. They've been around for a LONG time.
I think Guga has them beat.
Before getting my smoker, I was almost in analysis paralysis. There are so many different types of smokers to choose from and it seemed like on a day to day basis, I had a different decision on which one I would eventually get. In the end, zeroed in on UDS and as I got to that found out there were a lot of guys local to Houston who were making them. Ended up having one made for me and I could not be happier with the results I am getting so far.
You're a legend. During my summer break before grad school. I've made it a personal goal to improve my grilling/smoking skills and by far you have helped me out so much in regards to cooking times, different skills, and various methods. You could teach a culinary class! Kudos to you, Malcolm. Looking forward to more videos throughout the summertime, thanks Malcolm!
I can't imagine anyone else I'd rather be in a backyard cooking with, than this dude! All his videos are great.
rewatching all his vids before he does a special 1 mil sub vid
Malcolm, I just wanted to thank you for being totally unbiased in this excellent video. It is very refreshing to hear an expert provide an honest, thoughtful, video without bashing the pellet grill or low end grill considerations. To your point, get the grill that fits YOUR style, budget and needs, not what you think you need to keep up with the jones's. Thanks again Malcolm!
You always giving the bbq community so much help.. I remember a couple years ago being completely lost with the new grills I got and watching you're videos. Now I get asked atleast twice a week what I'm putting on the smoker this weekend.. I truly appreciate everything you do..
Best barbecue/cooking channel on UA-cam. Malcolm is one of the most Knowledgeable and entertaining hosts. Keep it up brother!
I went over board a bit and got the master built 30in. Electric smoker. I have not been happier in my life. Everyone has been loving the food I'm bringing out of that.
I did a lot of research and ended up buying the woodwind pellet grill with the sear box and I love it.It has worked out great.Ive cooked a lot things on this grill and got most of the recipes from your videos.I really appreciate you doing these videos and hope you continue.
I’m looking at buying one and I loved this video. Honest and open. You didn’t constantly push one brand or style. Very informative
Thanks Malcom a big help as usual. Keep them coming. Do not be afraid to redo some things you did a few years ago. Things change, smokers change, recipes change. I can speak for several of your fans when I say we would enjoy a new version or redo some of your old favorites.
Hey Malcom, I’ve enjoyed barbecuing in the backyard for about 8 years. After my smoker began deteriorating, I’ve decided to look into a better quality unit. Through my searches, I found your channel. Fantastic videos! These are absolutely the best bbq videos on UA-cam, bar none. I’ve watched almost all of your uploads on this channel and I can say without hesitation, you have come a LONG way with the quality of your videos and your creative barbecue. Bravo and THANK YOU! Keep em coming, bud!
Great video Malcom. You gave everyone a lot to think about and weren't bias to any manufacturer or type. Very well done.
This guy is the best. I have been smoking for twenty years and I still get good ideas from him.
Another great video Mr. Reed! Yours have been instrumental in helping me in both equipment selection and developing technique for years. The quality of content and presentation are, IMHO, the best to be found. Thank you!
You never disappoint, I watch all of your videos, keep em coming !!!
Malcolm is the best. Easy going presentation, and more importantly, he knows his stuff. I've never met the guy, but every video is like hanging out with an old friend. Keep on keeping on!
One thing I would add to this is not all smokers produce the same product. I got a Traeger and thought that I’d be making delicious BBQ at home with ease, but it turns out that pellet grills just don’t make food how I like it, which is a heavy smoke flavor. Definitely do as much research as you can, and check out as many “dislike” posts/videos as you do “like” posts/videos
You're a good man, Malcolm. Watching your videos has made me a better food smoker/griller and I Thank You for that.
New to this channel and a bbq newbie....this guy is the best in educating folks like me. Thanks brotha.
Most likeable guy on earth. Great video. You can always tell he’s guanine and with no bullshit. Just straight up LOVE of the grill ❤️
This guy’s advice is spot on!! Great advice!!
Also check with guys that do Bbq pit rentals. Sometimes they sell them at the end of the year for a big discount.
Thanks for the tips Malcom. Your channel is my go to for all my smoking and recipe needs. You rock bud. I always tell my friends to check you out when I’m grilling out. When I smoke a turkey everyone asks how do you do this and they love it and I tell em Mr. Malcom Reed 🤙🏼. Keep up the amazing content your spreading joy all around 😎
Great video. I bought my first smoker recently and its been amazing. I cooked a brisket, 3 times tri tip and a pork butt. I have gotten great feedback on all 3.
You are easily my favorite bbq channel to watch. Enjoy every one you put out. Thanks.
Malcolm thank you sooo much! I am saving up to buy another smoker and this video gave me several points to consider. I love your videos and always learn much. God bless you for all the info and knowledge you take time to share with others.
This guy tells it like it is. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Never mind what other people buy, just buy for your needs. And he is 100 % correct. Thats exactly how i bought my 1st smoker 2 years ago....I took time to evaluate my needs and so far so good. Hey he is after all a Pitmaster.
Malcom, thank you very much for all you do, your advice and recipes are tops!
After this video, I am heading over to his smoker tour video. I'm looking into buying a smoker and trust this guys opinion. Thanks Malcolm and keep up the great videos.
Best free advice on the internet. Love your videos Malcolm!!
Malcom... you always have such well done and informative videos. Thanks for all the good work. REALLY enjoy your channel!!!
So glad you made this video, very useful keep more of them coming love your channel
Thanks for another great video. Very helpful and not a sales pitch. When I follow your recipes and guidance, the food is amazing. Thanks again.
Malcom your channel was always good but is now also polished. Thank you! Noticeable recently.
Much appreciated. I needed a video like this to help me. You lay it out perfectly and give the options to think about. Thank you
Love your videos. I really liked the one where you profiled all the grills you have. My wife saw it too and she said when i say you have enough you better listen on me... what a hoot
When i was shopping around for a smoker, i had my mind set on a treager. And i stumbled upon a green mountain pellet grill. It was on sale for around 500 bucks for the bigger model( jim bowie) its got a taller lid for those beer can chickens, i added a wifi controller. Set it and forget it to an all new level. Thanks for all the great recipes, I've tried alot of them
Great advice for choosing a smoker . Thanks Malcom , nice to hear a independent point of view from a expert ... Take care
Malcom you are the man! Your channel and recipes are awesome! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I learn a lot from you brother. Keep it up!!
U r the man Malcolm thanks great video learning a lot from you. Much love from Philly!
Great video, very insightful on the basics of requirements. This has helped in my decision making, so thank you for your advice.
i picked up a weber smokey mountain 22.5 for my dedicated smoker, love that thing
I just picked up a Rec Tec pellet smoker and love it .... It was pricey coming in at around 1,300 but it's build like a tank and the customer service is amazing ..
I just got a Camp Chef Woodwind for free from work so now comes the need for your channel. The "how in the world do I use this thing" lack of confidence is real
Great Video as always - you give great perspectives on all types of smokers, and you have a great demeanor about you - you're enjoyable to watch. I would think you would be a great person to know.
Thank you for this. I'm a traditional guy, webers, uds's and the like. Great information for some one wanting to get into this style of cooking.
Great informative video Malcom thanks, can't wait for the pod cast
Great vid Malcom, always appreciate your advice. I have greatly, that’s GREATLY, improve my cooking following your instructional videos on cooking. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and very well edited videos. Thanks. JD in Missouri
Love his smoking tips. Good guy straight forward and it turns out right if you do it like he says.
Thanks Malcom. You really got the talent for this stuff.
I've owned the Weber Smokey Mountain for about 5yrs and it definitely took my BBQ game to a whole different level. I love that thing.
Agree. Best value for the money hands down.
Agree. That's what I started on. Great cooker, efficient burn too doesn't use a lot of coals. Cheap to run. Now I have a Backwoods Chubby and its amazing. But for the price, WSM is good.
Best guide for buying a bbq ive come across and it was short and sweet👏👏👏
I bought s yoder ys640 because of your videos 2 years ago,awesome smoker,highly reccomend it
I wish I could afford the yoder 640...
Malcolm, just want you to know that my girls and I love watching your "cooking BIDEOS." I've learned a ton from you and the UDS I built this spring has been getting a ton of work.
My summer bonus comes next week and I plan spending a chunk of it on killer hogs rub. Keep up the great work brother!
Another great video Malcolm. Lots of good tips.
Thanks Malcolm great advice. I just pulled the trigger on a Yoder ys 640. Cant wait to get it.
Great video and great points to consider. I usually end up buying a new smoker or grill because of reading about them on the BBQ forums or watching videos about them. I like trying out new toys and is why I have as many grills/smokers that I do. I really wish I could reduce it down to maybe just a couple but I like everything I have for various reasons and don't want to get rid of anything even if I don't use some of it much.
I would like to see you add a cheap masterbuilt to your collection for us budget smokers. I did my first back ribs with your BBQ rub this week. They turned out awesome. They didn’t look as good as yours but they sure did taste great. I appreciate your vids man! I’m going to try your sauce next.
Great advice for life in general "first, set yourself a budget..."
It's also a good idea to think about maintenance. Some smokers require more than others to make them last and avoid grease fires.
Very well made video Malcolm! Editing was excellent
I really appreciate your advice Malcolm.
That was good information that I never considered. I am on the market for a smoker. I just made a brisket on a Viking grill that has a tray smoker on it. Was like shoe leather! 8 hours wasted. Would not control heat. So with this video I will write down my needs and go from there! Thanks.
Thank you for the video Malcom. I’m going to build a ugly drum smoker. I get some good satisfaction building things. Also, I’m a big fan thanks for the videos and what u bring to the bbq/ smoking world ! I’m the official turkey smoker for Christmas and thanksgiving every year because of your knowledge u put out there. Keep on keeping on brother ! 👊🏻🍻
When i wanted to try smoking for the first time, probably because of videos like this which is great, I decided to get a kit and built my own drum smoker. I got a drum that had mango puree in it for $10, and I bought a kit on sale for $90. I used the kit and drilled out all the holes. Then I was going to get it painted and called a paint shop. The owner of the paint shop had a ton of extra black weber hi-temp paint lying around from a personal project and he did the sandblasting and painting for another $90. I love my drum smoker, but I don't need massive capacity. For a couple hundred bucks I got to build my own little smoker (and I didn't have to shell out a lot all at once), it doesn't take up much room and it cooks GREAT. After I was hooked on smoking I found a Weber on the side of the road for free. Looked great but the ash handle was frozen at the bottom. Ordered a $15 replacement part, drilled out the old stuff and brand new grill for $15. I suggest people get started for cheap and then buy more later. Great vid!
Thanks!! I didnt think of some of the points you threw out there. Definitely helped in my decision making
I think the Youder YS 640 is the one for me! I love the orange comp cart too, I think it's a must!
Very helpful brother. I'm going with a pellet smoker. Thank you so much for the explanation and the help.
Thank you very much Mr. Reed! Very informative video!
Got the Traeger Timberline 1300. This thing is the most incredible smoker I have ever owned. Had it for about a month now. I have not had anything turn out wrong. The app is pretty incredible as well.
I just got a big green egg as my first smoker. I found a large one on fb marketplace for $200 and made sure I was the first one there to buy it. I just did my first pork butt in this this past weekend. Turned out great for my first time thanks to Mr. Reed.
Another excellent, well thought out and informative video. Thank you sir!
Your advice makes sooooo much sense! I have a 18.5 WSM and a Weber 22.5 Performance kettle. I just love love love the PK360.....but the price!!!! Not to say it isn't a great grill but already having a grill and a smoker I really can't justify it. Besides, I just added a ThermoWorks Signals with the Billows blower to my collection. I learned so much from your very well presented videos. Thanks.
Just bought a traeger ironwood 885 and I'm super excited!
Great things to consider. Thanks Malcom.
Thanks Malcolm! I too have a problem hehe... I go through this process with every one I buy.
Great information buddy I love your videos !! Have used some of your recipes and the food turns out amazing thank you from east tn !!
You're the man Malcom! Great video with some great info!!!
Stick burner, it's a lot more work and needs constant attention but I love that part of it and the reward is awesome! Have been bbqing/smoking for over 30 years.
That's not for me...I like my Backwoods cabinet. Set the guru and go to bed, or go enjoy the party without worrying about the cooker. Meat always cooks the way I expect. Lotta respect for stick burning, just not my thing!
Thank you Malcolm for your videos they are very helpful
You are the best Malcolm...thank you so muich for doing these videos..
This guy is awesome. My first smoker was more like an old barrel. Now i have a char griller.
LongGunner762 so, a new barrel?
How do you like the char griller
@@whopennybritty9241 Mine rusted out in a couple of years, so it was nice while it lasted. Always kept it covered but no covered porch.
@@darthsitharibane1551 yea I have it, and it’s rusting. The inside is fine tho. I dnt care too much bout the outside appearance. Not much I can do bout that.
Great insight for a new buyer like me. Thanks for the video! Very Helpful .
A Weber Kettle 26" + slow n sear is a nice setup for around ~$400. You can grill and smoke a full brisket on it.
As a previous user of Traeger+, I recently made the switch to Asmoke and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The biggest difference I've noticed is the precision temperature control Asmoke offers. With my old Traeger, I struggled to maintain a consistent temperature, but with Asmoke's dual sensors and new PID algorithm, it's a breeze. I also love the portability of the Asmoke - its lightweight design and battery power make it perfect for weekend road trips and camping adventures. Its environmental friendliness is also a big plus - the wood pellets are made from recycled materials and add a unique smoky flavor to my food. I feel like I have much more control and versatility with my cooking now. I highly recommend Asmoke to any grilling enthusiasts out there! #Asmoke
I don’t know why, but I trust you...
TacSoob253 me too 😂
because he is not a skinny chef
😂
Just bought a Rec Tec. Can't wait to use it!
Great video Malcom. Good non bias info. Thank's for sharing.
This is really good. I appreciate the input.
Great video and advice, thanks for not being biased!
Two things no one really told me but were really beneficial for me was 1. When knowing your budget, see if there are ways you can get more bang for your buck. I was so one sided on buying a pro grill like Blaze 34 inch pro gas grill. I did my homework on that grill and discovered if I buy the Blaze LTE instead, I had enough money to buy a Blaze Aluminum Kamado too. The only problem anyone has after buying something is 2. Scalability. After Smoking over a dozen times on the Kamado, I started to see how limited my smoking abilities are and that I really should have bought a stick offset burner instead of a kamado. But I am still perfecting my smoking skills and while I am doing that, I am saving my money for an insulated cabinet from LSG. Here I can do the large smoking projects and use the Kamado for small projects. With this being said, Malcolm Reed ... Your information is right on target. It's not a total loss when making a poor buying. Decision. I just learn to perfect my workflow based on each grill as each grill has its own personality and my understanding of usage on each gets better over time.
Keep up the great videos. You’re a pro and my go to for ideas and tips. If you dislike this video, you are probably a vegetarian, and should be blocked from disliking such a great video.
Very informative helped me a lot thank you so much for your time and your expertise
Wow this made me think about things very differently. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
I know you say personal prefrence. I'd like to see a vid of all your rigs and your most common uses for them. Thanks for the valuable information Mr reed
Malcom is simply the best in the industry. Amazing personality.
Great advise... Love your videos and recipes
Thanks for the advice. This video makes me feel ok about the choice I made. I should do fairly well.