expired Posted by PennyFound | Staff • Jul 8, 2021
Jul 8, 2021 4:50 PM
Item 1 of 6
Item 1 of 6
expired Posted by PennyFound | Staff • Jul 8, 2021
Jul 8, 2021 4:50 PM
40" Masterbuilt MB20060321 Digital Charcoal Smoker (Gray) $202.44 + Free Shipping
$251
$350
28% offWalmart
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I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.
I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.
The deal linked here is also pretty good. There have been some issues with build quality and grease fires with the non-vertical model that's more like a grill/smoker, but haven't heard much about this particular model. You'll get charcoal flavor with this for sure, but not necessarily more smoke.
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Auber makes some good ones: https://www.auberins.co
The deal linked here is also pretty good. There have been some issues with build quality and grease fires with the non-vertical model that's more like a grill/smoker, but haven't heard much about this particular model. You'll get charcoal flavor with this for sure, but not necessarily more smoke.
I'm guessing this is all part of why this unit is on sale.
I'm not sure what you classify as "good" but is shouldn't be that difficult to find a charcoal or gas (or combo) for under $300 (maybe not pellet as I haven't researched those). I wouldn't blow the bank on your 1st smoker. This electric deal is still live at $100 and this dual one was live for quite a while - I got it as my 1st smoker. One thing to note with Charcoal is that it is more difficult to hold temps. I've only used mine with gas so far and I've been quite happy with it, but still learning how to get the temps to hold better. I'm still experimenting with the tyrpes of wood chips, whether to soak or not and how much to use. I've only done a couple cooks so far, and think I will have it down pat pretty soon as far as what works for me.
For $200 or so it's probably fine given how huge it is, but it seems like your satisfaction may vary if you are picky.
Regardless of what you get, there will be a learning curve with whatever you get.....meaning .....pick something and just go with it. You'll have to learn how your pit reacts to weather....extra logs/coal... overheating....fire dying, etc. You also have to consider the space you have available, but I'm sure you'll factor that in. I started with an offset smoker which is probably a good to start with, but I'm about to buy the Bronco for my next one (barrel). A pellet is COMPLETELY different from a charcoal smoker. I wouldn't go budget on one of those though as the cheaper ones can crap out easily and leave your grill limited on utility...imo. Since you want set it and forget it, I'd just consider getting an electric Bluetooth temperature gauge....that'll at least give you some flexibility with having to sit and watch it.
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Alternatively, used 22s sell for $40 - $60 across the country. Add a Slow n Sear and maybe a Tip Top Temp if you are worried about temp control and a chimney for starting your charcoal without lighter fluid. You would be around half your budget so add a remote thermometer. Or you could probably score a used 18" Weber Smokey mountain for $150 - $200 but you lose grilling ability. These really need a cover if you keep it outside. I've gotten almost all my kettles used and unregistered with Weber, so you can sometimes get years of warranty coverage, too. Hard to beat that deal.
Pellet wise, my Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett (now Trek) has been solid. It has a PID controller and wifi. I tried to buy a replacement power cord since mine got chewed by a critter but they went ahead and warrantied it even though they didn't need to. The thing with pellet grills is people usually buy them wanting easy. Pellet grills have to get cleaned out often and parts break. Maintaining them is not nearly as easy as making a small vent adjustment for a charcoal fire. They can be convenient, but they aren't great as your only grill if you plan to use it a lot and they're pretty poor grills if you want to grill and sear food. You really have to spend $2k+ to get a great one.
If you want masterbuilt, the gravity series grills seems decent enough. They got really cheap at Walmarts last year. No way would I buy one at full price but I would get one to try sub $200.
I'm a little biased towards Weber. They're just so simple and durable it's hard to beat the value, even if you are buying new.
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