Smokers

Hey all,

I currently use a Brinkmann vertical smoker – the Smoke King Deluxe shown above.  It does a fine job, however, it does take constant attention to keep it in temp’ range. Some people have called it a ‘fuel hog’ – I don’t think it uses more than you would expect when you are slow cooking a 12 pound brisket.

Having said that, my biggest frustration is if you let the coals go a bit to long, it is difficult to get the smoking chamber back up to temp’. If you have to high a temp’ closing the dampers on the door will rapidly bring it back into the desired smoking range.

I am currently re-doing my dawghouse (aka know as 'Mojave Mike's' in these parts) and was going to purchase a new one.  Then place fire brick around the fire pit and bottom third of the smoking chamber to see if it would be easier to maintain that magic range of 200 to 220.

Unfortunately, everywhere I looked (in the store and on line) the line was in a back order status. So, I began to wonder if there was a large enough target population to support this relatively unique and expensive smoker (approx. $450 plus shipping.) Especially, as I was going to purchase the fire brick / mortar to try to make it a bit more temp’ stable.

Got to looking around, found a propane smoker in the same price range, available for pick up tomorrow. Of course, it uses chips / chunks for the smoke taste, while the temp’ is maintained by the propane burner.

I may have to give it a try . . . . .