Back-up smoker

[Thomassen]

I absolutely love my PBC but am in need of a gas back-up smoker. I live in the SF-Oakland Bay Area and we have had several 'Spare the Air' days during prime barbecuing season due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke (we had 6 weeks straight of Spare the Air days last year). I had promised my grandson smoked ribs for Labor Day but am not going to be able to do it.I'm looking at the Camp Chef 24" Smoke Vault and the Masterbuilt MPS 340/G ThermoTemp XL . I'm curious as to what other PBC users recommend based on your experience.

Thanks in advance.

[HawkerXP]

Not sure why the PBC wouldn't work as it is a self contained fire. But I'm east coast. Good luck!

[Jerod Broussard]

I smoked 61 pounds of sausage in 2 rounds on the Smoke Vault 24 today. Baby holds temp.

[Thomassen]

Thanks Jerod. Have you done a brisket in it? I've read that you can hang ribs, can you hang a brisket as well?

[Jerod Broussard]

Thomassen I've yet to have to load her up with brisket aka got volunteered to feed too many peeples. I never hung my ribs, just had them on the top rack where it is warmest.

[Jfrosty27]

Maybe an electric smoker? Some pretty good ones out there. I have a Smokin-It model #2. It was my first true smoker. Works great. I have others now but still use the electric on occasion.

[Soonerpop]

Yes, look at electric. I have a Cookshack that does a good job on ribs, pulled pork.

[Donw]

My backup is a Smoke Vault. Has a few idiosyncrasies to deal with but once learned does a great job. Also makes a great oven for pies, and as a secondary cooker when trying to feed a crowd.

[Thomassen]

What idiosyncrasies? Can you be specific?

[Donw]

1. The temperature dial is very sensitive, and it is easy at first to find yourself chasing temperatures. The dial needs to be adjusted in millimeters only when changing temperatures.
2. The gas regulator safety can lock down on you when it thinks too much gas is flowing. To prevent this open your tank’s valve very slowly when first applying the gas. Then, only open the valve a turn or two. You will still get plenty of gas flow. The may have changed regulators since I bought.

[Thomassen]

Donw - Thanks for the info.

[bbqLuv]

Traeger is a suggestion. Not familiar with Spare the Air Days, is there a ban in place for those days?

[rickgregory]

Sigh. You made me look at Craigslist. There's a Smokevault for sale in the area for $100.

NOTE: I have NO USE for one. But... #MCS might get me.

[Jfrosty27]

Ha! Isn’t that always the way it goes? Good luck. 🤞🤣