Newbie wanting to purchase a smoker

[tbob4]

Welcome to the Pit. Where do you live? A lot of people may have good advice not just about the major dealers but reputable locals, as well.

[Histrix]

I agree with HJS that one of the larger kamados might be a good choice. Any of them would easily handle overnight cooks of enough butts or brisket for a good sized crowd.

If one is seriously interested in a Lang 36 and is fine with the tending that it requires I would seriously look at a Karubecue. It's in the same price range as the two grills khlar mentioned.

[boftx]

Others might agree with you, but his comment about tools says loads about how he approaches a craft. He won't be happy until he masters a stick-burner.

[Amajeff99]

I do not have one but the Shirley cabinet smokers look like a really good deal. I to have been doing research but cannot justify one yet..... but one day I will.

[HJS]

You're willing to spend the money, don't necessarily want to dedicate the effort an offset requires, and want to cook for family and large groups. Why couldn't you buy a larger kamado style smoker like the Big Green Egg XL, Primo Oval XL, etc? They have stacking racks on them so you could fit 4-5 pork butts on them maybe and then feed a bunch of people. I don't own one, maybe somebody could chime in that does.

[lschweig]

A hearty welcome from northern Illinois to you.

[Mr. Bones]

Howdy! Welcome from Kansas Territory!
You still askin'?
Them I'm sayin:
"Lang"
But, as disclosed above, Spinaker I am a stick burner, as well...

[RonB]

Most agree that a stick burner produces the "truest" BBQ flavor, but it's also the most work. At my age, I'm not willing to stay up all night to tend a fire, so I use a kettle with a controller so I can get a decent night's sleep. You have to decide how much work you want to do. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Almost forgot - welcome to The Pit.

[Nate]

Welcome from Indiana

[Spinaker]

Welcome to the Pit. Happy to have you. The Chubby G2 is a very good option as is the Lang. They both have great capacity. However, you need to ask yourself, How much work do I want to put into this? Both of these options will last a long time, they will make great food and will be a joy to own. The Chubby is easier to run than the Lang, but the Lang will give you some amazing BBQ that only comes from a wood fire.
If it were up to me, I would take the Lang all day. But I am more of a wood fire man than a charcoal one, if I have to pick. The Lang will require a feeding every 30 mins or so.

Let us know what other questions you have. Hopefully Max Good will chime in as well. He's the man for this kinda stuff.

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[boftx]

With that capacity requirement, I'd set aside skill concerns and go with the Lang and master it. Be warned that any stick-burner is going to need a bit of baby sitting, that's just the nature of the beast. But it can also be the most rewarding in terms of knowing you've mastered your craft.

Personally, I'd love to have one, but I can't justify it, so I use a COS and let people think I'm insane. I've also used a Weber kettle for a long time and have nothing but good to say about those, too. But in your case, and given what you have shared, I say pull the trigger on the Lang and get ready to embrace a new hobby/lifestyle.

[khlar]

So....after a month + of reading reviews and searching the forum and reading different topics, and lurking in the background. - I really want to purchase a smoker. I'm new to the forum and haven't done any smoking in a number of years. I'm 49 years old and have learned that without the proper tools the job is very difficult to accomplish, but with the right tools, magic can happen.
I'm a novice woodworker on the side and proper tools in the right hands can make masterpieces. With wood, I know exactly the tool I need to take me to the next level, the tool that will make seamless joints.... but when it comes to smoking BBQ I don't know which way to turn.
I would like to be able to smoke enough for a fairly large group of people, 35-50 maybe. I'd like to be able to smoke various kinds of meat at the same time on occasion. Something that doesn't require constant babysitting.
I'm super-interested in a Lang 36" deluxe and the Backwoods Chubby G2. My skill level scares me about the Lang, and I'm just very unfamiliar (other than reading and watching videos) of the cabinet/waster smoker like the Chubby!
so...if you were looking to get into smoking for the first time in a long time- would you recommend one if thesec2 units, or something completely different? I want a tool that does a great job, if the operator does his job.