Newbie wanting to purchase a smoker

[bep35]

If I was getting into smoking and wanted something easier to operate I would look into the pellet grills like the Yoder YS640. A lot of folks here like the RecTec line. Meathead likes the Mak. Be forewarned that pellet smokers have a milder smoke flavor. Some people like it but others prefer more smoke taste.

[Bill M]

I started out with smoking on Weber grills before stepping up to a simple, smaller offset. Last year I spent the bucks and bought the Meadow Creek SQ36 offset smoker. I had compared it to the Lang, and really one of the main reasons I bought it was that shipping for the Lang to the Milwaukee WI area was expensive compared to me driving to Iowa one morning and picking up the unit. I bring this up as you live in western New York and Meadow Creek is built in PA. Road trips are always fun

[6th Borough BBQ]

I am a stick burner as of last weekend and the first time using my 36" Lang was a huge success. I watched tons of videos and had lots of help from this forum, and the knowledge I was given had helped a lot. If your willing to get up from your chair, put your beer down for a minute, and throw a log on every 45 min or so, you can handle it. Surprisingly, the biggest challenge I had was getting the fire going but it went perfectly after that hour or so to get up to temp - I used a torch which was new and a lot of fun. Highly recommend the Lang and wish I bought it sooner.

[Danjohnston949]

Notavegan, Could Be❓
From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[EdF]

Relax! Go with the flow ... of the bucks out of your wallet!

[Breadhead]

The 42" KK is $9,200 + freight. I weighs 1,500 pounds. You might need a forklift to unload it. It does come with casters though.

[Jimmie Rhoden]

Welcome to the pit from Southeast Alabama

[Notavegan]

khlar , I think Danjohnston949 is way off base. The Pit members at large are NOT trying or willing to spend your money.

(Note, the Komodo Kamado 42 inch Big Bad is tilting in just under $10 grand and I think can cook a T-Rex on one load of lump)

((ANNNND, you can pick your own tile colors for it!!))

[ecowper]

khlar well, I can tell you that I spent a year researching before I bought my Hasty-Bake. Until that point, I was cooking on a cheap offset (COS) and doing okay with it. It even had an adjustable firebox when I was cooking direct heat, which was impressive for an under $200 COS.

Take your time. The price range and smokers you are talking about are big investments and last pretty much forever. It's not like buying a $200 grill that you know you're going to replace in a few years. Consider learning curve, ease of use, how much firetending is required, quality of product, support community, company reputation, type of fuel, cost of fuel, quantity of food you can cook ..... and much more. But that should get you started.

[Danjohnston949]

khlar, Welcome to "The Pit"! You are Now Enrolled in the BBQ Univ.! Attendance and Participation are Mandatory! Enjoy "The Pit"!
Friend and We Are Friends, You have Just Asked The Members the Holy Grail of Questions! It's akin to Asking What Kind of Wife Should You Buy Next Time❓ IMHOP, If haven't Done a Lot of BBQ'ng You May Want to Start on The Low $ End such as a Weber Kettle (26”), S 'n S, & Drip and Griddle before Jumping Into Bigger Investment! This will allow you to Determine If It's What You Want to Get Into for the Long Haul! A Word of Caution the Members are More than Willing to Spend Your Money! I Might As Well Be Among the First! You Need a Maverick 732-733 Leave In Dual Probe Digital Thermometor, a Thermowerks Thermopen Instant Read Termometer ( MK 4 ) and Take a Good Look @ The FireBoard 6 Probe Digital iCloud Thermometers! A remarkable Instrument!
Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[Spinaker]

Ceramic cooker with a controller is also a great option.

[kmhfive]

I feel MCS setting in... just give in to the urge!

[khlar]

Well everyone.... thanks for the info. Really not sure what to do yet! I'm thinking the Lang is going to require too much babysitting at this point in my life -- But now you have me thinking about pellets and eggs! I need something that can kind of take care of itself and these look like options -- but I still like the backwoods.... UGH!! Too many choices!

Thanks again and feel free to keep advising me

[DWCowles]

What's wrong with a Shirley's smoker FireMan

[Breadhead]

I didn't know Shirley was selling her smoker...🤔