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Tab

(11,093 posts)
Wed Jul 2, 2014, 04:54 PM Jul 2014

I am confronted with a decision.

My gas grill died (rusted out). I like gas grills (I prefer the taste or wood or charcoal, but they're a PITA, especially in winter).

So I could buy a grill or I could buy a smoker. I'd like to keep this under $300.

I'm not looking for recommendations on what to buy, and ultimately I'll end up with a grill, but the decision is do I get a smoker and use that for the time being and later (maybe next year) get a grill, or just get a grill now and let my smoker dreams go up in smoke?

One drawback of smokers is time; I could prepare dinner, but not in 20 minutes. However, I love smoked foods. It seems to me I want both. Maybe I should get the grill in the interim, and smoker for later.... or smoker now and grill later? Decisions, decisions...

Anyone been there, done that?

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I am confronted with a decision. (Original Post) Tab Jul 2014 OP
If you can only afford one I'd go for the grill. flamin lib Jul 2014 #1
I love a simple Weber smoker... MrMickeysMom Jul 2014 #2
Why not use the grill as a smoker when you want to? (The internet is a wonderful thing!) A HERETIC I AM Jul 2014 #3
I've tried that Tab Jul 2014 #4
A little over budget I understand, BarbaRosa Jul 2014 #5
Char Broil Tru Infra-red, under $300. trof Jul 2014 #6

flamin lib

(14,559 posts)
1. If you can only afford one I'd go for the grill.
Wed Jul 2, 2014, 05:18 PM
Jul 2014

You can get some smoke flavor with wood chips wrapped in foil but its hard to keep the temp low enough to really smoke traditional meats like brisket or pork butt. Temps need to stay below 250f.

I'm thinking of upgrading my gas grill to a new infrared unit. The older grills are more like outdoor ovens but the new ones cook by radient heat.

A Brinkman smoker may be inexpensive enough to have both. Even the electric model is under $100. I cooked on one for years and had very good results. I like electrics because they are so consistent. Just throw wood chips on about once an hour. The temp stays at 250f with a full water bowl.

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
2. I love a simple Weber smoker...
Wed Jul 2, 2014, 06:54 PM
Jul 2014

If I want to charcoal brick up the thing, get the coals hot, throw wood over, then yes, you have about an hour doing that before cooking… It's a matter of having these things in hand near the grill. I understand what you mean about winter, but I've smoked my turkey each year, and I love using it.

I may not smoke as much as you, but it's not a big pain for me to use it, come whatever the Pittsburgh weather is like.

BarbaRosa

(2,684 posts)
5. A little over budget I understand,
Fri Jul 11, 2014, 07:16 PM
Jul 2014

but my KamadoJoe ( http://www.kamadojoe.com/index.php ) does it all. I've smoked all day at 220-225, roasted at 350, seared at 400-500, made pizza at 550+.

It's easy to light, holds temp forever and the food tastes great due to using lump charcoal plus the lump is reusable until reduced to ash.

trof

(54,255 posts)
6. Char Broil Tru Infra-red, under $300.
Sun Jul 13, 2014, 09:22 AM
Jul 2014

Best gas grill I've ever had.
Easy to use as a smoker too.

DO get the latest model with the solid piece 'concave' heat source, not the older model with the perforated stainless heat source.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Broil-Gourmet-TRU-Infrared-2-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-463251413/202018212?N=5yc1vZbxazZch

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