Propane smoker?

[Slateman]

So I want one. I have an extra $100 in amazon gift cards waiting to be used and I've wanted to get a smoker for a while.

I've heard mixed reviews on electric smokers. Mainly what I hear is that it's difficult to get smoke from them and a lack of the smoke ring effect. Propane seems to make the most sense, as I already have a propane grill and it will be nice to have something to use if the power goes out. Propane is also relatively easy to maintain heat with as well.

But the thing I've found in online reviews of propane smokers is that they are difficult to get to a lower temperature (sub 225 degrees). While a lot of stuff can be done in the 225-260 range, I would like to have the ability to go lower than that for smoking vegetables and sausages. Usually in the 175-195 range.

I see the Camp Chef Smoke Vault get good reviews, but I've also seen some reports online that they have trouble keeping it under 250 (or even 300!!) degrees. Any other suggestions I should research?

I've also run across this article: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/needle-valves-for-gassers Claims that one way to fix the high temperature issue is to install a needle valve. Anyone tried this?

[HalfSmokes]

I have electric, the smoke is easy, the bad part is keeping temperature (you have to add your own insulation if is not decently warm and sunny out).

[mitlen]

I never smoked propane.

[GuyFromCO]

I never smoked propane.

Propane's a helluva drug

[mitlen]

Propane's a helluva drug

Explosive, eh?    Blow your mind.

[GburgNatsFan]

Not many things you can say that about, are there.

I never smoked propane.

[mitlen]

Not many things you can say that about, are there.

Indeed.   

[Slateman]

I have electric, the smoke is easy, the bad part is keeping temperature (you have to add your own insulation if is not decently warm and sunny out).

I thought the whole benefit to electric is set it and forget it.

[imref]

Google Alton Brown smoker. You can build one yourself on the cheap.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

Charcoal or GTFO

[imref]

Charcoal or GTFO

[GburgNatsFan]

This thing works?

(Image removed from quote.)

[imref]

This thing works?

yeah, you can find the Good Eats episode covering it on the web somewhere.

[HalfSmokes]

This thing works?

Works and works well are two different things, I'd imagine controlling the temp would be more trouble than it's worth

[GburgNatsFan]

Useful on a nice May day with no wind.

Works and works well are two different things, I'd imagine controlling the temp would be more trouble than it's worth

[comish4lif]

I have a 2 door propane smoker, am very happy with it. But you are correct, I have a hard time keeping temps low.

[HalfSmokes]

I recommend heat resistant insulation around the door- that plus using a bungee cord to hold my door shut has made it much easier to regulate temperature in my smoker

[Slateman]

I recommend heat resistant insulation around the door- that plus using a bungee cord to hold my door shut has made it much easier to regulate temperature in my smoker

Okay, what models have that? Or how do I DIY it?

[GuyFromCO]

Okay, what models have that? Or how do I DIY it?

DIY it

[HalfSmokes]

DIY it

This. I bought insulation strips meant for oven doors for my electric smoker.

[GuyFromCO]

This. I bought insulation strips meant for oven doors for my electric smoker.

It's a really easy mod. I installed two additional temp gauges too on the el cheapo. That's my choice, but I've never used an electric smoker.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I have to admit, when I first saw this thread, I was thinking, "who would want meat cook in an unadjusted propane flame that is so fuel-rich that it smokes?  Why not just paint the meat with gasoline?"  This establishes that I am not a savvy barbecue maven. 

[GuyFromCO]

I have to admit, when I first saw this thread, I was thinking, "who would want meat cook in an unadjusted propane flame that is so fuel-rich that it smokes?  Why not just paint the meat with gasoline?"  This establishes that I am not a savvy barbecue maven.

That makes you a purist

[JCA-CrystalCity]

That makes you a purist

I've been brainwashed into believing gas does not smoke when tuned.

[Slateman]

I have to admit, when I first saw this thread, I was thinking, "who would want meat cook in an unadjusted propane flame that is so fuel-rich that it smokes?  Why not just paint the meat with gasoline?"  This establishes that I am not a savvy barbecue maven. 

So, the purists will say wood or charcoal only. They will say the propane will flavor the meat. And, honestly, they are probably right. However, most people can't tell the difference unless they're given side by side samples.

And also, the amount of gas you use can effect the taste, which is why I'm interested in a smoker that can keep it at a low temperature. the Smoke Vault 24 gets a lot of reports of using a small mount of gas.

I am also considering a Masterbuilt Cookmaster, as it can be used with charcoal as well as propane.