i like the process of a wood fire, it makes grilling/smoking a event which is half the fun to me . its not always about the product but sometines its about the journey
Wow, what great, honest, straightforward advice! I’ve watched a bunch of YT videos that rambled all around and really seemed geared to experienced smokers ... this was just what I needed as a person who has grilled a lot and thinking about trying low and slow smoking. Thanks!!
Every time I have a grilling question I always end up at RY's. And his advice always works the best for me no matter what I'm doing, buying a smoker or cooking a type of meat. For now on I will start looking here first.
I just bought one. I think it will produce better flavor than electric or pellet. Seems easy enough to regulate temps. Just open and close the vent holes on the bottom. The water pan holds temps down for the most part.
I just got the same e-smoker as a gift. I have been using a Weber for decades to smoke and cook indirect. You are correct about capacity and temp control. The e-smoker is so easy. I did a bone in pork loin roast with some Ry's rub and apple smoke and it was awesome. Great video!
Went from propane to electric to stick burner to pellet to a Weber kettle 22… paid my dues love the outcome now.. will be doing a WSM someday if I can find a nice used one..
I started out with a propane smoker. The reason that I went that route was because durring the summer months its so hot outside that the electric element that burns the wood would not come on as often because the smoker was already at temperature. With the propane i found that you always have a continuous burn od the smoke chips. Yes you have to watch the temps but once i get the temp where i want it my digital thermometer will tell me where im at. Its usually very consistent.
I just bought my 2nd offset grill its the same as yours i wish i saw these videos when i got my 1st one you have helped me learn what i was doing wrong and ive got almost 15yrs in food sevice
My dad and his electric smoker are why I have charcoal smokers. I wanted to do the same things he was doing but have it be different. And then he decided I was in charge of grilling and smoking when I was like 22, now I’m 30. We are gonna be doing a big batch of jerky and we are gonna be using the electric, and the offset!
I have all of these also and, for me, it is the kettle all the way and every day. The Weber kettle is so simple, consistent, versatile, affordable, no breakdowns, historic, porcelaine coat lasts a lifetime, and the results are delicious. Did I mention flavor?.😊
awesome vid sir my first smoker was an two oil barels conected with vent pipe ... wasn´t easy to use that tough posible... stil remebmer hours of looking at temp reading lol... at some point got my self okie Joe and fell in love with it tough quite hard to keep the low temp in that awesome bugger, for hot smoke and bbq awesome ... and yeah just get that charbroil little smoker, holly scrapolly 5 years after you do review on it... oh well im looking forward to use that tiny bugger... cheers sir happy smoking 👍
Thank you for this. I'm looking at smokers now and struggling to spend $300+ for a decent small pellet smoker. This looks like a great option as I'm learning as I cook. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
If you ask me , I think the Little Chief types are king for a starter and long lasting smoker. They are efficient and don't overheat either. In addition to no buttons or computers to break. I find it a real waste to burn tons of wood or charcoal to smoke and cook. When all it takes is a very short time to smoke and the rest being pure heat. So I use the Little Chief for smoking and either finish in a propane grill or in the case of a big turkey in the house oven to a point where the meat falls off the bones. (I hang the turkey vertically on a hook in the smoker) I also like the new Smoke Chief that turns any cooker into a smoker at a fraction of the operating cost. The other thing to look for is repair parts and maintenance. My little chief is more than 20 years old and is still in very good shape and still has readily available parts. Many smoker companies go out of business quickly after selling off rebranded junk. In the end a person can have good tasting food even on a hibachi if they have experience.
I purchased a vertical Pit Boss electric smoker from Lowe's four months ago. I already have a nice Weber and gas grill and attempted everything you just mentioned trying to obtain an awesome smoked meal. From the smoker box for the electric to the Weber slow and sear, product but like you said a lot of work. I bought the electric smoker and I will have to say the wife and I have put on some pounds since its purchase. I truly agree with your recommendation.
Great informative video! Like you I’ve had my trial and errors, learning the pros and cons on each smoker I’ve use. And the maintenance and clean up issues. I’ve even had welders make me a homemade double barrel smoker for hanging my meats, but even that you’re limited. Thanks to this video I think now I’m gonna go with an electric smoker due to it versatility, cooking space, cost, and the cost of the fuel ( charcoal, gas,wood, etc..) and portability. Also not worrying about the direction of smoke due to wind and neighbors. I’ve seen a few electric smokers that I’ve been checking out but I like that Char Broil one you have there. Because of the glass window door. You can see your cooking. Others have good ratings... but no glass window. Thanks... you’re the man!
Great advice! I bought a Smokin Tex electric smoker about 15 years ago. I still use it. I just bought a Oklahoma Joe offset to replace a brinkmann grill / smoker that is falling apart. Some purists will poke fun at the electric but I have smoked a 20 pound turkey every thanksgiving and Christmas for 15 years. Turn it on the night around 6ish when bed time rolls around I go to bed, the bird will be done about noon. Cooking in the offset is a matter of waking up every few hours to stoke the fire which is great for the lazy Saturday but not for something that goes all night. I like both and the offset has better flavor, ring, and bark but the electric is great as well.
Hi Ry, I just watched your video from belgium. I wanted to by a real smoker as I'm struggling with temperature in my small ketel grill as you well said it. So I ordered an electric one after I listened to your advices. Thank you for all those explanations. Now I will move to your receipes. The smoker should arrive tomorrow :-)
I started on a pellet smoker and they worked great I think! A little spendy but still you can set it and forget it for the most part. And you get a lot of smoke flavor off of them.
Thank you for the video! I am going to upgrade to a electric smoker for now! I have smokes three different meat and they where amazing! I did it in a junk pile find Weber smokey! Love the videos! Helping my two daughters and I a ton😁
I had a cheaper one than the Oklahoma, really thinking on getting a higher end so I can have it for many years to come. Thank you for your great video..
I bought a Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker 25 years ago and I'm still cooking on the same one if I want more food because of a capacity issue I'll just use my Kettle Grill in addition
I'm planning on buying my first smoker and this video brings up some good points. Although I'd like to smoke the old fashioned way, I think with something with such tuned temp control, I can first try my hand on some recipes and see if it's something I'd like to dedicate my time to. I can learn what a good smoke tastes like, and if at the end of it all I decide it's not for me, it would be much easier to sell than your average smoker. Great video.
Started with Weber kettle then master built electric not too bad. Tomorrow my offset arrives The electric made decent meats but had to cut the ribs and brisket in pieces to make them fit.
One word - Cookshack. Okay, they aren't cheap, but you get the best of everything - quality build, precise temp control, good smoke penetration, easy clean up, no water, and you use actual "chunks" of hardwood. I use mine in the dead of winter when it's in the teens and twenties. The temp control is rock solid because they are so well insulated. They're sealed up tight as a tick with only one half inch hole in the top. Nothing but good results with ribs, pork butts, turkeys, chicken quarters, pork loins, brisket, and sausage. I cook my BBQ beans in there too!
I learned on Weber kettle. You are right. You just can’t get enough meat on it. 2 racks of baby backs is max. I have one of those racks but I found it difficult to manage. I found that I can control temperature pretty good with minion method and experience. Great videos!
I started just this year year on a 22" Weber kettle. Wish I seen other videos and got the 26" Weber kettle. I do love it though, might move up to something better some day
I went with a Masterbuilt electric to start. Chips are easy to load, water pan included and even though I screwed a few things up, it was great learning on it. 1 year later and now I use charcoal.
I started with a hand-me-down brinkman electric smoker with a simple heating element. I tried a stick burner but I didn't care for the babysitting. My favorite is my masterbuilt dual fuel propane smoker. It all very subjective though. Great video though.
I’m starting with an Oklahoma Joes Highland. I’ve spent more on the mods and accessories so far than I have on the actual grill. I can’t wait to get started with this. It’s gonna be so much fun. Thanks for your videos. I’ve learned so much already in just a few days. Got all the mods ordered and waiting on those to come in before I put it together. I got the rubber thermometer grommet, the door gaskets, the door clamps, the inside 3” elbow for the smoke chimney, gonna use the food grade RTV to seal it up, also ordered the lava lock diffuser plates in stainless steel with their little water tray that sits closer to the fire box. It seems like the more I research the Ok Highland. I’m getting the vibe that, on it’s own with no mods that it’s a decent mid range smoker. With the mods though it looks as if the Highland could almost be into competition smoker territory. It’s not huge but seems like it’s going to definitely perform. Thanks Ry!
Tony Capua III- unfortunately I’ve been busy lately with stuff so I haven’t been able to do as much smoking as I’d like to but it’s a great unit for the buck.
Love this guy! Answered all the questions I had about other methods. I live in Brooklyn and have a balcony and can’t have a grill, so this is perfect. Thanks!
As always Ry, you always give great opinions and I always enjoy them. My first smoker was the Oklahoma joes highland. It was rough for the first few smokes but, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I have been smoking on my little kingsford walmart grill for a few years now. I havent done any cooks longer than about 2-3 hours. I have made some great salmon and some good ribs. But this past week end my wife and children picked me up the Oklahoma highland for fathers day. Since then I have been watching alot of your videos. This week end I'm jumping into the deep end. I'm supposed to smoke two racks of ribs and a pork butt. Thank you for the all of the very informative videos.
Great recommendation. My first smoker was and Old smokey electric smoker.... man, I miss the convenience of that thing.. I can't remember what happened to it ... Moved to using a slow n sear on my kettle with a temp controller. Makes fantastic bbq but as you stated, capacity is an issue. Next moved up to a weber smokey mountain using the temp controller and added a few mods including a beast basket that holds enough charcoal to smoke for 24 hrs completely unattended. Now looking to go back to my smoking roots by adding an electric smoker just for pure convenience..
I am looking for my first smoker. I never considered the electric models but it makes since in that you can control the temperature and will allow repeatability
GREAT VID! I've been wanting to purchase a smoker for the past few years but I've been afraid to take the leap because I know that if it's something I don't like it'll end up being just another waste of money collecting dust in the garage. I think you've pretty much convinced me an electric vertical is the way to go for my first smoker. Thanks Ry!
Cheezeburger....I hope by now you have made the plunge and got you a smoker. Like you, I was "scared". My thought was "I wish I could do that". I have had mine for a year now. I smoke everything. Brisket, pork, chicken, and tur key was my latest. I am now saying "I can do that". Good luck to you.
I've had some really awesome BBQ that came from an electric smoker just like that one. All of you guys going on about learning and downing electric smokers , most of the general public don't really give a shit to be BBQ masters, they don't want to make a career out of it. They just want dinner to taste good and not be a PITA to make. Electric smokers fit the needs of 99% of the population, all of us BBQ nuts are merely a spec on a map.
I started with a cheap 2 Flame Gas Grill, replaced that with a 3 Flame. Now i own a 6 Flame Grill and i did Ribs and Pulled Pork on it and it was great. Time for the next level! I will get my electric Smoker today and i have some Famil coming over on the Weekend, so let`s smoke some Ribs :) I really like your Videos, all the Best from Germany!
Cooking With Ry do you have a video on smoking burgers? There’s a joint in town that does it and I liked it. They did a two-step process: smoke and sear. Any experience with that?
I don't have a video on that, but it's on the To Do list. Done it many times. The key is generating a good volume of smoke in a really confined cooker (like a kettle) and then searing at just the right moment to get your desired level of doneness. I usually find you can get about 10-15 minutes of good smoke before searing. Now, the place you're talking about probably has a way to speed that process up so that people aren't waiting for 20 minutes for their burger :)
Great video Ry but I think bullet style water smoker and a favourite of mine atm is a barrel grill with a stack are worth a mentio.the barrel grill. Plays well towards versatility and room for meat also.
I first started on an 18.5 WSM....wasn't hard to maintain temps, but I had to pay attention to the fire. Being lazy by nature I added the BBQ Guru ATC on that, and I never regretted it, even though I I got rid of that WSM Now I have a Kamado style smoker, and a 22.5 Weber kettle. My ATC is only used on my Kamado, but I enjoy very much to smoke on the kettle. If I would start all over again from the beginning I would start on the kettle first....why? b/c all the accessories available for the kettle. Its very easy to maintain the temps on it and fits my, and my wife's needs the best
Totally agree. I also started w/ electric. I now have pellet and ceramic grills as well. My Weber gas grill suffers from neglect. I would also recommend getting a 40 in (vice 30 in) electric. The small price increase is well worth it. The longer racks in the 40 in means you won't have to cut a rack of ribs to fit them in the smoker. Also, the larger heating coil produces a more thorough wood burn. I like the Masterbuilt 340G from Sam's Club. Electric is my go-to smoker for veggies, fish, and anytime I just don't feel like lighting off my big boys.
This is excellent advice and a great video. On a personal note, I do not want an electric smoker because only a small part of the joy comes from eating the barbecue. To me, it is the process of making it that is so much fun. It's kind of like golf. Honestly, that's a very boring game but the process of collecting your friends and hitting the Links for a day is wonderful. Sitting on the back porch struggling to maintain the right temperature and smoke, having a few beers and cigars, and just hanging out is the real joy of barbecue for me and you just can't get that if you are using a convenient tool. I need the struggle.
I love your videos!! Great editing, lots of information and no unnecessary music/editing/filler. Thank you so much for what you do. I'm really excited about buying my first Weber Kettle Grill (26in).
Ry, great advice! I looked at starting with an electric smoker but got dismayed at the number of failures associated with them. I lucked out last Christmas and picked up a Masterbuilt Pro propane smoker from Lowes for $99.00. It's now selling for $179.00. As for the learning curve, well that's where you and several other great youtuber's come into play and actually teach us newbies how and why to do it right. My biggest problem now is I can't round up enough people to eat an entire pork belly worth of burnt ends. Just one of your many videos that left me drooling. Keep up the great work!
Great Teacher!! I’ve had my Master built Electric for over a year and I’ve smoked so many great everything!! But I wasn’t getting a very nice Smoke Ring I convinced 2 good friends to buy Their Electric Smokers for under $240.00 and they are having so much fun! I researched for 6 months and watched 100’s Of Video’s And I purchased a Yoder Cheyenne Offset😇 $899 plus $350 shipping to California It’s just Fantastic With in 24 hours that it arrived at my house I was smoking Ribs & Chicken. I really wish I bought a Texas Gator Pit but at over $2500 I’ll have to save up for my dream Pit😜 I just smoked a Australian Wagyu Brisket and it was absolutely Outrageous!! 1/2 dark red smoke ring Some of the guys said it was the best they have ever had😇 Smoking is so much fun and I love cooking for people Thank You for your Great Videos Cheers
Thanks for this enlightening demonstration of starter smokers. I have been checking into getting into this. I hadn't considered an electric one. Very interesting, I'll be checking into one soon.
I'm still learning just now about to step up to a full smoker I've been learning in a Weber kettle just due to the convenience of having a grill that can smoke it was inexpensive and has helped me learn airflow and dialing. I think it was a good place to start and I'll always use it cause it's a grill lol but I can see where an electric smoker could be good to start on
My 1st smoker was a UDS that I built. Still have it and use it on occasion. I also have a Masterbuilt electric smoker. The set it and forget it is nice with the electric but the flavor is better with the charcoal in my UDS.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been watching people smoke for over a decade. I was not sure how to approach this situation. Long story short; I have a propane grill and just purchased a a-maz-n tube. I figured I’ll try that first to see if I would want to become fully invested. My understanding from your video is that I might have to smoke longer to get the flavor profile I desire. I also plan on cold smoking first. Thanks for the advice and you my friend just earned a subscriber. Keep up the good work. If you have any recommendation it will be greatly appreciated. Your advice is good but I’m going to go forward with my first idea just to see if this is something I really want to do or if it’s just something I’m doing just because it looks nice. If that makes any since. Thanks
Great video, thanks. I've never smoked before, but every time I've tried smoked food, I've loved it. I was eyeing an electric smoker before this video and this pretty much confirmed a lot of what I was thinking.
Even if you 'move up' to another smoker, like an offset like I did, you'll always find the electric useful. I just smoked fresh pastrami in mine last week :)
I love your channel Ry. I started smoking on a 22" Weber this year and have had good results with the snake method, but capacity will be an issue at times. Thanks for the info about electric!
Hi Ry could you do a video on comparing a offset smoker or something like a wsm to an electric smoker I can't find any info about that and I am wondering which one would be a better choice Thank You in advance
I enjoyed your video Ry. I started out with a Char-Griller Smoking Pro, which I've had for just shy of 10 years now. I've had to learn the lessons you referenced as far as temp control, and all. I think I'm ready to step up to a newer one, but I'll never forget the lessons learned on it.
I would have to disagree, to learn is to understand the ins and outs of smoking. How do you learn to control temp if all you do is press a button? A set it and forget it method, by all means is convenient, which has its place, but doesn’t teach you anything. The previous three methods you mentioned, using a smoker box on a propane grill, cooking indirectly on a kettle, or just using an offset, will teach you to pay attention and is what I would consider a great place to start. Love the videos, keep up the great work!
Good points, but, like me, for someone starting out, the learning is not always in maintaining temperature--it's in understanding that things take time. That removal of worry about temperature control when just starting allows you to concentrate on things like rubs and wood choice and patience. Once you're over that, and you see how that stable temperature matters, the idea of control is easier to grasp in my opinion. Plus, when you move past the electric, you still have a great cooker to use. Just used mine today :)
Great video. I want to get a electric smoker. The most popular I see are the char broil and the masterbuilt. Which one do you recommend or is there another one you like?
I'm glad you recommended outside of the box ideas, a cheap kettle can ABSOLUTELY smoke meat I learned "BUILT" my teqnique off learning on a kettle and 2 racks on the kettle lol i have them going right now, offset just came in!
All honesty, I am very anti electric, I know it makes it easier, but excluding a kettle, for the begginer and even the experienced smoker the WSM is absolutely convenient for holding temp and taking it to the lake etc.. still I am hardcore about wood and or offset, there is absolutely no replacement
@@onegunsalute1202 Oh I love the flavors other cookers develop but I never would have started without an electric, and I know many people who have followed the same route to bigger and better smoking experiences. Electric is a great way to ease in, and I still use mine all the time for jerky, sausage, etc...
Great video as always! I would add a weber smokey mountain to the list for those not interested in electric but want more than a kettle but not quite ready for the offset. Easy to learn and easy to maintain, and makes great BBQ.
I've been smoking on a Smoke Hollow electric for years, I'm not bragging, but family and friends say my ribs are the best they've ever had, time after time.
I smoke ribs with it for the first time Friday, and they turned out pretty good for my first time. My wife loved them so much, she went out the next day and bought more ribs for me to smoke lol.. Next week I'll be smoking a pork shoulder.
I really appreciate the advice ive been wanting to learn how to smoke for a while and have been trying to see an easy transition I’ll definitely be checking out your other videos
Hey Ry, great stuff and thank you for sharing. Being that this video is about 2+ years old, has your opinion changed now that you're more experienced along you're journey? Any updated recommendations?
I’d suggest a pellet smoker except for the expense, the lower cost ones are still around $500 but they are easy to set up and use and use wood pellets to cook with. A 20lb bag lasts as long as a tank of gas for a gas grill
Great video Ry! I just moved to a place that doesn’t allow open flame grills. An electric smoker is now the option I al looking at. Do you have to soak the wood chips? Have you cooked with soaked and unsoaked wood chips? If so, what are your best results?
Hi RY Great advice, I wonder if electric smoker is great for starter, what make it different from home oven that we can set temperature, and period of cooking . And for smoky flavor, we can do the same as you show by just wrapping up wood pallet in foil and put it into the oven chamber ?
Great advice. I didn't start with an electric smoker but they are certainly a great starter smoker. Would be great for over night cooks too.
Yep. I've used it for 'set it and forget it' long cooks. Works great :)
After years of wood smokers, I got an Old Smokey electric smoker and I love it!
i like the process of a wood fire, it makes grilling/smoking a event which is half the fun to me . its not always about the product but sometines its about the journey
thanks for taking the time to shed light for a newbie on the pros and cons.
Wow, what great, honest, straightforward advice! I’ve watched a bunch of YT videos that rambled all around and really seemed geared to experienced smokers ... this was just what I needed as a person who has grilled a lot and thinking about trying low and slow smoking. Thanks!!
Every time I have a grilling question I always end up at RY's. And his advice always works the best for me no matter what I'm doing, buying a smoker or cooking a type of meat. For now on I will start looking here first.
That's very kind of you to say :)
Watching this video is like taking a class. Great resource! Thank you Ry.
Weber Smokey Mountain is a good option. Getting one used is probably the way to go.
I just bought one. I think it will produce better flavor than electric or pellet. Seems easy enough to regulate temps. Just open and close the vent holes on the bottom. The water pan holds temps down for the most part.
Hickory with a vine of poison ivy, yummy! - which is why I like to shave of the bark.
Great info and I learned a lot!
I went Electric
Weber smokey mountain. It is easy to learn with, consistent, and doesn’t cost a fortune. I love mine.
I just got the same e-smoker as a gift. I have been using a Weber for decades to smoke and cook indirect. You are correct about capacity and temp control. The e-smoker is so easy. I did a bone in pork loin roast with some Ry's rub and apple smoke and it was awesome. Great video!
You convey a confidence, knowledge, and generosity that really comes across. Thanks for posting!
Went from propane to electric to stick burner to pellet to a Weber kettle 22… paid my dues love the outcome now.. will be doing a WSM someday if I can find a nice used one..
I started out with a propane smoker. The reason that I went that route was because durring the summer months its so hot outside that the electric element that burns the wood would not come on as often because the smoker was already at temperature. With the propane i found that you always have a continuous burn od the smoke chips. Yes you have to watch the temps but once i get the temp where i want it my digital thermometer will tell me where im at. Its usually very consistent.
I just bought my 2nd offset grill its the same as yours i wish i saw these videos when i got my 1st one you have helped me learn what i was doing wrong and ive got almost 15yrs in food sevice
You answered my question. I want to smoke but didn't know where to start.
Excellent video and explanation for a beginner! Thank you
My dad and his electric smoker are why I have charcoal smokers. I wanted to do the same things he was doing but have it be different. And then he decided I was in charge of grilling and smoking when I was like 22, now I’m 30. We are gonna be doing a big batch of jerky and we are gonna be using the electric, and the offset!
For my 20 yr anniversary where I work I chose the CHAR-BROIL 40” Offset smokers. and recieved 2 of them. 😎. These are great.
I have all of these also and, for me, it is the kettle all the way and every day. The Weber kettle is so simple, consistent, versatile, affordable, no breakdowns, historic, porcelaine coat lasts a lifetime, and the results are delicious. Did I mention flavor?.😊
awesome vid sir my first smoker was an two oil barels conected with vent pipe ... wasn´t easy to use that tough posible... stil remebmer hours of looking at temp reading lol... at some point got my self okie Joe and fell in love with it tough quite hard to keep the low temp in that awesome bugger, for hot smoke and bbq awesome ... and yeah just get that charbroil little smoker, holly scrapolly 5 years after you do review on it... oh well im looking forward to use that tiny bugger... cheers sir happy smoking 👍
My step mom was the best cook I've ever known. She used a Brinkmann electric smoker and made some meals I'll never forget.
Thank you for this. I'm looking at smokers now and struggling to spend $300+ for a decent small pellet smoker. This looks like a great option as I'm learning as I cook. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
Absolutely what I started on. I am moving on to a yoder pellet smoker now. But will always keep my masterbuilt. Great video,keep them coming.
Enjoy that Yoder!
If you ask me , I think the Little Chief types are king for a starter and long lasting smoker. They are efficient and don't overheat either. In addition to no buttons or computers to break. I find it a real waste to burn tons of wood or charcoal to smoke and cook. When all it takes is a very short time to smoke and the rest being pure heat. So I use the Little Chief for smoking and either finish in a propane grill or in the case of a big turkey in the house oven to a point where the meat falls off the bones. (I hang the turkey vertically on a hook in the smoker) I also like the new Smoke Chief that turns any cooker into a smoker at a fraction of the operating cost. The other thing to look for is repair parts and maintenance. My little chief is more than 20 years old and is still in very good shape and still has readily available parts. Many smoker companies go out of business quickly after selling off rebranded junk. In the end a person can have good tasting food even on a hibachi if they have experience.
I purchased a vertical Pit Boss electric smoker from Lowe's four months ago. I already have a nice Weber and gas grill and attempted everything you just mentioned trying to obtain an awesome smoked meal. From the smoker box for the electric to the Weber slow and sear, product but like you said a lot of work. I bought the electric smoker and I will have to say the wife and I have put on some pounds since its purchase. I truly agree with your recommendation.
I still use mine a lot :)
@@CookingWithRy Added a cold smoker tube to my arsenal of killer smoked meals, can anyone say salmon and cheese in the near future.
Great informative video! Like you I’ve had my trial and errors, learning the pros and cons on each smoker I’ve use. And the maintenance and clean up issues. I’ve even had welders make me a homemade double barrel smoker for hanging my meats, but even that you’re limited. Thanks to this video I think now I’m gonna go with an electric smoker due to it versatility, cooking space, cost, and the cost of the fuel ( charcoal, gas,wood, etc..) and portability. Also not worrying about the direction of smoke due to wind and neighbors. I’ve seen a few electric smokers that I’ve been checking out but I like that Char Broil one you have there. Because of the glass window door. You can see your cooking. Others have good ratings... but no glass window. Thanks... you’re the man!
I found this to be very helpful and has gotten me off the fence on my decision moving forward! Great video!
Great advice! I bought a Smokin Tex electric smoker about 15 years ago. I still use it. I just bought a Oklahoma Joe offset to replace a brinkmann grill / smoker that is falling apart. Some purists will poke fun at the electric but I have smoked a 20 pound turkey every thanksgiving and Christmas for 15 years. Turn it on the night around 6ish when bed time rolls around I go to bed, the bird will be done about noon. Cooking in the offset is a matter of waking up every few hours to stoke the fire which is great for the lazy Saturday but not for something that goes all night. I like both and the offset has better flavor, ring, and bark but the electric is great as well.
I love my electric, but that smoke ring and flavor from the offsets are top notch :)
Hi Ry,
I just watched your video from belgium. I wanted to by a real smoker as I'm struggling with temperature in my small ketel grill as you well said it. So I ordered an electric one after I listened to your advices. Thank you for all those explanations. Now I will move to your receipes. The smoker should arrive tomorrow :-)
Great advice. Thanks
I started with a offset and learned a lot more about smoking that way. Switched and WSM does the job for me now.
Would you prefer the WSM over the offset? Looking into buying my first smoker between a WSM and cheap offset
I started on a pellet smoker and they worked great I think! A little spendy but still you can set it and forget it for the most part. And you get a lot of smoke flavor off of them.
Thank you for the video! I am going to upgrade to a electric smoker for now! I have smokes three different meat and they where amazing! I did it in a junk pile find Weber smokey! Love the videos! Helping my two daughters and I a ton😁
I had a cheaper one than the Oklahoma, really thinking on getting a higher end so I can have it for many years to come. Thank you for your great video..
I bought a Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker 25 years ago and I'm still cooking on the same one if I want more food because of a capacity issue I'll just use my Kettle Grill in addition
Well done...verified my feelings on the subject. I started smoking with a cardboard box...great results, but time to move up.
I'm planning on buying my first smoker and this video brings up some good points. Although I'd like to smoke the old fashioned way, I think with something with such tuned temp control, I can first try my hand on some recipes and see if it's something I'd like to dedicate my time to. I can learn what a good smoke tastes like, and if at the end of it all I decide it's not for me, it would be much easier to sell than your average smoker. Great video.
I have two offsets and still watch these types of video I remember when I was starting out how fun the learning curve was
And also where do you get your bag of wood
For chips I usually just pick them up at Home Depot.
Started with Weber kettle then master built electric not too bad. Tomorrow my offset arrives The electric made decent meats but had to cut the ribs and brisket in pieces to make them fit.
One word - Cookshack. Okay, they aren't cheap, but you get the best of everything - quality build, precise temp control, good smoke penetration, easy clean up, no water, and you use actual "chunks" of hardwood. I use mine in the dead of winter when it's in the teens and twenties. The temp control is rock solid because they are so well insulated. They're sealed up tight as a tick with only one half inch hole in the top. Nothing but good results with ribs, pork butts, turkeys, chicken quarters, pork loins, brisket, and sausage. I cook my BBQ beans in there too!
Sage advice Ry, I totally agree with you sir!
Wow, I didn't see such an obvious answer. I know how to smoke, but I've been eyeing one of those for years.
I learned on Weber kettle. You are right. You just can’t get enough meat on it. 2 racks of baby backs is max. I have one of those racks but I found it difficult to manage. I found that I can control temperature pretty good with minion method and experience. Great videos!
I started just this year year on a 22" Weber kettle. Wish I seen other videos and got the 26" Weber kettle. I do love it though, might move up to something better some day
Thank much going to get one soon 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Great Information! Thanks!
I went with a Masterbuilt electric to start. Chips are easy to load, water pan included and even though I screwed a few things up, it was great learning on it.
1 year later and now I use charcoal.
I started with a hand-me-down brinkman electric smoker with a simple heating element. I tried a stick burner but I didn't care for the babysitting. My favorite is my masterbuilt dual fuel propane smoker. It all very subjective though. Great video though.
I’m starting with an Oklahoma Joes Highland. I’ve spent more on the mods and accessories so far than I have on the actual grill. I can’t wait to get started with this. It’s gonna be so much fun. Thanks for your videos. I’ve learned so much already in just a few days. Got all the mods ordered and waiting on those to come in before I put it together. I got the rubber thermometer grommet, the door gaskets, the door clamps, the inside 3” elbow for the smoke chimney, gonna use the food grade RTV to seal it up, also ordered the lava lock diffuser plates in stainless steel with their little water tray that sits closer to the fire box.
It seems like the more I research the Ok Highland. I’m getting the vibe that, on it’s own with no mods that it’s a decent mid range smoker. With the mods though it looks as if the Highland could almost be into competition smoker territory. It’s not huge but seems like it’s going to definitely perform.
Thanks Ry!
The highland is what I started on. Once you start you will not want to stop!! Enjoy
Tony Capua III- unfortunately I’ve been busy lately with stuff so I haven’t been able to do as much smoking as I’d like to but it’s a great unit for the buck.
Great video, and great advice thanks for sharing
Love this guy! Answered all the questions I had about other methods. I live in Brooklyn and have a balcony and can’t have a grill, so this is perfect. Thanks!
So glad you found it helpful :)
I've been wanting to take the plunge and smoking, so i really appreciate this great info.
Awesome! So glad you found this helpful :)
As always Ry, you always give great opinions and I always enjoy them. My first smoker was the Oklahoma joes highland. It was rough for the first few smokes but, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I have been smoking on my little kingsford walmart grill for a few years now. I havent done any cooks longer than about 2-3 hours. I have made some great salmon and some good ribs. But this past week end my wife and children picked me up the Oklahoma highland for fathers day. Since then I have been watching alot of your videos. This week end I'm jumping into the deep end. I'm supposed to smoke two racks of ribs and a pork butt. Thank you for the all of the very informative videos.
Those ribs and that pork butt will do great on the Highland. Enjoy!
Great recommendation. My first smoker was and Old smokey electric smoker.... man, I miss the convenience of that thing.. I can't remember what happened to it ... Moved to using a slow n sear on my kettle with a temp controller. Makes fantastic bbq but as you stated, capacity is an issue. Next moved up to a weber smokey mountain using the temp controller and added a few mods including a beast basket that holds enough charcoal to smoke for 24 hrs completely unattended. Now looking to go back to my smoking roots by adding an electric smoker just for pure convenience..
I am looking for my first smoker. I never considered the electric models but it makes since in that you can control the temperature and will allow repeatability
GREAT VID! I've been wanting to purchase a smoker for the past few years but I've been afraid to take the leap because I know that if it's something I don't like it'll end up being just another waste of money collecting dust in the garage. I think you've pretty much convinced me an electric vertical is the way to go for my first smoker. Thanks Ry!
It's a great way to start, and even if you move up from it, it's an awesome extra unit. I still use mine all the time :)
Cheezeburger....I hope by now you have made the plunge and got you a smoker. Like you, I was "scared". My thought was "I wish I could do that". I have had mine for a year now. I smoke everything. Brisket, pork, chicken, and tur key was my latest. I am now saying "I can do that". Good luck to you.
Dave S Did you go with a vertical electric? I am looking at the Masterbuilt electric to start smoking with. Thank you!
I've had some really awesome BBQ that came from an electric smoker just like that one. All of you guys going on about learning and downing electric smokers , most of the general public don't really give a shit to be BBQ masters, they don't want to make a career out of it. They just want dinner to taste good and not be a PITA to make. Electric smokers fit the needs of 99% of the population, all of us BBQ nuts are merely a spec on a map.
That is true but this video, by title is not for them. "Starter" smoker means you want to learn and grow.
i use masterbuilt digital. plenty of room and AMAZING smoke flavor. nothing beats it.
great comprehensive video
You can use wood chips and charcoal in an offset smoker. I did that for years if getting the good hard woods was hard to source
I started with a cheap 2 Flame Gas Grill, replaced that with a 3 Flame. Now i own a 6 Flame Grill and i did Ribs and Pulled Pork on it and it was great. Time for the next level! I will get my electric Smoker today and i have some Famil coming over on the Weekend, so let`s smoke some Ribs :)
I really like your Videos, all the Best from Germany!
Really great advice. Clear and balanced. Thanks. I’m considering which smoker to buy and this video helped me the most.
I'm glad you found it helpful :)
Cooking With Ry do you have a video on smoking burgers? There’s a joint in town that does it and I liked it. They did a two-step process: smoke and sear. Any experience with that?
I don't have a video on that, but it's on the To Do list. Done it many times. The key is generating a good volume of smoke in a really confined cooker (like a kettle) and then searing at just the right moment to get your desired level of doneness. I usually find you can get about 10-15 minutes of good smoke before searing. Now, the place you're talking about probably has a way to speed that process up so that people aren't waiting for 20 minutes for their burger :)
Great video Ry but I think bullet style water smoker and a favourite of mine atm is a barrel grill with a stack are worth a mentio.the barrel grill. Plays well towards versatility and room for meat also.
Very true :)
I first started on an 18.5 WSM....wasn't hard to maintain temps, but I had to pay attention to the fire. Being lazy by nature I added the BBQ Guru ATC on that, and I never regretted it, even though I I got rid of that WSM Now I have a Kamado style smoker, and a 22.5 Weber kettle. My ATC is only used on my Kamado, but I enjoy very much to smoke on the kettle. If I would start all over again from the beginning I would start on the kettle first....why? b/c all the accessories available for the kettle. Its very easy to maintain the temps on it and fits my, and my wife's needs the best
Totally agree. I also started w/ electric. I now have pellet and ceramic grills as well. My Weber gas grill suffers from neglect. I would also recommend getting a 40 in (vice 30 in) electric. The small price increase is well worth it. The longer racks in the 40 in means you won't have to cut a rack of ribs to fit them in the smoker. Also, the larger heating coil produces a more thorough wood burn. I like the Masterbuilt 340G from Sam's Club. Electric is my go-to smoker for veggies, fish, and anytime I just don't feel like lighting off my big boys.
Good point on the 40" vs the 30" :)
This is excellent advice and a great video. On a personal note, I do not want an electric smoker because only a small part of the joy comes from eating the barbecue. To me, it is the process of making it that is so much fun. It's kind of like golf. Honestly, that's a very boring game but the process of collecting your friends and hitting the Links for a day is wonderful. Sitting on the back porch struggling to maintain the right temperature and smoke, having a few beers and cigars, and just hanging out is the real joy of barbecue for me and you just can't get that if you are using a convenient tool. I need the struggle.
Great video!! Very informative
I love your videos!! Great editing, lots of information and no unnecessary music/editing/filler. Thank you so much for what you do. I'm really excited about buying my first Weber Kettle Grill (26in).
Thanks! I'm jealous. That 26" Weber is on my 'want' list :)
I've been slumming it on my tiny Weber Smokey Joe for the last 2 years. 😂 I demand more meat!!
Selma and you need more meat!
Ry, great advice! I looked at starting with an electric smoker but got dismayed at the number of failures associated with them. I lucked out last Christmas and picked up a Masterbuilt Pro propane smoker from Lowes for $99.00. It's now selling for $179.00. As for the learning curve, well that's where you and several other great youtuber's come into play and actually teach us newbies how and why to do it right. My biggest problem now is I can't round up enough people to eat an entire pork belly worth of burnt ends. Just one of your many videos that left me drooling.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks! That's a great price on that Masterbuilt propane :)
Great Teacher!! I’ve had my Master built Electric for over a year and I’ve smoked so many great everything!! But I wasn’t getting a very nice Smoke Ring
I convinced 2 good friends to buy Their Electric Smokers for under $240.00 and they are having so much fun!
I researched for 6 months and watched 100’s Of Video’s And I purchased a Yoder Cheyenne Offset😇 $899 plus $350 shipping to California
It’s just Fantastic With in 24 hours that it arrived at my house I was smoking Ribs & Chicken. I really wish I bought a Texas Gator Pit but at over $2500 I’ll have to save up for my dream Pit😜
I just smoked a Australian Wagyu Brisket and it was absolutely Outrageous!! 1/2 dark red smoke ring
Some of the guys said it was the best they have ever had😇 Smoking is so much fun and I love cooking for people
Thank You for your Great Videos
Cheers
It is a great thing, isn't it? I just love cooking for people and seeing them enjoy the food :)
Thanks for this enlightening demonstration of starter smokers. I have been checking into getting into this. I hadn't considered an electric one. Very interesting, I'll be checking into one soon.
I'm still learning just now about to step up to a full smoker I've been learning in a Weber kettle just due to the convenience of having a grill that can smoke it was inexpensive and has helped me learn airflow and dialing. I think it was a good place to start and I'll always use it cause it's a grill lol but I can see where an electric smoker could be good to start on
My 1st smoker was a UDS that I built. Still have it and use it on occasion. I also have a Masterbuilt electric smoker. The set it and forget it is nice with the electric but the flavor is better with the charcoal in my UDS.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been watching people smoke for over a decade. I was not sure how to approach this situation. Long story short; I have a propane grill and just purchased a a-maz-n tube. I figured I’ll try that first to see if I would want to become fully invested. My understanding from your video is that I might have to smoke longer to get the flavor profile I desire. I also plan on cold smoking first. Thanks for the advice and you my friend just earned a subscriber. Keep up the good work. If you have any recommendation it will be greatly appreciated. Your advice is good but I’m going to go forward with my first idea just to see if this is something I really want to do or if it’s just something I’m doing just because it looks nice. If that makes any since. Thanks
Great video, thanks. I've never smoked before, but every time I've tried smoked food, I've loved it. I was eyeing an electric smoker before this video and this pretty much confirmed a lot of what I was thinking.
Even if you 'move up' to another smoker, like an offset like I did, you'll always find the electric useful. I just smoked fresh pastrami in mine last week :)
I love your channel Ry. I started smoking on a 22" Weber this year and have had good results with the snake method, but capacity will be an issue at times. Thanks for the info about electric!
Such a good way to go
Hi Ry could you do a video on comparing a offset smoker or something like a wsm to an electric smoker I can't find any info about that and I am wondering which one would be a better choice Thank You in advance
Great video, Thanks.
Love my dyno glo electric smoker.
I enjoyed your video Ry. I started out with a Char-Griller Smoking Pro, which I've had for just shy of 10 years now. I've had to learn the lessons you referenced as far as temp control, and all. I think I'm ready to step up to a newer one, but I'll never forget the lessons learned on it.
I'm still learning from every piece of cooking gear I have :)
I would have to disagree, to learn is to understand the ins and outs of smoking. How do you learn to control temp if all you do is press a button? A set it and forget it method, by all means is convenient, which has its place, but doesn’t teach you anything. The previous three methods you mentioned, using a smoker box on a propane grill, cooking indirectly on a kettle, or just using an offset, will teach you to pay attention and is what I would consider a great place to start. Love the videos, keep up the great work!
Good points, but, like me, for someone starting out, the learning is not always in maintaining temperature--it's in understanding that things take time. That removal of worry about temperature control when just starting allows you to concentrate on things like rubs and wood choice and patience. Once you're over that, and you see how that stable temperature matters, the idea of control is easier to grasp in my opinion.
Plus, when you move past the electric, you still have a great cooker to use. Just used mine today :)
Great video. I want to get a electric smoker. The most popular I see are the char broil and the masterbuilt. Which one do you recommend or is there another one you like?
I have both, but I prefer the Char Broil.
I'm glad you recommended outside of the box ideas, a cheap kettle can ABSOLUTELY smoke meat I learned "BUILT" my teqnique off learning on a kettle and 2 racks on the kettle lol i have them going right now, offset just came in!
I love my kettle. Smoke on it all the time :)
All honesty, I am very anti electric, I know it makes it easier, but excluding a kettle, for the begginer and even the experienced smoker the WSM is absolutely convenient for holding temp and taking it to the lake etc.. still I am hardcore about wood and or offset, there is absolutely no replacement
@@onegunsalute1202 Oh I love the flavors other cookers develop but I never would have started without an electric, and I know many people who have followed the same route to bigger and better smoking experiences. Electric is a great way to ease in, and I still use mine all the time for jerky, sausage, etc...
Great video as always! I would add a weber smokey mountain to the list for those not interested in electric but want more than a kettle but not quite ready for the offset. Easy to learn and easy to maintain, and makes great BBQ.
I just got a Smoke Hollow electric smoker last week, and love it! My next one is gonna be the Pit Boss Austin Xl.
Nice!
I've been smoking on a Smoke Hollow electric for years, I'm not bragging, but family and friends say my ribs are the best they've ever had, time after time.
I smoke ribs with it for the first time Friday, and they turned out pretty good for my first time. My wife loved them so much, she went out the next day and bought more ribs for me to smoke lol.. Next week I'll be smoking a pork shoulder.
Great video!
best advice ive seen so far
Thank you :)
Hey Ry just watch your video. Are there problems with the actual temperature when using the CharBroil smoker?
I haven't had any issues. It's usually within 5-10 degrees of the readout.
Excellent video.
So glad I ran across your channel.....great video....wish I would have seen this before my last purchase.....
I do love my electric. Still use it a few times a month :)
I really appreciate the advice ive been wanting to learn how to smoke for a while and have been trying to see an easy transition I’ll definitely be checking out your other videos
It's a great way to start. That's how I started, and I still use mine all the time :)
Hey Ry, great stuff and thank you for sharing. Being that this video is about 2+ years old, has your opinion changed now that you're more experienced along you're journey? Any updated recommendations?
For a starter I’d do the same. And I still use mine :)
I’d suggest a pellet smoker except for the expense, the lower cost ones are still around $500 but they are easy to set up and use and use wood pellets to cook with. A 20lb bag lasts as long as a tank of gas for a gas grill
Great video Ry! I just moved to a place that doesn’t allow open flame grills. An electric smoker is now the option I al looking at. Do you have to soak the wood chips? Have you cooked with soaked and unsoaked wood chips? If so, what are your best results?
I’ve seen the directions vary by model. Mine has you not soak the chips.
Hi RY
Great advice, I wonder if electric smoker is great for starter, what make it different from home oven that we can set temperature, and period of cooking . And for smoky flavor, we can do the same as you show by just wrapping up wood pallet in foil and put it into the oven chamber ?
I would never put wood in a conventional oven. They're not designed for that and the smoke inside is an extreme safety hazard.
Great video !!!! Thank you
Pit barrel cooker is super easy to use