want to jump into bbq smoking

[huskyfan224]

Figured I'd revive this thread rather than starting a new one. Funny to find my post was the last one.

Well I haven't used the Ugly Drum smoker much, but busted it out for an 8 pound Turkey Breast on Saturday. Was challenging in the cold, had to finish in the oven. So why don't I use it more? It's messy and a pain in the butt.

I find myself tempted to (a) go back to electric (b) get a Traeger pellet smoker or (c) get a Kamado Joe Classic. Would appreciate any views on what I see as pros-cons

(a) It's just a smoker. Adding chips is inefficient. It is however easy, which encourages use.
(b) Big. Somewhat redundant of my Weber gas grill. Fairly easy but I struggle to see how it beats electric for my needs. I wouldn't grill on it.
(c) Can do anything. Smaller size. Insulation means it shouldn't have the problems in the cold I experienced Saturday. In theory it's a better winter grill as well (Weber blows through propane in the cold).

Leaning towards a Kamado and dumping the Ugly Drum.

Kamado Joe is the best in my opinion and produces the best smoke. It is a little messier and tougher to learn, but well worth it

 

[Purple Stein]

I have a Kamado Joe and it was worth the investment. I don't try to do much with it in the cold, but it would definitely be a major step up!

 

[HuskyHawk]

Kamado Joe is the best in my opinion and produces the best smoke. It is a little messier and tougher to learn, but well worth it

I think it's a lot less messy than my drum. I have to reach way down to get the basket, add already hot coals then lift it and set it back in. Have to then dump those (usually next time I use it). It's starting to rust and critters chewed through my cover. Kamado Joe has the ash drawer right? Also can just start the fire in there instead of outside in a chimney. I expect it won't be harder than the drum, even if it's harder than eclectic or pellets.

@Purple Stein I don't grill much in the cold now but I've read that it's more capable than most due to the insulation of the ceramic.

 

[hardcorehusky]

I have a Camp Chef and cleaning it is a breeze. I have every kind of wood for smoke. I especially enjoy the app on my phone so I can dial smoke and temp up or down based on meat temp.

 

[Excalibur]

I think it's a lot less messy than my drum. I have to reach way down to get the basket, add already hot coals then lift it and set it back in. Have to then dump those (usually next time I use it). It's starting to rust and critters chewed through my cover. Kamado Joe has the ash drawer right? Also can just start the fire in there instead of outside in a chimney. I expect it won't be harder than the drum, even if it's harder than eclectic or pellets.

@Purple Stein I don't grill much in the cold now but I've read that it's more capable than most due to the insulation of the ceramic.

Prep time in the Kamodo style (KJ or BGE) is still high. If that's your limiting factor you should consider a pellet smoker if you have another option for grilling.

I use my Big Green Egg for grilling and smoking year round.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Prep time in the Kamodo style (KJ or BGE) is still high. If that's your limiting factor you should consider a pellet smoker if you have another option for grilling.

I use my Big Green Egg for grilling and smoking year round.

How high is high? I know the charcoal comes up to temp, but I light it in the Kamado itself right? Now I have half in a chimney that takes 20 minutes and half in a basket. Dump the chimney in the basket, then lower the basket into the drum, then wait probably 15-20 more minutes to get to temp and clear out the white smoke.

I think the Pellet is out for me, I'd probably just go electric again if not a Kamado. Unless there's a more compact pellet smoker.

 

[Excalibur]

How high is high? I know the charcoal comes up to temp, but I light it in the Kamado itself right? Now I have half in a chimney that takes 20 minutes and half in a basket. Dump the chimney in the basket, then lower the basket into the drum, then wait probably 15-20 more minutes to get to temp and clear out the white smoke.

I think the Pellet is out for me, I'd probably just go electric again if not a Kamado. Unless there's a more compact pellet smoker.

My egg takes 30-35 minutes to prep properly. You need to get the Kohl’s hot, but you don’t want the charcoal itself smoking too much or it gives the meat a weird flavor.

My first smoker was an electric from Cookshack. Remarkably easy to use, and really consistent smoke.

 

[Purple Stein]

It takes forever to get my Kamado Joe up to temp and I'm often fiddling to get the temp right.

It cooks beautifully, but it's a lesson in patience.