Gas Grill/Smoker Dilemma

[bmuff]

How much are they, and how long does it take to smoke things? I am looking for a weekend hobby, and this sounds like a lot of fun.

Ribs take around 5 hours. Pulled pork was more like 10. But I also do burgers and steaks. With the steaks, get the temp up to 600 and sear on each side for 1.5 minutes and then close all vents for another 3 or so. You have a perfect steak in 6-7 minutes. I put a few woodchips in to give them a slight smoke flavor.

Since I can both grill and smoke, I have no use for my propane grill. And you can get digital thermometers that have a receiver to bring inside and alert you when it reaches a certain temp. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck and watching the meat smoke!

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Before I state how much mine was, I want you to look at this as an investment in a life-long friend. Much the same way you would approach a new puppy, cat or adopting a child. This is going to be a love-affair that goes beyond such petty issues like expense. This is a multi-purpose cooking device that you will use until you leave this mortal life. The creative possibilities are literally endless.

I have made the following on the BGE:

• Georgia Pulled Pork
• Buffalo & Beef Brisket
• Ribs
• Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
• Jamaican Jerk Pork Loin that burned the hair off my upper lip
• Papa Murphy's Pizzas
• Homemade pizzas
• Ped-Mall Hawkeye (Beer in the Butt Chicken)
• Tandoori Chicken w/ Naan

Smoking on the Big Green Egg is an overnight affair for me before game days. It really depends on what you are cooking and how mild the meat is. Turkeys don't' take too long, but things like briskets and pork shoulders are going to take about 10 hours. This is slow and low cooking. I like to prepare these things for game days and usually smoke them overnight and check in on them.

That being said, my Large Big Green Egg was $800 at the Fagan Fireplace Store in South Ames next to Lowe's. It has a lifetime warranty against defects, comes with cleaning tools and a bag of lump charcoal. They even delivered it free of charge.

One should also mention there are 5 sizes of the BGE.
Mini
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large

I work with someone whose brother has one and he says it is the best BBQ he has had.

 

[ISUATC]

My Traeger does everything the BGE does. Love the flavor of wood smoking or grilling.
Always remember you get what you pay for. Don't skimp on how much you spend now, you'll end up spending more...

 

[nboltz]

That being said, my Large Big Green Egg was $800 at the Fagan Fireplace Store in South Ames next to Lowe's. It has a lifetime warranty against defects, comes with cleaning tools and a bag of lump charcoal. They even delivered it free of charge.

We sell them at all of our stores in Des Moines, and our location in Ames. So there is a choice other than Fagan's in Ames. Check them out at Carver Ace Hardware. PM me and maybe I can set you up with a discounted price. That was the best grill that I have ever bought for sure.

 

[CO4Cy]

Here is what I have. Good price, plenty of space inside and it maintains temp really well. I can use it as a charcoal grill or a smoker.

Char Griller - Grills and Smokers

 

[bmuff]

We sell them at all of our stores in Des Moines, and our location in Ames. So there is a choice other than Fagan's in Ames. Check them out at Carver Ace Hardware. PM me and maybe I can set you up with a discounted price. That was the best grill that I have ever bought for sure.

Do you guys sell all the accessories? I get tired of driving over to Fagan just to be told that they don't have any covers in. Also, I always seem to be buying charcoal and starter bricks.

 

[isukendall]

One should also mention there are 5 sizes of the BGE.
Mini
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large

I work with someone whose brother has one and he says it is the best BBQ he has had.

I hate hearing you guys talk about these. I want one so bad!

Is there a price list anywhere for all of the sizes? I can't seem to find one anywhere.

 

[Flag Guy]

I hate hearing you guys talk about these. I want one so bad!

Is there a price list anywhere for all of the sizes? I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Thats probably not by accident :wideeyed:

 

[Bipolarcy]

Need some input from you guys…

Right now, I’ve got (2) choices to work between:

Option #1: Buy fairly nice gas grill (~$400).

Option #2: Buy a low-end gas grill (~$200) and a low-end gas smoker (~$200).

You guys had any success with any low-end grills I should know about?

I’ve got a super cheap charcoal grill that I’m not getting rid of, but it’s annoying as H.E. double hockey stick.

The best smoker/grill on the market for my money is the Big Green Egg. It runs on charcoal, but you can control the temeperature almost like it was a gas grill. Depending on the size of your Big Green Egg, you can get one for $300 to $400. The one I'm looking at, the medium sized one is around $600. It's made of ceramic.

Big Green Egg, World's Best Smoker and Grill

 

[CycloneDaddy]

I want one of those.... but these guys might disagree that there is no substitute....

Komodo Kamado - Home

I know a couple guys who own one of these and they view the Green Egg as a big step down. Grill envy... gotta love it!

How much money do you have to have to justify spending $3000 on a grill? :chatterbox:

 

[uro cy]

Hell yeah! Grilling, smoking there isn't anything better. I've done steaks, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, turkey even pizza. And I haven't lit up my propane grill in over a year. People assume that since it is charcoal, it will take a long time to get going, but really, all I do is add charcoal, put in a starter brick and light it. Come back in 10 minutes and it's up to about 350.

They also start great with the electric starter....especially when it is windy.
My favorite way to start it is with a paint stripper/heat gun....just watch out...it gets a little sparky!!!

 

[uro cy]

How much are they, and how long does it take to smoke things? I am looking for a weekend hobby, and this sounds like a lot of fun.

I have had mine for almost 4 years...it was worth every penny.
I recommend the large size...it works well for most families and small gatherings...runs 650-750.....One downer is that you end up really needing several of the accessories they sell...which usually runs another 75-100 bucks. It is also worth investing in a good thermometer, especially one with a remote display.


As far as smoking times...it can take as long as you want...My pork shoulders smoke for 18-24 hours....real low and real slow....

There is a small learning curve...but don't worry, even you "mistakes" will taste great.

 

[CyPlainsDrifter]

How much money do you have to have to justify spending $3000 on a grill? :chatterbox:

The guys I know who have these, are both married (no kids - never will) making ~$200K per couple. They can afford it.

 

[4VR4CY]

There is a small learning curve...but don't worry, even you "mistakes" will taste great.

This is soo true using any smoker.... It is a very fun "hobby" if that is what you want to call it Brian! But, beware, you will have friends and neighbors that stalk you for when you are going to smoke some meat again or have a BBQ again... Just ask Ripvdub.....

 

[Stormin]

For me, there is nothing like the Classic Weber Charcoal Kettle. Love it. I bought a Weber Baby Q Gas Grill which I also use when I don't want to take the time for charcoal. The Weber Baby Q is a portable Grill that we take to football games and grill on. I also have a Weber Smoky Mountain for doing ribs and smoking meats that is also excellent. Basically throw in the coals and get them going and then put on the meat or ribs. Come back a few hours later and everything is done perfectly.

I am not a big gas grill fan. Love the charcoal flavor. But that Baby Q does a heckuva job. It is portable. Weber quality. And was about the same money as a low end gas grill. Great product. And works great tailgating.

 

[Broodwich]

I do want to add that a BGE is not suitable for tailgating unless you get one of the smaller models. They are very heavy, and you don't want to risk tipping one over by rolling them around. There are RV decks and mounts for the BGE if you are absolutely intent on hauling them to the game.

I always smoke meats at home and tote it to the game to share. You always want to rest meats for a while, and they stay hot for hours if wrapped in foil.

 

[CyCrazy]

By a nice weber charcoal grill (propane is for *******) and then build you own smoker out of seeder pieces and old equipment mine if ffffing sweet get creative!! but you will need a plasma cutter to get it done:wink:

 

[dosry5]

Before I state how much mine was, I want you to look at this as an investment in a life-long friend. Much the same way you would approach a new puppy, cat or adopting a child. This is going to be a love-affair that goes beyond such petty issues like expense. This is a multi-purpose cooking device that you will use until you leave this mortal life. The creative possibilities are literally endless.

.

You just lost all credibility. :yes:

 

[Cyfan163]

IMO the best smokers made are the Back Woods Smokers. They will blow your budget. A small version is +/- $1,500.

I have my grill for sale on Craigs list but it is a little over your budget as well.

CUSTOM TAILGATE TRAILER

(Mods if links aren't allowed please delete - Sorry)

 

[CO4Cy]

IMO the best smokers made are the Back Woods Smokers. They will blow your budget. A small version is +/- $1,500.

I have my grill for sale on Craigs list but it is a little over your budget as well.

CUSTOM TAILGATE TRAILER

(Mods if links aren't allowed please delete - Sorry)

That thing is the ****.:notworthy: