Need grill and/or smoker advice

[TightlineT]

I have an old charcoal grill with the side box for smoking. Works fine for grilling, but hate to try maintaining the temp while smoking. Also considering a gas grill addition for those rainy or real cold days that I still want to grill in. Is there something out there that you can do both good in, or do I need a gas grill and then go get a gas smoker? Thanks for any input....Jim

 

[wiggles]

If you have a gas grill you can maintain a low temp, and soak wood chips for flavor. I guess it kinda depends on the kind of food your wanting to smoke. For instance, I wouldn't try a Boston butt on a gas grill but I would do a wild turkey breast any day. I'm not sure about a smoker/grill that is gas. Just a few thoughts-

 

[BulletTJ]

Academy Sports has a good selection of combo grills/smokers. You can smoke things on a grill. Just turn the burner off under the meat or move the coals to the opposite side of the grill. Place wet coals on the side with the heat. I have three different grills and smokers. My favorite is the Big Green Egg. I also have a charcoal smoker with a side fire box and I have a bigger smoker that I made from a kit I got from Ace Hardware. It required two 50 gallon drums. I don't use wet wood on the side box or the drum units. I prefer the taste of non gas smokers. I don't mind adjusting the temps. I just kick back with some cold drinks and enjoy the journey. I like cooking Bar B Que better than eating it.

 

[fish4thepeck]

The Holland Grill is a gas grill. Look em up they are great for Boston butts. Never been a fan of gas grills but this one changed my mind. The Temperture stays the same and you have zero flareups. I cooked a Boston Butt and it took only 3 hours. I have made me a little fire pit and after I take the Meat off the grill then put the butt over the fire for about an hour and let it smoke just a little. It's fine. Another great thing about the Holland is that the drip pan has a drian and you can close the drain and add water to get a steaming effect. I usually use apple juice or beer instead of water.

 

[fish4thepeck]

The Holland Grill is a gas grill. Look em up they are great for Boston butts. Never been a fan of gas grills but this one changed my mind. The Temperture stays the same and you have zero flareups. I cooked a Boston Butt and it took only 3 hours. I have made me a little fire pit and after I take the Meat off the grill then put the butt over the fire for about an hour and let it smoke just a little. It's fine. Another great thing about the Holland is that the drip pan has a drian and you can close the drain and add water to get a steaming effect. I usually use apple juice or beer instead of water.

 

[groce87]

I have a treager pellet fed grill that is awesome. You can set what temp you want and it will hold steady had mine six years so they are durable and the taste it gives the food is unbeatable

 

[TightlineT]

Thanks for all the replies...hope it leads to some good food!!!!!!! Thanks..Jim

 

[Liveliner]

I an a Die hard charcoal Guy. My High dollar Gas grill now has a thick plate on the bottom and the Burners in the garage. The side Burner is used to fire my Charcoals in the Chimney. So maybe you should ignore anything I may tell you.

 

[crod]

Its not rocket science. Gas gives you a regulated temp. Do what giggles said. Low and slow. With gas, you can set the temp and leave awhile. With wood etc, you have to stay on it. I will say I am not a fan of electric. If you watch all these television station BBQ shows, you wont know where to start. Heat cooks meat. Just do it low and slow and you will eat like a king.

 

[foodsaver]

get a vertical charcoal smoker like a weber smokey mountain or build an ugly drum smoker. I kept temperatures between 250 and 310 for 14 hours with minimal messing with it. If you really pay attention to it you can dial the temps in and keep it rock steady for 10-12 hours. and still get the charcoal flavor and smoke. Gas smokers have their place but if you have a choice you gotta go charcoal with wood chunks.

 

[Fuzzy]

Big Green Egg guy, place lump charcoal in there and it will run at 250 for 8-10 hours. Nothing to rust or go bad...and my "wood fired" pizza is awesome! I got tired of buying "good" gas grills only to have them rust away, I will never go back. Had the same Egg for 7 years now...

 

[tp44]

I have had a Jenn-air gas grill for 6+ years and it is easy to keep the temp where you want it. Also, this grill is stainless steel. Heard so many claims, I took my magnet with me when I went shopping. Amazing what you will find.

 

[Brock]

I have had a Bigg Green Egg for ten years best smoker/ grill I have ever had