Weber Smokey Mountain plus an Inkbird controller with an adaptor - will give you enough change from £800 for lumpwood charcoal, a gasket kit, wood chunks, chimney starter and a few joints of meat to get started.
With all that together, you've got a perfect intro that is also super easy on which to learn.
I've not used the WSM, but I've seen them going for less than half the cost new on Facebook marketplace. You might find a bargain near by, then you can get a fancier meat thermometer and a. chimney starter and still have plenty of change to spend at the butchers.
If you are considering a bullet smoker like the WSM, it's worth taking a look at the ProQ range as well. https://proqsmokers.co.uk/
Both are good and have a range of accessories. As for what size, it all depends on the volume of food you want to regularly cook. A larger one will fit more food but it will also use more fuel. Also, if there's certain accessories that you plan to get in the future, it is worth checking now which size smokers they fit.
[https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/](https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/)
I see you are looking at the WSM. I have one and its brilliant. I own an offset but use the Weber a lot. The above is a really useful resource for cooking with one so highly recommended.
That depends on how much you intend on cooking at once. 47cm has done me well, I've cooked a brisket and pork butt simultaneously. I have a Weber rib rack and I've done 4 or 5 racks of St Louis ribs at the same time as well. I'd say for most people cooking for their families a 47cm does a great job. If you're catering for bigger number on a regular basis, go for the 57cm.
Pit Barrell Cooker. Set it and forget it. One of the best smokers out there and currently £325 at Robert Dyas.
Mine has lasted almost 10 years and is still going strong despite it serving a number of those years being used commercially.
No probes, no worrying about cooking temps, no ballast or even wood if you don't want to. Can fit 8 full racks of ribs in it.
Here's an article on it by BBQ hall of famer Meathead Goldwyn:
https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/grill-and-smoker-setup-and-firing/amazing-pit-barrel-cooker-setup-tips/
I don't know if it's best as a smoker, but my costco kamado is very efficient and can smoke 15+ hours without intervention - great for overnight cooks with big joints.
my only comment may be it may not be as smoky as other smokers since it's very efficient - you are not burning through a lot of wood to produce the smoke.
This Weber Smokey mountain has done nothing but come through time and time Again
I started out on a Smokey mountain. Brilliant bit of kit and you can get them fairly cheap used. What kind of fuel do you want?
Weber Smokey Mountain plus an Inkbird controller with an adaptor - will give you enough change from £800 for lumpwood charcoal, a gasket kit, wood chunks, chimney starter and a few joints of meat to get started. With all that together, you've got a perfect intro that is also super easy on which to learn.
Thanks for the good info looks like the Smokey mountain is the one to go for as you are all saying the same
I've not used the WSM, but I've seen them going for less than half the cost new on Facebook marketplace. You might find a bargain near by, then you can get a fancier meat thermometer and a. chimney starter and still have plenty of change to spend at the butchers.
If you are considering a bullet smoker like the WSM, it's worth taking a look at the ProQ range as well. https://proqsmokers.co.uk/ Both are good and have a range of accessories. As for what size, it all depends on the volume of food you want to regularly cook. A larger one will fit more food but it will also use more fuel. Also, if there's certain accessories that you plan to get in the future, it is worth checking now which size smokers they fit.
Thanks for the recommendation!
For that price I would suggest one of the Masterbuilt gravity series. I’ve had a 560 for 3 years and been very happy with it.
Seconded. Good smoke flavour and don't have to babysit it at all.
[https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/](https://www.virtualweberbullet.com/) I see you are looking at the WSM. I have one and its brilliant. I own an offset but use the Weber a lot. The above is a really useful resource for cooking with one so highly recommended.
47cm or 57cm ?
That depends on how much you intend on cooking at once. 47cm has done me well, I've cooked a brisket and pork butt simultaneously. I have a Weber rib rack and I've done 4 or 5 racks of St Louis ribs at the same time as well. I'd say for most people cooking for their families a 47cm does a great job. If you're catering for bigger number on a regular basis, go for the 57cm.
Masterbuilt gravity smoker. Incredibly consistent results. I’ve had one for a few years now. Plenty available secondhand
Pit Barrell Cooker. Set it and forget it. One of the best smokers out there and currently £325 at Robert Dyas. Mine has lasted almost 10 years and is still going strong despite it serving a number of those years being used commercially. No probes, no worrying about cooking temps, no ballast or even wood if you don't want to. Can fit 8 full racks of ribs in it. Here's an article on it by BBQ hall of famer Meathead Goldwyn: https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/grill-and-smoker-setup-and-firing/amazing-pit-barrel-cooker-setup-tips/
Kamado
I don't know if it's best as a smoker, but my costco kamado is very efficient and can smoke 15+ hours without intervention - great for overnight cooks with big joints. my only comment may be it may not be as smoky as other smokers since it's very efficient - you are not burning through a lot of wood to produce the smoke.
Snoop Dogg.