Which smoker to buy

[Chili]

I have not been particularly impressed with Hard 8 in my two trips there.  It was OK, but only OK, and rather pricey IMO.

I'd recommend this Pecan Lodge http://pecanlodge.com/

If you'll be anywhere near Austin, The Salt Lick https://saltlickbbq.com/

I really liked Pecan Lodge when I was down there for the Cotton Bowl last year. Great brewery right near there called Deep Ellum.

[real chili 83]

I really liked Pecan Lodge when I was down there for the Cotton Bowl last year. Great brewery right near there called Deep Ellum.

That looks really good. Just worried it is on the other side of Dallas. I need to catch a flight from DFW the evening I will be there.  It looks highly rated. I'll need to find a way to make it work.

[real chili 83]

Anyone try a Frenched rack of pork Ribs?

Was in Sams pub yesterday to get pork belly.  Talked to the manager. They just started carrying them.  They can't keep them in the store. He tore apart two coolers looking for them.   He ended giving me the Frenched rack for free.

Just outstanding service. His name is Chad and he is the GM at the Woodbury Sam's Club.

[4everwarriors]

Ya probably just got Chad's ass chit-canned, ai na?

[real chili 83]

Nope. Kept me from going to Costco.

[rocket surgeon]

Anyone try a Frenched rack of pork Ribs?

Was in Sams pub yesterday to get pork belly.  Talked to the manager. They just started carrying them.  They can't keep them in the store. He tore apart two coolers looking for them.   He ended giving me the Frenched rack for free.

Just outstanding service. His name is Chad and he is the GM at the Woodbury Sam's Club.

what is a frenched rack of pork ribs? 

[real chili 83]

It's essentially the pork version of rack of lamb

https://www.google.com/search?q=frenched+rack+of+pork&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFzP_DtN3XAhVH0oMKHRDCARgQ_AUIEygC&biw=1024&bih=672&dpr=2#imgrc=Wh9VRamyT_DoGM:

[rocket surgeon]

It's essentially the pork version of rack of lamb

https://www.google.com/search?q=frenched+rack+of+pork&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFzP_DtN3XAhVH0oMKHRDCARgQ_AUIEygC&biw=1024&bih=672&dpr=2#imgrc=Wh9VRamyT_DoGM:

Wow!  Nice!  It's on my list-thanks. Speaking of lamb. Have you smoked any and I'm sure they have recipes online but if you have smoked it, what do you know?  I realize it can be a tough piece of meat, but there are tenderizers, etc.

[Benny B]

Any smoked meat can be a meat worth smoking.  That being said, I have found - in general - that lamb is one of those "love-it-or-hate-it" type of meats.  So if you love it, go for it... but if you find raw lamb to be one of those "sour meats" and you're just trying to make lemonade out of lemons, you're probably better off buying a dozen lemons, smoking those and literally making some smoked lemonade.  Then add some whisky to it.  After the first glass, you'll have forgotten about the lamb.

[rocket surgeon]

https://masterbuilt.com/product/20078715-30-digital-electric-smoker-3/

Got it for $100 on clearance at Gander

just ordered my Christmas present-the 30" masterbuilt-$119.00 includes shipping!  amazon.  my other one-the one that may have some temp. issues, lasted 7-8 years, stored outside w/cover.  it still works, but might just cannibalize some parts for the new one and ya can't beat the price.  almost gave in to the 30" smart/RF model with the window, BUT   over twice the cost($260) with 4.0 stars and the "cheapy"(4.3 stars) did so well for me.  why mess with success?  i have to think that window gets charred up over time? 

[Newsdreams]

Here you go Chili,

Tonights BBQ

[real chili 83]

Here you go Chili,

Tonights BBQ

That thing is a weapon.  Steak and eggs this morning too?

[real chili 83]

Ended up going to the Hard Eight in Coppell.  Brisket and jalapeño sausage were vey good.  If Pecan Lodge is a step above, I look forward to trying it next time.

Also tried, at TAMU's recommendation, Fargo's BBQ in Bryan.  Brisket was outstanding. Ribs were great too.  Mr. Fargo greated every guest every guest personally with a handshake and a big smile.  Keep this on your list if you find yourself in this part of Texas. 

[Newsdreams]

That thing is a weapon.  Steak and eggs this morning too?

Parents, wife and I took care of it...

[MU1992]

I am a long time reader but rarely post.  I need some gift advice.  My brother in law is an avid smoker (he has a weber smoker).  I was thinking of getting him an assortment of wood chips for his smoker.  Does anyone have any tips on what brand or type to buy and where to get it - preferably on-line?  Or any other gift ideas relating to smoking meet.

Thanks

[rocket surgeon]

I am a long time reader but rarely post.  I need some gift advice.  My brother in law is an avid smoker (he has a weber smoker).  I was thinking of getting him an assortment of wood chips for his smoker.  Does anyone have any tips on what brand or type to buy and where to get it - preferably on-line?  Or any other gift ideas relating to smoking meet.

Thanks

  a wireless thermometer? 

  gift certificate to cabela's they have a lot of smoking accessories

  a slab of brisket or pork belly or both

[Benny B]

I am a long time reader but rarely post.  I need some gift advice.  My brother in law is an avid smoker (he has a weber smoker).  I was thinking of getting him an assortment of wood chips for his smoker.  Does anyone have any tips on what brand or type to buy and where to get it - preferably on-line?  Or any other gift ideas relating to smoking meet.

Thanks

I second the wireless thermometer (if he doesn't have already); perhaps something with high & low temp alarms.

[real chili 83]

Nothing special about wood chips.  If it were a pellet burner, then we could talk. 

The thermometer is a great idea.  Consider one that can track multiple meats.  You can go fancy pants and get one with Bluetooth.  You can get super-fancy pants and track temps on your phone from anywhere.

There are plenty of on line BBQ retailers....perhaps an assortment of rubs,  I'll give a shout out to St. croix Valley.

If you want to order some high fallutin' look up Duroc breed of pork products.  Or a Kobe style brisket.

[real chili 83]

I am a long time reader but rarely post.  I need some gift advice.  My brother in law is an avid smoker (he has a weber smoker).  I was thinking of getting him an assortment of wood chips for his smoker.  Does anyone have any tips on what brand or type to buy and where to get it - preferably on-line?  Or any other gift ideas relating to smoking meet.

Thanks

.

What did you end up going with?

[MU1992]

Thanks to all.  He already has the thermometer, so will have to go a different direction.

[ATL MU Warrior]

anybody out there make jerky in their smoker?  Want to try it and found a website that provides a pretty good how-to but thought I'd ask here first as there seem to be some pretty avid smokers here.

[Galway Eagle]

Has anybody used a smoking gun before? Any good recipes with it?

[real chili 83]

anybody out there make jerky in their smoker?  Want to try it and found a website that provides a pretty good how-to but thought I'd ask here first as there seem to be some pretty avid smokers here.

Venison jersey and salmon jerkey

[rocket surgeon]

anybody out there make jerky in their smoker?  Want to try it and found a website that provides a pretty good how-to but thought I'd ask here first as there seem to be some pretty avid smokers here.

i have, but prefer my dehydrator for jerky.  i like a little tougher/chewy consistency.  imho, it allows one to promote the ole parotid gland to go into hyper-goober which starts to break er down and allows one to literally chew the crap(flavor) out of it.  the smoker produces a dryer, almost crumbly quality that doesn't produce the same.  it's good, but not as good as what the dehydrator produces

[real chili 83]

Did a brisket and pork belly yesterday at -2.  Pork belly was the star of the show.

The leftover belly and brisket are going into chili today.

Football and chili today!