I'm a newbie and this is my first post.
I've been smoking using a wood smoker for about 15 years. Recently, a long time friend purchased an OBS and has been experimenting with a lot of recipes in the Charcuterie book. So far he is loving the original smoker.
I was over at his house this weekend and watched as he made Canadian Bacon. Once he turned the heat on, the original smoker's temperature climbed to 200 degrees and stayed there steady until the pork loin reached the desired internal temp. Well, I've decided I want to get a Bradley because of how easy the process is vs. the work and constant attention of a wood smoker.
I started looking at the units on Amazon and see that a lot of folks have been disappointed with the temp swings with the digital units. If Bradley made a 6 rack like the 4 rack original that would be the way I'd go. I really want something bigger than the 4 rack because when I entertain I usually have a good sized crowd. I also vacuum seal left overs so smoking in larger quantities isn't that uncommon.
Obviously I'm undecided about which smoker to get. I like the simplicity of the original unit and didn't see any temp swings on my friends unit, but I'd like something bigger and am hesitant of the digital controls. Is it possible to manually control the heat for the digital units like the original? Or is the heat always controlled by the digital thermometer? Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi DarqMan and welcome to the forum.
It sounds like you have done your research well. The only way to control the temp on the digital smoker is with the digital control on it. Unless you get a PID to control it. Auber makes a very popular one that works well. Here's a link to it. Auber Instruments (http://www.auberins.com/)
And for some more info, check this. Auber Plug & Play (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=672)
Personally, I don't think you have to worry too much about temp swings once you are smokin & goin'.
When I ask the same question "KyNola" told me stop worrying and go to smokin.
There is a swing at first and when door gets open, but when you are cooking they all get closer.
PS Welcome to the Forum.
Welcome aboard Darqman.
I have a D6R and run the heat with a PID.
Neat little toy....do you need it to make great Q....no, but boys will have toys!
I've got both. I've had an OBS for many years but wanted more space in it, so I bought a 6 rack. Your right about the temp swings. Also the temp the 6 racks shows is much higher than the actual temp. I've checked it with a temp probe. Everything I cooked took a lot longer than expected to reach the desired IT. I bought a PID and it works great. The 6 rack is set up in my garage and used regularly and the OBS is on the shelf. I haven't decided what to do with it. Might keep it as a spare or give it to my son.
I've got the digital 6 rack, and have no complaints. Yes the temp swings but who cares, so does my oven, so does my charcoal grill, it's all in how you deal with it.
I have a 4 rack BDS and a PID that I have been using for years.
My PID fuse blew last weekend and I went old school on 18lbs of shoulders and 15 lbs of summer sausage.
All of it turned out great without the PID, but I can't wait for my fuses so I can get back to smoking with it.
If you are home all day and like to keep and eye on your smoker, you can do a great job without the PID. If you want to set it and forget it...........get the PID. IMHO
Lumpy
Thanks for all the replies! This is a great forum.
With additional cost of the 6 rack digital AND the cost of the PID, I figured I could get two 4 racks. I decided to go with one of the original 4 rack models to see how it's going to work for me. If I need to smoke more than it will hold I've got two other smokers to fall back on. If I decide I really like it, I can always upgrade or buy another of the 4 rackers... so, I decided to start out more conservative rather than going for the big daddy right off.
I got the 4 rack smoker, cover, 60 (5 variety pack) bisqettes and a rib rack for $388 from Amazon. Free delivery to boot with the prime membership. For that price I figured I couldn't go wrong. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement and welcome. It's good to be here.
Now, I can't wait for the weekend... humm... what will I smoke first?
RAF -- YTou looking to sell the OBS?
Quote from: DTAggie on April 12, 2010, 08:42:58 PM
RAF -- YTou looking to sell the OBS?
Not really. As I said I'm going to keep it as an extra or give it to my son. I promised to him and if he wants it he gets it.
Wow, the Amazon price went up. The OBS was $288 with free shipping for a long time.
Everything is going up except wages >:(
Lump
Quote from: lumpy on April 13, 2010, 08:50:49 AM
Everything is going up except wages >:(
Lump
You got that right!
Wages? They just took away my unemployment compensation :(
I just did my very 1st smoke ever and I did it in an OBS. It took many adjustments to get the temp I wanted but once I finally got it set, it stayed at about 205-ish the whole cooking time.
I will definitely get a PID at some point but I spent a few bucks getting the OBS and then some accessories from Yard and Pool (ie: frog mats, ET73, bubba pucks and bear claws).
Oh and welcome to the forum. :)
My OBS is scheduled for delivery this Thursday. Any recommondation for a table or cart that has casters so I can wheel it around? I haven't found anything specifically made to accomodate the smoker.
Nothing specific DM. I have mine on an old coffee table in the garage. Detaching the SG makes the whole thing lighter and easier to carry around. Mine is about to go back out on the deck.
You could always check the usual suspects: Costco, Lowes, Walmart, Home depot. My fear is that it might fall over while wheeling it, depending on terrain.
Thanks Arnie. Even though I have a cover on the way to accomodate, the weather in Oklahoma gets crazy this time of year. There's a level concrete path from the back patio to the garage so was hoping to store in the garage and wheel around to the back when the smoking festivities being. ;D
I'll take measurements when it gets in and go hunting one day this weekend.
Something like this at Costco might work for you: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11469945&search=cart&Mo=53&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=cart&Ntt=cart&No=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
It would leave some work room on the left. But, it will be top-heavy with the smoker and I'd be real careful rolling it around. The smoker doesn't like to fall over ;)
Before I saw your post I found this on Amazon. I'd get free shiping with my prime membership. The smoker will fit on this one right?
http://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-SHE18304-Industrial-All-Purpose/dp/B0002O9HXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1271210193&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Seville-Classics-SHE18304-Industrial-All-Purpose/dp/B0002O9HXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1271210193&sr=8-1)
I wouldn't go for that. It's 18" deep, front-to-back; 24" would be better. You said you're getting a cover. That should work.
You also said "the weather in Oklahoma gets crazy this time of year". A tornado will be the least of your problems :)
Keeping it covered on the deck/patio would be good. No hassle of hauling it back and forth. The main idea is to get it off the ground, to working level, and even simple plastic patio tables can do that.
Just mount it at a comfortable height, cover it and make sure the wind doesn't blow it over. Keeping it out of the wind does help with getting the temp up.
All my goodies arrived yesterday and today. I'm impressed with how well thought out the smoker is in terms of the assembly, everything "snaps" together. One question on the tented foil pan at the bottom. Why does it "rock" on the topmost brass pin? What purpose does this serve? It's not a problem, I'm just the curious type. :)
Quote from: DarqMan on April 15, 2010, 07:07:36 PM
All my goodies arrived yesterday and today. I'm impressed with how well thought out the smoker is in terms of the assembly, everything "snaps" together. One question on the tented foil pan at the bottom. Why does it "rock" on the topmost brass pin? What purpose does this serve? It's not a problem, I'm just the curious type. :)
The drip pan sort of weaves through the pins. It goes above the first pin, then below the middle pin and then on top of the back pin. So the pan is resting on the front and back pins and underneath the middle pin when you have it installed correctly.
Quote from: DarqMan on April 15, 2010, 07:07:36 PM
All my goodies arrived yesterday and today.
WOO HOO!
Let the games begin. :D
@ArnieM - I took your advice and found a 24" x 49" stainless steel table from Sam's.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=158456 (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=158456)
I came with heavy duty locking casters. The top is very nice, it reminds me of a counter top in a commercial kitchen. The size of the table more than accomodates the smoker with plenty of room for utensils and other stuff. It snaped together in 5 minutes with no tools. I highly recommend this table if anyone is looking for something like this.
@TTNuge - Thanks for clarifying how that goes together. I guess what I don't understand is why the center pin is there in for first place. Just seems a little overkill but not a big deal once you understand how it all goes together.
I took the smoker for it's first test drive Saturday. I rubbed down 10 pounds of pork loin and three racks of baby back ribs with Head Country rub Friday night. Saturday about 3:30 I put the baby backs on the second from the top grate rack using a rib rack. The 10 pound pork loin was cut in half and I placed each of those on the two bottom shelves. I loaded the smoker with the Bradley pucks alternating between and Hickory and the "Special" (whatever those are?).
Since it was raining here in Gutherie America, I put the smoker on the front porch because it's covered. The problem is that safety switch in the bathroom kept tripping after 20 minutes. I finally moved it to the outter edge of the garage under the eves and everything worked fine there. I'm not sure why it wouldn't run on the circuit on the other side of the house but th solution was simple enough.
The smoke rolling out smelled great all day, I'm sure the neighbors were jealous. The thing I found odd is the smoker never passed 180 degrees. That had me a bit concerned but I figured it was probably the fact I had such a big load. About 7:30 when the pork reach an internal temp of 155-160 I pulled them off, wrapped them in foil and placed them in a cooler to keep them warm.
I checked the ribs and they had good flavor but the connective tissues hadn't broken down yet. I let them go another couple hours until a litle past 9:30. Once the pork loin was taken off the smoker easily climbed to 250. Frankly, I was not expecting very good results on the first smoke. I've rarely had shining success my first go with a new smoker or grill because it takes a while to learn it. Well, this was a first. The ribs were absolutely amazing. They had that nice smokey dark crust, were pulling back from the bone and were indeed spectaular. The room of friends got completely quiet for the obvious reasons and all you could hear was people eating. The pork loin was tender and juicy but the ribs were by far the star. I honestly wasn't expecting such great results in a brand new smoker. I'm still tickled to death I didn't have to do anything once I got it going other than visit with friends and sip a cold one. I am so glad I found this Bradley smoker, I'm going to enjoy it for many years.
OK, He's hooked!
Next!
Sounds like you had a 100% hit at your first smoke.
May they all be like that.
@classicrockgriller - Yes, I am definitely hooked! I love this smoker!
I have a huge hunk of sharp cheddar I'm going to try cold smoking one night after work this week. Cold smoking is something I've never done so this will be something new.
First off. Great thread and thanks from a newbie. Never owned a smoker and have narrowed down to the Bradley. DM what was the model you got for that price? That price is right in my wheelhouse.
Thanks again!! Gotta go read some more!
Quote from: DarqMan on April 12, 2010, 07:07:22 PM
Thanks for all the replies! This is a great forum.
With additional cost of the 6 rack digital AND the cost of the PID, I figured I could get two 4 racks. I decided to go with one of the original 4 rack models to see how it's going to work for me. If I need to smoke more than it will hold I've got two other smokers to fall back on. If I decide I really like it, I can always upgrade or buy another of the 4 rackers... so, I decided to start out more conservative rather than going for the big daddy right off.
I got the 4 rack smoker, cover, 60 (5 variety pack) bisqettes and a rib rack for $388 from Amazon. Free delivery to boot with the prime membership. For that price I figured I couldn't go wrong. I really appreciate everyone's encouragement and welcome. It's good to be here.
Now, I can't wait for the weekend... humm... what will I smoke first?
Congrats on a smokin good first smoke!
@jfgardner4 - I was originally interested in the digital model but ended up with the OBS (Original Bradley Smoker) from Amazon. The price was very reasonable and as always I was pleased with Amazon's prompt delivery. The box arrived with no boo-boos and the unit was in perfect shape. By the way, I've read negative reviews about the cover. The cover I received was a heavy duty canvas so it looks like Bradley kicked the material up a notch.
I just executed a one click purchase for a 48 pack of Jim Beam briquettes for 18.00 with free shipping. I'm thinking about brisket this weekend. :-X
As I mentioned in my original post, I've been smoking with a wood smoker for years. I love smoked food. The ribs I cooked last weekend were just as good, I'd say better, than any ribs I've ever smoked on a wood burning non-electric smoker. When using a wood smoker, if you don't take the time to eliminate the bark from the logs it adds a bitter taste to the food. I used to started my logs in a seperate fire and then transfered them to the fire box to prevent this bitterness, but with the Bradley smoker, the wooden bisquettes provide a clean, natural tasting flavor without all the hassle.
If you are remotely considerng one of these smokers, I would encourage you to go for it. You will not be disappointed.
Quote from: DarqMan on April 21, 2010, 08:39:51 PM
@jfgardner4 - I was originally interested in the digital model but ended up with the OBS (Original Bradley Smoker) from Amazon. The price was very reasonable and as always I was pleased with Amazon's prompt delivery. The box arrived with no boo-boos and the unit was in perfect shape. By the way, I've read negative reviews about the cover. The cover I received was a heavy duty canvas so it looks like Bradley kicked the material up a notch.
I just executed a one click purchase for a 48 pack of Jim Beam briquettes for 18.00 with free shipping. I'm thinking about brisket this weekend. :-X
As I mentioned in my original post, I've been smoking with a wood smoker for years. I love smoked food. The ribs I cooked last weekend were just as good, I'd say better, than any ribs I've ever smoked on a wood burning non-electric smoker. When using a wood smoker, if you don't take the time to eliminate the bark from the logs it adds a bitter taste to the food. I used to started my logs in a seperate fire and then transfered them to the fire box to prevent this bitterness, but with the Bradley smoker, the wooden bisquettes provide a clean, natural tasting flavor without all the hassle.
If you are remotely considerng one of these smokers, I would encourage you to go for it. You will not be disappointed.
Yep, you're HOOKED ! ;D
Welcome Looks like you are haveing fun send pic
Here's a few quick snapshots from my iPhone. I didn't think to snap the ribs before they were woofed down, but I'll be sure to get a snap of the next dish. I can't say enough about how great the table is for this smoker. It's all stainless steel, sturdy and the casters are great.
Did someone say I was hooked? Why, yes I am :o
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/th_031.jpg)
(http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/pp228/steve_jensen/th_032.jpg)
It is pretty addictive :D
Heck, now you're ready for food to go!
Funny. I worked with a woman. People would ask her what her husband does. "He sells drugs." He worked as a salesman for a drug company. If anyone asks me I just say "I smoke a lot."
I smoke a lot but I like to eat it too. ;D
DM, I have to warn you.
You do ribs, pulled pork, roast beef, chicken, ABTs or whatever. Then you go out to eat, look at your $25 dish and say "What is this crap?".
Nothin' like home cooking.
Arnie, I know exactly what you're talking about. I live pretty far out but there's a BBQ joint about 5 miles away. They do an okay pulled pork but the ribs are no where close to the product I can put produce at home. I do enjoy my home cooked meals!