Buying OBS today, any input ?

[dreys50]

Hello Everyone

I have had my eye on an OBS for a while now, and Amazon has it for 288 ,free ship which is about as good as Ive seen it in my time looking.

A great majority of the reviews on Amazon were great - but there were ones here and there complaining about some components failing or breaking, in addition to a few temp issues.

Id just like to know what you regular, and passionate users of the OBS can tell me about those particular issues. I hear the Cust. Serv. is great but Id prefer to be calling them as little as possible.

My other quick question- where can I buy a PID that works with the OBS?


Thanks for all your help, hopefully Ill have this thing ordered before the day is over.

[azamuner73]

I'm certainly no pro as I have yet to get my smoker but I do know that
Auberins.com sells PID's for the smoker and people love them.  That would correct the temp issue.

I've heard nothing but praise for the Bradley folks so I don't think parts or service will be an issue.

Bisquette savers (Bubba pucks) are a good investment too so there is no waste.


Cheers!

[HawkeyeSmokes]

Auber Instruments

They have a single and dual probe. The dual probe is out of stock will be available soon.

Welcome to the forum!  ;D

[dreys50]

Thanks for the info!

Would you say the PID is essential to using the OBS, or could I do a run or two with the stock components? (brisket and pork shoulder are the main things Im cooking).

[classicrockgriller]

Here's Aubers link.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14

Thanks for the info!

Would you say the PID is essential to using the OBS, or could I do a run or two with the stock components? (brisket and pork shoulder are the main things Im cooking).

Sure you can smoke Butts & Briskets without a PID, they are forgiving. Welcome to the Forum.

[FLBentRider]

W E L C O M E  to the Forum dreys50!

In my Opinion, a PID is NOT required for an OBS to do butts and briskets.

Nice to have, yes. Required, no.

Now for smoking your own sausage, on the other hand... It makes it a lot easier.

I have turned out many fine pork butt without a PID.

[HawkeyeSmokes]

Thanks for the info!

Would you say the PID is essential to using the OBS, or could I do a run or two with the stock components? (brisket and pork shoulder are the main things Im cooking).

Briskets and pork shoulders are easy to do with out it. You just need to adjust the slider for temp control. Both are pretty forgiving!

Use it for a few smokes and then decide if you need it. (Or want it) Toys are fun!

I see the Smoking Monkey beat me again.  :D

[dreys50]

You guys are great, what a good forum. Quick and helpful.

Im pretty well sold on it, any suggestions on what Bisquettes to start out with?  I was thinking the variety pack? Im new to smoking so Im open to whatever insight you guys are willing to share.

[HawkeyeSmokes]

Oak has been my go to wood.

I like apple to plus hickory.

[FLBentRider]

Oak has been my go to wood.

I like apple to plus hickory.

Lots of opinions on that one.

I like Hickory for pork, oak for beef, mesquite for beef, etc....

There really isn't a "wrong" wood-meat combo, try different ones and find the ones YOU like.

[RAF128]

Different meats like different woods so pay attention to the recipes.   It will suggest a certain kind.   The assortment sounds good but likely no enough of one kind in that box.    My personal favorite is maple.   I've got eight different ones on hand.  

[OU812]

My go to is Pecan

Alder-light flavor, slightly sweet. Works well with fish and poultry.
Apple-mild, fruity flavor,  Good for poultry, pork
Cherry-mild, fruity. Good for poultry, pork, beef.
Hickory-strong flavor, good with beef.
Maple-like fruit, sweet flavor. Good for poultry, pork
Mesquite-very strong flavor.
Oak-probably the best all around wood. Strong but not overpowering.
Pecan-milder version of hickory.

[azamuner73]

What about alder?

Where does that fit into the equation?  Isn't it good overall?

[FLBentRider]

Alder is one of the lighter woods, I use it for Salmon.

Check this link :

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?p=36#post36

[OU812]

What about alder?

Where does that fit into the equation?  Isn't it good overall?

Good catch, I fixed my earlear post.