Charcoal Smokers

MWS · April 28, 2005, 05:53:52 AM

While I was shopping in town the other day I came across a New Braunfels offset smoker and got to thinking. Summer season is pretty much upon us and I really enjoy an all day BBQ event with family and friends. Tending a real lump charcoal BBQ can be a fun BBQ experience. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Bradley. Man, I have that thing smoking every weekend whatever the weather which is something you can't say about charcoal. But when the weather is nice, charcoal is king. I have a Charbroil Water Smoker but it doesn't have the look of that NB offset smoker. Of course my wife say's I don't need anymore smokers but she doesn't understand [;)]. Now...., has anyone had any experience with the New Braunfels product? I am tempted to buy it but I don't want to turn my garage into a smoker museum if it turns out to be crap if you know what I mean. Again, Love the Brad but also like trying different products for different events. Advice? thanks [:D]

MWS - Mike

BigSmoker · April 28, 2005, 06:50:43 PM

mws,
Not fimiliar with that particular grill/smoker. I as well as several other members here use ceramic grills/smokers when not using our Bradleys. I just won a local chicken cookoff using my Primo Oval. Would have loved to have taken my Bradley as well but no power was avaliable[:(]. You can check the primo grills at my web site if you would like. Link is in my signature line[:D].

Jeff

Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.

Habanero Smoker · April 28, 2005, 10:39:38 PM

Jeff,
Congratulations. I'm also thinking of purchasing a charcoal smoker/grill. Just can't decide which one of five different types of smoker/grills; the Primo Oval is one of the brands I'm looking at.

nsxbill · April 28, 2005, 11:17:06 PM

Jeff,

So who is the handsome male model you had sit in on this picture for you? [:D][:D]

How much are the Ovals selling for now with shipping to California?

Bill

There is room on earth for all God's creatures....on my plate next to the mashed potatoes.

BigSmoker · April 29, 2005, 02:19:48 AM

Just so you know that guy is me of course[8D]. My coifure(sp?) was out of sorts due to some high winds. The Oval lists for 659.00 plus the shipping. Never shipped one to Cali. A business address is cheaper than a residence for sure. I can run the #'s for you if you want[;)]. I want everyone to understand for sure if I want smoked food the Bradley rules[:D].

Habs,
If I had one to choose the Oval would be it. This comes from the guy that owns a large BGE, a Primo Oval and a small Grilldome[:D].

Jeff

Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.

JJC · April 29, 2005, 02:39:54 AM

Congrats, Jeff!

John
Newton MA

MWS · April 29, 2005, 03:18:53 AM

Good work Jeff,

Thanks for the advice on the oval. It's a little more than I would like to spend but that's what I said about my Bradley before I impulse shopped. And I do love the Bradley. Anyway, I will probably stick with the water smoker a little longer unless I find myself back in that shop. Could be dangerous.....[:D] cause the seed is planted now...[}:)]

Mike - Harrison Hot Springs B.C.
- Find true happiness, capture it and eat it -

jaeger · April 29, 2005, 05:21:35 AM

Congratulations Jeff!
You the Man!!!
Lately I've been using the Weber Charcoal grill instead of our brand new Weber gas grill. Instead of using the usual charcoal, I picked up a bag of cowboy lump charcoal. This is a whole new ballgame for me. We have always just used the gas grill for the vast majority of our grilling needs, mainly for the ease of use. I've been having fun using charcoal recently and the food has been turning out really good.
I believe that I read somewhere that the Primo is made for the hotter burning lump charcoal. I know that I am going to be needing one of these before to long. I will be looking you up when I'm ready to go for it.

Here is a link on comparisons of lump charcoals.
http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lumpindexpage.htm?bag
http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lump.htm

Doug

BigSmoker · April 29, 2005, 08:11:28 PM

Doug,
I'm very fimiliar with TNW. I have even sent him some lump to test(South of the Border lump). He does a great job. His lump database is one of a kind. Try to find some Royal Oak lump. Much better quality and larger pieces than the Cowboy(lumber scraps). Any lump can be used in any of the ceramic cookers. If you can find it Ozark Oak and Wicked Good they are both really good lump charcoal. Our Canadian friends can look for Maple Leaf Lump. Rated the best lump charcoal[8D].

Jeff

Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.

jaeger · April 30, 2005, 04:30:26 AM

Jeff,
Thanks for the info!
You are right about "lumber scraps". Oh well, I'll still finish the bag. I did see that one of the Royal Oak brands is sometimes sold at WallyWorlds. I try to avoid going in there as much as possible but I always end up in there for something eventually, I will see what they have available.

Doug

MWS · May 04, 2005, 03:52:04 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by BigSmoker
 Our Canadian friends can look for Maple Leaf Lump. Rated the best lump charcoal[8D].

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I picked up some of the Maple Leaf Lump hardwood charcoal at the local hardware store today. I'll try it in my water smoker this weekend on a whole bunch of ribs. And while those are smoking I'll do a whole chicken in the Bradley. I feel a feast coming on....[:D]

Mike - Harrison Hot Springs B.C.
- Find true happiness, capture it and eat it -

Oldman · May 04, 2005, 04:41:21 AM

BigSmoker congrats for sure... even if you do look like a kid [:D]

Olds

Chez Bubba · May 04, 2005, 05:28:00 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oldman
 even if you do look like a kid<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">.....and a smoker geek![:D][:D] Welcome to the club![8D]

Kirk

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

PAsmoker · May 04, 2005, 04:46:35 PM

Mike, I have a New Braunfels. I like this smoker. For the price, you can't beat it. However, when I was researching it years ago, I came across some mods that are definitely recommended. First, take some non-galvanized sheet metal & make more of a barrier between chamber & off-set box (close down hole by 4-5 inches if I remember). This will help w/ chamber from getting too hot and direct more heat towards bottom of cooking chamber. Next, take a little more metal & make the chimney a little longer inside, extended down towards the grates. Helps smoke flow & heat control. Lasly, install a boiler drain on far end to facilitate draining of grease & if you ever clean it, water.

BigSmoker · May 04, 2005, 08:05:01 PM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oldman
 BigSmoker congrats for sure... even if you do look like a kid [:D]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Always a kid at heart for sure. Even my 10 year old says I'm silly sometimes.

I actually will hit the big 40 in 22 days.

Jeff

Some say BBQ is in your blood, if thats true my blood must be BBQ sauce.