New to Forum and Smoking

[locomotivejoe]

Getting ready to Purchase my first Bradley Smoker. I've been looking for months, researching different brands/types. I initially decided on the Digital 6 rack, but after reading here and advice of friends. I think I'm going to switch to the 4 rack original and a dual probe pid because of temp. fluctuation of the digital smoker. I'm hoping the 4 rack will be enough room for what I'm using it for. Just butchered a hog last weekend and going to attempt to cure and smoke the bacon as my first trial run. Any input on the size limits of the 4 rack vs. the 6 rack? Looking forward to reading more posts for helpful advise.

[Wildcat]

Welcome to the forum. Both the 6 and 4 racks have temp fluctuations. PID controller on either will help to resolve that issue. I only have the original, but after reading inputs on this forum for the past 4 or 5 years now, I have noticed that there seems to be more issues with the digital models. I will say that the original with PID will probably cost you about the same as the digital without the PID. Can't help you much with the overall volume of the 6 rack.

[Quarlow]

Welcome to the forum. I would say where you will miss the 6 rack is if you hang sausage or snack sticks. It is nice to have the extra height. As for other things like bacon you can get quite abit in a 4. But you won't get in as much for sure. If you have the funds, A 6 rack with the dual probe PID is a great set up and the PID fixes temp fluctuations just as well.

[Jim O]

Welcome to the forum.

I have a 4 rack and I find that's enough for me.

I've only used all 4 racks on occasion.

I guess what and how much you plan on smoking is an important factor.

Jim O

[Quarlow]

Welcome to the forum.

I have a 4 rack and I find that's enough for me.

I've only used all 4 racks on occasion.

I guess what and how much you plan on smoking is an important factor.

Jim O

I agree. The only time I have filled mine OBS is with salmon and almonds.

[SoCalBuilder]

Welcome Loco - I have the OBS with the Auber dual pid. It has done everything I need so far. I love making jerky and used to double up the racks so that I could get in eight. I just added a rail kit I got from one of the members here, and I now have a 12 rack. Can't wait to see how that works out when I load it up on the next jerky run.

[locomotivejoe]

Thanks for all the info and looking forward to reading more from everyones post and trying some of the great suggestions and recipes that have been posted.

[ArnieM]

I have the OBS and PID.  It meets my needs.  As suggested, though, if you need more height or room, the six rack would be the way to go.

[beefmann]

loco,

the 4 rack will do 40 to 45 lbs of meat depending on the cut, However you to have to rotate the racks every hour and half.  Also if you limit the load of meat to less then 30 lbs and 3 racks its not as bad and less babysitting

Both are good units and congrats on deciding on a pid

[SouthernSmoked]

Welcome to the forum.

[kinyo]

Welcome to the forum!!

[Quarlow]

In my OBS 4 rack I can get about 27 lbs of salmon slabs in.

[Indy Smoker]

I have a DBS 4 rack model.  A larger size may be helpful for only making sausage.  Keep in mind that if you go with a 6 and are planning on 'loading it up' the temp may be more difficult to hold, and you will be working the heating element more.  I have done jerky (doubled to 8 racks by flipping over), chicken, ribs, sausage, ABT's, and more and space has never been an issue. 

[watchdog56]

Welcome to the forum.