What is best smoker for someone who knows nothing about smokers?

[Sailor]

I had no idea what a PID was but looked it up and think I need one. Would a Bradley Digital with a PID be easier than a Bradley Original with a PID?

If you are going to get a PID and get a 4 rack then I would recommend that you go with the OBS.  You don't need the digital control because you have the PID to control the temp.  This link will take you to the dual PID made for the Bradley http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_28&products_id=151&zenid=f7078bf44c1191020420c823d57db01b
The beautiful thing about using a PID is that you can ramp your temps.  You can set the PID to run for X hrs at X tem and then ramp to X temp for X hrs.  You have 6 setting for 6 different ramp settings.  If you want to dry casings for 1.5 hrs at 130 the ramp temp to 140 for 2 hrs then 2hrs at 150 then 2 hrs at 160 then 170 until the IT is 152 the dual PID will do that.  When the IT is reached it turns off.

[cajunboudreaux]

I would just start out with an Original Bradley Smoker.. It is easy to use and maintain plus does a great job right out of the box. I would get used to it first as a stock unit before adding bells and whistles...The OBS is great for starters and advanced users. In addition to the smoker when you buy the pucks they have a recipe card on each pack which can be very useful for beginners. Good luck in your search. You can not go wrong with a Bradley. Great product and great customer service..

[beefmann]

the big difference between the digital and  original is the digital controls other then that are the same.  with the digital its my  understanding that the smoke ( by its self ) and the cook ( by its self ) longest duration is close to 9 and half  hours, So i would get a Original 4 rack and go to auber inst. and  purchase a Pid ( digital temperature controller) however  give this some thought as you  may  want to get the one  with the ramp and soak feature id you  are going to be  doing some sausages  or salmon.

Hope this helps

[FLBentRider]

I had no idea what a PID was but looked it up and think I need one. Would a Bradley Digital with a PID be easier than a Bradley Original with a PID?

I HATE these verification questions! Can never seem to get them right
How many words ARE in that sentence if there's not six?

Once you have a few posts under your belt, the verifications stop. I don't know how many.

If you are considering a PID, then I would get the Bradley Original, since once you add the PID you won't be using the digital features anyway.

[crapshooter]

Would you buy the PID with the hanging sensor or the one with wall mount?

[GusRobin]

Would you buy the PID with the hanging sensor or the one with wall mount?

Definitely the hanger. It allows you the flexibility based upon your load.

[Sailor]

get the hanging one.  I use a paperclip to hang it on the basket and you can move it around.  If you are serious about getting a PID I would highly recommend the dual prob.  You can control the cabinet temp and watch the meat temp.  I love my dual probe and I am so glad I paid the extra for it.

[crapshooter]

Thanks, I didn't know anything about a dual probe but will look at them.

[ArnieM]

Boy, what an open ended question.  Sorry I'm late; at my daughter's house today.

I'd have to go with the OBS and PID for a basic smoker.  Some say the pucks cost a lot but you get some of the most and best quality smoke from 'em.  There are many times I'll smoke in the OBS and then transfer to another cooker if I want to.  I've had company that don't like a heavy smoke taste.  I think some of that comes from creosote and too low a wood smoking temp.  The OBSW does it just right and stuff, even with 3 hours of mesquite went over quite well.

The Bradley smoker is probably one of the easiest machines to use.  I have a gasser, pellet cooker, Big Easy and some other stuff.  My wife says the deck looks like it belongs to a redneck.  I said "Thanks".  (I have the OBS with old single probe PID.  And, yes, get the hanging probe if you go with it.)

If you want really good quality smoke, go with the Bradley.  You get less smoke out of a pellet machine but nevertheless a good cooker and nice wood-cooked flavor.  A pizza can be awesome.

BTW, each puck burns for 20 minutes.  The digital smoker goes for a maximum time of 9:40.  Someone was too cheap to add an extra digit to the display for 10 + hours.

[crapshooter]

I appreciate all the answers. I hope I'm not too much of a pest but want to make sure I don't get something and then wish I'd gotten something else.

On the Bradley Orginal Smokers is there only one model (TST1S1)? 

[Sailor]

The OBS comes in only one color and that is Black.  Only one model out there.

[ArnieM]

Yep, black only.  Here's one now - http://www.amazon.com/Bradley-BTIS1-Original-Automatic-Smoker/dp/B000FK2DNM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319663285&sr=8-1

[ArnieM]

Oh yeah, you aren't a pest.  Pleas feel free to ask anything you like.

[Wildcat]

A word of caution. Some parts on the Bradley are plastic and can be fragile. One of those parts on the OBS is where the slide heat control is. Be very careful in handling it in that area as it will crack. Mine cracked after I moved it twice. I never replaced it but I am careful to not allow any moisture to get to it, i.e. elevating the front slightly to ensure no liquid can run out when the door is opened. I simply use a yard stick on the two front feet. Mine still works and I have had it for over 5 years. Some on here have done a modification of either the front feet, the slide cover, or both. Generally this is a minor problem.

[GusRobin]

I never replaced it but I am careful to not allow any moisture to get to it, i.e. elevating the front slightly to ensure no liquid can run out when the door is opened.

I ran a bead of high temp silicone to seal the crack.